Heart of DMB: Brigid’s Path

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The Heart of DMB post highlights an organization chosen by a member of the DMB writing team. The chosen organization is near and dear to the heart of the person who authored this piece and publication of this post does not indicate endorsement by DMB as an organization.

In every newborn’s room at Brigid’s Path, you’ll find a heart. Helping is at the heart of the organization’s mission – one of the first of its kind in the nation to provide inpatient care for infants who were exposed to drugs in the womb.

According to the Ohio Department of Health, from 2011-2015, there were 416 NAS (neonatal abstinence syndrome) cases reported in Montgomery County, accounting for 13.1% of 1,000 live births. That was higher than the state average of 12.3%.

The opioid crisis has only worsened in recent years. The Montgomery County Coroner reported a 60% increase in opioid deaths from 2016 to 2017.

While those statistics are startling, it makes organizations like Brigid’s Path even more vital and needed in our community.

2018 has been a start of new beginnings at Brigid’s Path. After months of planning and fundraising, the organization welcomed its first baby in December 2017. Now, more than halfway into the year, Brigid’s Path is providing care for more babies in the Miami Valley.

Because Brigid’s Path is currently privately funded, this organization, ready to open its arms and hearts to babies in need, can now only assist with eight babies at a time. The organization is hoping federal funding, through approval of the CRIB Act, could change that.

But that’s not stopping the organization from finding success – in fact, they have reported several successes not only with their babies but their mothers as well.

Once babies are at Brigid’s Path, the goal is to reunite both baby and mom when the timing is right. It also means avoiding the overly populated foster care system if possible, which has been the case for all babies at Brigid’s Path so far.

Another success for Brigid’s Path was a recent feature on the Today Show, one that Jane Snyder, development director, said helped bring national attention to the organization.

What also makes Brigid’s Path unique is their way of treatment for their babies. While some medicine is necessary, the organization aims to do as many therapeutic techniques as possible. This means the babies are getting round the clock care, every single day.

So how can you help?

Prayer is the first thing, Snyder said. Prayers for the babies, the mothers, and all involved at Brigid’s Path.

Funding is the next priority. Donations can be made on Brigid’s Path’s website, along with their Amazon Wish List for their nurseries.

Volunteering is another way to help. Applications can also be found on Brigid’s Path’s website.

Brigid’s Path is paving a historic path in our nation, and we are blessed to have this great organization right here in the Miami Valley.