Doug Hebert

University of Texas Health Center, Neonatal Program

Grant Awarded: $35,000

The High Risk Program’s focus is to provide special medical care and support to high risk pre-term infants and their families after discharge from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (CICU).

Many babies who are born early will require weeks and sometimes months of Neonatal Intensive Care before they are ready to go home. This is an exceptionally difficult, stressful, and emotional time for parents who were expecting a healthy full-term baby.

After dealing with his own son's premature birth, Doug Herbert, creative director of Savage Design Group in Houston felt a comprehensive reference for parents would be of value. One that covered many of the afflictions and potential issues faced by premature babies and their parents.

Doug set about the task of presenting this very clinical information in a way parents of varying socio-economic background could understand. A copy editor re-wrote the information using easy to understand terminology. This was supported by simple, non-threatening medical illustrations, FAQs, phone numbers, and instruction sheets.

The book has proved an unprecedented success. An hour after the books were delivered to the Clinic they were already being placed in take-home packets for parents.