About

NICU Parent Health, Inc. is a nonpartisan 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of NICU families. 

The purpose of NICU Parent Health, Inc. is:

  • to educate NICU families on topics that increase health and well-being;
  • to promote advocacy skill development and advocate on behalf of NICU families for programs and policies that improve health outcomes;
  • to provide opportunities for NICU families to connect and engage;
  • to sponsor, host, coordinate and participate in events and activities that promote the health of NICU families; and
  • to fund research that improves the lives of NICU families.

Our Team

Laura Vargas is the co-founder of NICU Parent Health and an advocate for NICU parents.  Laura’s professional career has been spent in public service as a procurement professional at the city and state level.  Laura’s passion for advocacy began with the birth of her premature baby, Lucien, at 28 weeks weighing 1lb. 3 oz.  At birth, Lucien was given a 50/50 chance of survival and severe disability.  After long struggle, Lucien is now a healthy six-year-old.  Lucien’s birth opened Laura’s eyes to the gaps in care for NICU parents and the increased rates of maternal mental healthcare issues affecting them.  In June 2018, Laura was awarded a Gretchen Carlson Advocacy Fellowship through the March of Dimes and began to learn and implement the skills necessary to advocate for change.  In 2021, Laura co-founded NICU Parent Health because she believes that connection, advocacy and education are critical to the success of NICU parents and that healthy parents raise healthy babies.

Jackie Jones is the co-founder of NICU Parent Health and an advocate for NICU parents.  Jackie’s professional career in public service includes work in the areas of public policy and legislative affairs. Her interest in advocacy for NICU Parent Health was sparked by Laura’s personal experience as the mother of a premature baby. After researching the resources and governmental programs that lack viable support for all mothers in the area of maternal mental health, Jackie realized this is an area of public policy needing significant change. Combining her experience in legislative affairs with Laura’s powerful story inspired Jackie to co-found NICU Parent Health.