11/07/2007

For more than a decade now Heartland Regional Medical Center has been the only hospital in southern Illinois to provide one very special gift to new babies. Each precious baby born at our hospital is given a car seat. It is a token of our appreciation to the families who allow us to be a part of an experience that they will never forget.

In 2005 the Heartland Auxiliary began funding this very worthwhile project. They spent $40,000 in 2006 to give all babies a safe place to start their journey home. "We are happy that we are able to do it. It is something that is necessary in order for that tiny baby to travel safely and it can be expensive. Some families simply cannot afford it. We are blessed to be able to provide such a wonderful gift to all the Heartland babies," Melba Moorman, Auxiliary President.

Raye Peoples, Director of Maternal Child Services says she is so proud to work at the only hospital in southern Illinois that makes sure each and every baby born is given a secure environment in which to travel home. "Car seats are mandatory in the state of Illinois and they are expensive. However, they are a necessary part of infant equipment and we know they save lives. We have such peace of mind when babies leave our hospital because we know we have gone the extra mile to make a difference in that babies life."

Chief Executive Officer, Tim Schmidt says Heartland is blessed with a group of men and women volunteers who are very giving. "They did not have to take on this project but they did it with a cheerful heart and we can’t thank them enough for everything they do. They truly are a wonderful group of people and we are proud that they are a part of the Heartland family."