INOVA Fairfax Hospital Program Information On September 8, 2005 we were introduced to the first employee of the Perinatal Concerns program at Fairfax Hospital. Things are beginning to move. I want to note that this is a first step. We could only afford to pay a few hours for the program. When that is exhausted, we will lose the services of our coordinator. We will continue to add links to information and resources as well as information to make donations. In the meantime feel free to learn more about Peter. On 1 July 2006 Inova launched the full-time Perinatal Concerns Program. This exciting next step puts us on track to start making a difference in the Northern Virginia area. The result of this program will be immediate. Families will be guided to the resources they need to understand their individual situations and plan for the possibilities. These possibilities cover a wide range of conditions. That's why we have connected the best volunteer and professional resources around. Fairfax hospital is the regional specialty center for these difficult deliveries, March of Dimes is well known for its work to reduce birth defects, and we have a well-managed core of able volunteers. All of this is possible because we've demonstrated the need to those who have the resources to make this happen. As with any other program, we count on those who can help. We're always looking for volunteers, those who have experience with this type of situation as a patient, friend or caregiver. Since the begining of the program, contributions have grown to sustain a position at Fairfax Hospital to support these efforts. The March of Dimes, Aetna, Booz Allen Hamilton (Yards for Youth, and Birdies for Charity), and Thomson Reuters have been the largest external supporters of the program. Internally, Inova health system has provided office space, organizational leadership, and volunteers to make this happen. They are taking referrals from all of the Inova hospitals and providing, much needed, professional help and personal guidance. Dozens of families, referred to the program have been helped to date and the number of referrals is growing, as the program is gaining visibility. This year, the Perinatal Care Program was an Inova Fairfax Gala fund recipient. The publicity within the Inova system will surely raise the awareness of accomplishments of Kelly and the others at the hospital who are helping families and patients from all of the Inova Health System hospitals. We, in the Northern Virginia area are very fortunate to have the kind of extensive and caring health care system that we do. As we looked around the country for programs like ours, we were saddened to see that there are very few and even fewer as capable as Inova's. We'd like to see this program become a model that others can adopt within their own system. The seed of the idea was simple, provide someone to help navigate the complex medical system so that the patient family can prepare for the upcoming challenge and enjoy the time they have with their new child. A child born with a birth defect may have very little time to live or may have physical or mental struggles for many years. As parents we love our children and want to help them to live life to the fullest. For some, that may be seeing their open eyes for a few minutes and feeling the beating of they little heart, ever so briefly. For others, it may be sitting by their side after a heart transplant, helping them rehabilitate, and watching them grow through adulthood. No one wants to give up on their child, but the stress and pressure during a difficult pregnancy can be overwhelming. This is why we honor Peter with help for anyone who asks. We may be able to help in ways that make your time together better, more memorable, and less stressful, even if we can't make it longer or problem free. The continuum of care, from cure to comfort, is something that we want everyone to share. Whether giving or receiving care, we are all brothers and sisters.