Each year, nearly 1 in 10 infants in the United States is admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), reflecting the specialized care many newborns require. In 2023, the national NICU admission rate was 9.8%, up from 8.7% in 2016, a 13% increase over seven years (CDC, 2025).
Across the South, stretching from Texas and Louisiana to the Carolina's and Florida, families often face a unique mix of challenges in their NICU journeys. Rural access gaps can mean longer travel times to hospitals, while large regional hospital networks sometimes result in high-volume NICUs serving multiple counties or even neighboring states. The emotional and financial strain of balancing work, childcare, and medical care can be overwhelming.
According to the March of Dimes 2024 Report Card, many southern states continue to face higher rates of preterm birth, which strongly correlate with NICU admissions. Mississippi and Louisiana received “D+” grades, while Texas, Alabama, and Georgia earned “C” ratings. Florida and North Carolina fared slightly better with “C+” averages. These figures underscore the importance of robust community programs that help families bridge medical care with emotional and financial support.
To help, we’ve compiled a guide to Southern region NICU resources, organizations that provide care packages, peer support, transportation, and financial aid for families navigating the NICU experience. Whether your baby’s stay is a few days or several months, these programs aim to help you feel more connected, informed, and supported every step of the way.
Bookmark this guide or share it with a friend—because no family should have to walk the NICU journey alone.
Southern Region NICU Resources
Saul’s Light Foundation
Summary: Saul’s Light is a nonprofit (501c3) based in Louisiana that supports NICU and bereaved families through comprehensive resources and compassionate care. Their mission is to advance equity in healthcare, ensuring that every family has access to the support they deserve.
What they offer:
NICU Family Fund: helps cover costs like transportation, lodging, and meals for Louisiana families during a NICU stay.
Mental Health & Peer Support: monthly support groups, peer mentoring, and emotional support for NICU and bereaved parents.
Little Libraries: stocks NICUs around the city with books so parents can read to their babies.
Bereavement Support: care packages and connections to local mental and emotional health services.
Advocacy & Education: workshops, personalized resources, and equity-focused initiatives supporting NICU and bereaved families.
Location: Louisiana, USA
Visit Saul’s Light Foundation’s website here
The Skylar Project
Summary: The Skylar Project is a nonprofit (501c3) based in Alabama that provides resources for NICU and bereaved families, offering financial assistance, care packages, mental health advocacy, and support.
What they offer:
Financial Assistance & Micro-Grants: small grants and gift cards to help with costs during NICU stays.
Care Packages & Giveaways: support items for NICU families through care packages, book giveaways, and sensory boxes for long-term stay babies.
Bereavement & Angel Boxes: compassionate support for families who have experienced loss.
Support & Mental Health Advocacy: connects families to emotional and lactation support and raises awareness around NICU-related trauma.
Location: Alabama, USA
Visit the Skylar Project’s website here
Mark’s Mission
Summary: Mark’s Mission is a nonprofit (501c3) founded by a former NICU mom that supports NICU and PICU families in Northeast Florida through financial aid, bonding programs, and education.
Programs:
Financial Assistance & Support: provides gas and grocery gift cards to help families facing the NICU journey.
Home to Hospital Program: offers Uber rides to help overcome transportation barriers and encourage family visits.
Family Bonding & Care Packages: items and resources that promote parent–child connection.
Virtual Support Groups: facilitated by two NICU veterans and a licensed mental health counselor (free with registration).
Operation Christmas Miracle: annual toy drive for NICU and PICU families spending the holidays in the hospital.
Location: Florida, USA (Northeast region)
Visit Mark’s Missions’ website here
ICU Baby
Summary: ICU Baby is a nonprofit (501c3) supporting NICU families primarily in Florida, offering emotional, informational, and financial assistance to help families navigate their NICU journey.
What they offer:
NICU Packs: kits filled with essentials for families during their hospital stay.
Parent Mentoring Program: connects new NICU parents with experienced mentors for emotional support.
Transportation Assistance: provides stipends to help reduce travel-related costs.
Bereavement & Emotional Support: services for families who experience loss or need additional emotional care.
Additional Programs: ICU Read, Meaningful Meals, and Foster Care Kits, promoting bonding and family connection.
Location: Florida, USA (Miami-Dade and surrounding regions)
Visit ICU Baby’s website here
Other Resources:
Project Sweet Peas - Alabama Chapter (services some of Florida)
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas and North Louisiana
Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Triangle (North Carolina area)
Every NICU journey is unique, but no parent has to face it alone. Whether you’re seeking peer mentorship, virtual support groups, care packages, or educational resources, these nationwide programs can provide guidance, connection, and practical help. For even more support, visit our digital resource hub (currently being compiled) for additional programs and tools. We’d also love to hear from you, if you’ve found any resources particularly helpful, please share them with us at editorial@connectingmothersinitiative.org.