Volunteer Awarded for NICU Baby Care
Overland Park Regional Hospital honored volunteer Terry Berggren for his dedication to its Warm Arms program.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Philanthropy
Live Poll
Do you believe hospital volunteer programs are essential for improving patient recovery in your community?
Overland Park Regional Hospital recently presented a Humanitarian Award to volunteer Terry Berggren for his commitment to the NICU unit. Through the hospital's Warm Arms program, Berggren has provided comfort to more than 540 infants.
Why it matters
The hospital recognized Berggren for his vital role in providing human touch, which helps stabilize vital signs and reduce oxygen requirements in premature infants. His service supports families during challenging NICU stays when they cannot be physically present.
Volunteer Terry Berggren has held more than 540 babies through the Warm Arms program. This service provides crucial human contact to NICU infants when their families are unavailable.
The players
Terry Berggren
He is a dedicated volunteer at Overland Park Regional Hospital who provides care to premature infants through the Warm Arms program.
Overland Park Regional Hospital
This is a medical facility located in Overland Park, Kansas, that operates a specialized unit for newborn intensive care.
The details
The Warm Arms program utilizes volunteers to sit at the bedside of NICU patients to provide necessary comfort. Research indicates that this physical contact is clinically significant, as it helps stabilize the vital signs and decreases oxygen requirements for premature babies.
Timeline
October 9, 2026: The hospital hosted a reunion for past NICU families and staff.
Market Landscape
The program reflects the medical adoption of neonatal intensive care unit bedside comfort protocols as a standard of care for infant development. Hospitals increasingly formalize these volunteer systems to improve patient outcomes and support the broader NICU ecosystem.
Local families with infants in the NICU benefit from these volunteer services, which provide additional emotional and physical support for patients. This initiative ensures that premature babies receive consistent human touch even during periods when guardians cannot attend.
The takeaway
Consistent human touch remains a vital, low-cost intervention for improving the health outcomes of hospitalized infants. Community members interested in supporting NICU patients can inquire with local medical centers about similar volunteer bedside programs.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts by visiting the Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KSHB 41 Kansas City News.
Live Poll
Do you believe hospital volunteer programs are essential for improving patient recovery in your community?
