IRVINE, Calif.– Masimo (NASDAQ: MASI), a global leader in innovative monitoring technologies used in top hospitals, and March of Dimes, the leading non-profit organization fighting to improve health outcomes for all moms and babies, are launching a partnership to support new parents with babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Between 9 to 13 percent of babies born require a stay in the NICU due to complex medical needs1, and many babies born preterm, with birth defects, or with severe health complications spend their first days in the NICU. Through this partnership, Masimo will support March of Dimes’ NICU Family Support® program, which helps over 50,000 families nationwide as they navigate the NICU experience and the transition from hospital to home.
As part of the partnership, Masimo is committed to donating $100,000 of Masimo Stork™ units, a revolutionary, FDA-cleared smart home baby monitoring system designed to deliver peace of mind, to families with the greatest need for support, through March of Dimes’ NICU Family Support program. The NICU Family Support program offers family education, staff training on family-centered care, and an improved experience for parents with a baby in the NICU across more than 70 U.S. partner hospitals.
“Going home is an exciting and long hoped for milestone for new parents, but it is often one of the most overwhelming times for NICU families. Stork, which is powered by the same Masimo SET® sensor technology that’s been trusted in NICUs for decades, was developed to help parents have more peace of mind by keeping them informed about their baby’s health when caring for them at home,” said Joe Kiani, Founder and CEO of Masimo. “Together with March of Dimes and their premier NICU Family Support program, we aim to improve health outcomes for the youngest and most vulnerable patients and provide additional support to new parents as they bring their little ones home from the hospital.”
Stork leverages the same Masimo SET® pulse oximetry technology developed over 35 years ago and is the only device with over-the-counter FDA clearance for use on neonates the day they come home*. Stork monitors a baby’s oxygen saturation level (SpO2), pulse rate (PR), and skin temperature, and notifies caregivers with visual and audible alarms if a baby’s SpO2 or PR readings fall outside of preset ranges.
“March of Dimes is pleased to announce our partnership with Masimo Stork – a collaboration rooted in our mutual commitment to empowering NICU families through knowledge, compassion, and support,” said Kara Gilardi, Associate Vice President, March of Dimes NICU Family Support. “Stork’s sponsorship will support the evidence-based programs we provide that make a world of difference for families in the NICU and the providers who care for them.”
The partnership will also feature key activation moments throughout 2024 and 2025, including NICU Awareness Month programs, donation matching events highlighting Masimo’s commitment to supporting families of NICU babies, and video releases that honor NICU families and provide vital resources to assist them in their transition home.
