#USA #mental health #Austin #Hand to Hold #NICU Conference

Hand to Hold Announces 2026 National NICU Mental Health Conference Program

Hand to Hold, a prominent nonprofit dedicated to supporting families in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), has revealed the detailed agenda for the upcoming 2026 National NICU Mental Health Conference. The virtual event is slated for November 4–5, offering a rich opportunity for parents and healthcare professionals to engage in meaningful discussions and learn from experts and peers.

The conference is designed to address key issues such as trauma-informed care, caregiver burnout, grief, and the importance of family-centered support. By bringing together both expert speakers and parents with real-life experiences, Hand to Hold aims to create a supportive environment that fosters mental health awareness and practical strategies within NICU communities.

Keynote Speakers
Among the keynote speakers are Gigi Khonyongwa-Fernandez, a leadership coach specializing in trauma-informed practices, and J.S. Park, a hospital chaplain and author recognized for his thoughtful insights on compassion and healing. Their sessions are set to provide attendees with profound knowledge on navigating grief and fostering compassion in both personal and professional settings.

Sessions Overview
The conference will feature various sessions including:

• - What If Compassion Came First?: Exploring the crucial role of empathy in care delivery.
• - Operationalizing Trauma-Informed Care: Strategies for effective partnerships with individuals who have lived through NICU experiences.
• - Beyond the NICU: Discussing the implications of unexpected diagnoses on long-term mental health.
• - Caring for Others Without Losing Yourself: Tips for NICU families and professionals on maintaining personal well-being while supporting others.
• - The Many Faces of Grief: Approaches to understanding and supporting families through loss.
• - Collaborating with Parents for Better Outcomes: Insights on the necessary joint efforts between parents and healthcare providers.
• - More Than A Visitor: A NICU dad shares his personal journey and insights.

These sessions are crafted to empower providers and families with knowledge and resources to better navigate the emotional landscape of the NICU.

NICU Hero Awards
In conjunction with the conference, the NICU Hero Awards will be presented to acknowledge remarkable contributions within the NICU community. Sponsored by Keenova, this ceremony underscores the efforts of individuals and organizations devoted to enhancing the NICU experience for families and healthcare staff alike.

Registration Details
Registration is currently open, with free admission for NICU parents. Additionally, NICU professionals can earn continuing education credits by attending the sessions. Participants can register at HandToHold.org/conference for further details.

About Hand to Hold
Hand to Hold is a national, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to providing early mental health interventions, educational resources, and community support for parents navigating the NICU journey. Their programming is offered at no charge and is tailored to meet the emotional and psychosocial needs of NICU families, facilitated by trained staff who are not only professionals but also NICU graduate and bereaved parents.

For further information, visit HandToHold.org or contact Lauren Brown at [email protected].