Senate Resolution 963
By: Senators Kirkpatrick of the 32nd, Setzler of the 37th, Albers of the 56th, Howard of the
35th and Rhett of the 33rd
A RESOLUTION
Commending the Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center's Neonatal Intensive Care
Unit; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, the Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center currently operates a Level
III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) designed to care for premature and medically
complex newborns through advanced respiratory support, continuous monitoring, and
life-saving interventions; and
WHEREAS, the NICU at Wellstar Kennestone is staffed by neonatologists, neonatal nurses,
respiratory therapists, and pediatric specialists who dedicate innumerable hours of their time,
energy, and expertise toward ensuring that our most vulnerable Georgians receive the best
medical care possible; and
WHEREAS, in the United States, approximately 10 percent of all babies are born before 37
weeks of gestation, and prematurity is one of the leading global causes of infant illness and
death; and
WHEREAS, prompt NICU care significantly improves survival outcomes and substantially
reduces mortality during the first week of life for vulnerable newborns, especially for those
born very prematurely or at an extremely low birth weight; and
WHEREAS, through the continued dedication of NICU healthcare professionals and
advancements in neonatal medicine, survival rates for infants born between roughly 22 and
28 weeks of gestation have increased significantly in recent years, approaching nearly 78
percent; and
WHEREAS, NICU healthcare professionals further provide crucial information, reassurance,
and security for parents of premature infants, reducing the inherent stress of newborn
hospitalization and assuaging associated feelings of guilt, shock, and helplessness; and
WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that this exemplary neonatal unit and its
exceptional employees be appropriately honored during this special time for the vital care
they provide to our most critical youth.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body
commend the Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
and its committed healthcare professionals for their service on behalf of this state's premature
infants and extend best wishes for continued success in their mission to save lives.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed
to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the Wellstar
Kennestone Regional Medical Center's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.