2013 WellStar Foundation Champions Campaign

Helping To Make a Difference for Newborns with On-site Bilirubinometers in WellStar Medical Group Pediatric Practices

This year, the WellStar Champions are raising money to make a difference for newborn babies by providing cutting-edge technology to WellStar Medical Group (WMG) Pediatric practices. Sixty percent of all babies have jaundice (caused by high levels of bilirubin in the blood).  Recent advancements in bilirubinometer technology have made accurate, on-site testing with results delivered in 30 minutes or less possible. 

Babies who are jaundice at their newborn office visit often have to be taken to an offsite lab or hospital facility to have their bilirubin checked. This is inconvenient for a new mother and baby, and can take three to 12 hours from the time of lab registration, blood draw and availability of results. The new on-site testing is a quicker, easier, safer and more convenient method. It will significantly improve the customer service experience of our littlest of patients and their parents.

To add this new technology to our WMG Pediatric offices, the cost will be $45,000. Through direct mail, the campaign has already raised $17,000 from generous outside donors. For more information on how you can help, go to www.wellstar.org/champions or contact Kati Hyland at kati.hyland@wellstar.org or 470-956-6673. 

WellStar Champions are members of our community who, through their donations to The WellStar Foundation, provide vital support to the not-for-profit WellStar Health System and make a difference in the lives around them.