Variety – the Children’s Charity Awards Generous Grants to MercyOne Des Moines

Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa has awarded two grants to MercyOne Des Moines to enhance care for children and families across Central Iowa. The grants will support the furnishing of family visitation rooms at MercyOne House of Mercy, and the purchase of two essential Panda infant warmers for MercyOne Children’s Hospital.

MercyOne House of Mercy provides comprehensive services for individuals with substance use and mental health disorders, including residential treatment for women. Grant funding will be used to purchase new furniture for the waiting room and two visitation rooms. These areas are used by children visiting their parent during treatment. Creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere is vital to fostering meaningful and comfortable family interactions during these visits.

"Maintaining a strong family connection is a cornerstone of recovery and a crucial part of a child's emotional and social development," said Rebecca Peterson, executive director of House of Mercy. "The new, fully equipped family visitation room will provide a home-like and private environment where patients can bond and reconnect with their families without the distractions of a busy public space. We are incredibly grateful to Variety for supporting this critical step toward family reunification and healing."

The second grant was awarded to MercyOne Children’s Hospital to purchase two state-of-the-art GE Panda infant warmers, equipped with advanced features that support clinicians in delivering high-quality care to newborns. Grant funds will also be used to reconstruct cabinetry in two birthing suites to house the new warmers.

"A stable body temperature is one of the most vital factors for a newborn, particularly for our smallest and most vulnerable patients," stated Shawnelle Medina, Nursing Director of Labor and Delivery. "These Panda warmers are all-in-one stabilization units that not only provide radiant warmth but also offer integrated resuscitation capabilities and easy monitoring of the infant's vitals. This technology is critical to reducing complications, ensuring the best possible start for our babies, and keeping them at the mother’s bedside when possible. The continued support from Variety allows us to provide the highest standard of care to every child born here."

About Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa 
Variety – the Children’s Charity is dedicated to improving the lives of children who are underprivileged, at-risk, critically ill, or living with special needs. Grant funding is provided to programs and initiatives that directly impact the well-being of children in our community. For more information on Variety grants and programs, please visit varietyiowa.com.