Coralville — For the first time in over 20 years, infant morality rates are up across the nation and an organization in eastern Iowa is stepping up to help out families that are dealing with infant loss.
The No Foot Too Small (NFTS) is an organization that is based in Coralville and specializes in pregnancy and infant loss.
Iowa’s News Now spoke with Robin Boudreau, Co Founder & Executive Director for NFTS, to talk about NFTS and some of the services they provide.
Boudreau said they raise money to build birthing & bereavement suites, which are labor and delivery rooms that are designed for families who are not able to bring their baby home.
“It’s incredible, I honestly could’ve never imagined all those years ago that we’d be here 10 years later,” said Boudreau. “We actually offer many different programs and services for these families experiencing loss. Anything from private mom’s groups, our men’s social clubs, and a variety of programs and events across the state.”
Right now, NFTS operates two birthing & bereavement suites in eastern Iowa:
- MercyOne – Dubuque
- Genesis Medical Center – Davenport
On Friday, Boudreau said they are working on a third suite that will open at University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City.
NFTS will host their 10th Annual Gala on Saturday, November 4th at the Hyatt Regency in River Landing.
Saturday’s gala event will kick off at 4 p.m. with a silent auction, followed by a dinner, a program and feature family presentation, and a post-party.
If you are not able to attend Saturday’s event and would like to get involved in NFTS’ programming, Boudreau says there are several ways you can help out:
You can read about NFTS and their mission by clicking here.