Cabell Huntington Hospital Auxiliary fulfils $1 million pledge for Neonatal Therapeutic Unit

The Marshall Health Network - Cabell Huntington Hospital Auxiliary has fulfilled its $1 million pledge in support of the recently remodeled Neonatal Therapeutic Unit (NTU) at Hoops Family Children’s Hospital (HFCH), a significant milestone in the group’s long-standing commitment to supporting newborns and families in need.

Although the unit’s renovation was completed in 2023, the Auxiliary finalized its philanthropic commitment in early 2025, marking the culmination of years of dedicated volunteer fundraising efforts.

“This pledge reflects the heart and purpose of the Auxiliary,” said Coni Mays, president of the CHH Auxiliary. “Many of our volunteers serve in the NTU and are devoted, dedicated and humbled by the experiences working with the babies, their families and the wonderful and caring nurses.”

The NTU was the first in the state of West Virginia and one of the first in the United States to treat newborns prenatally exposed to substances causing symptoms of withdrawal, a condition called Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). The remodel created a low-light, low-noise therapeutic space designed to promote healing. The unit features eight fully private rooms with bathrooms and showers, as well as seven rooms that can be configured as private or shared, depending on each family's needs. This environment supports both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic care, including neonatal therapeutic touch, massage and music therapy.

The unit’s butterfly-themed design mirrors the nearby Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and symbolizes the babies’ growth and recovery. Beyond improving outcomes during the hospital stay, the NTU fosters long-term wellness for both newborns and their families.

“We are deeply grateful to the Auxiliary for their unwavering support,” said Melanie Akers, DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, vice president of Women’s and Children’s Services. “Their generosity has directly impacted our ability to provide leading-edge, compassionate care to newborns and their families in our region.”

The CHH Auxiliary has been a steadfast partner to the hospital for decades, raising millions of dollars through sales at the An Added Touch and the Children’s Depot – the Auxiliary’s two gift shops at CHH. The shops, managed by Kim Johnson-Chambers, are staffed by volunteers.

The CHH Auxiliary’s contributions continue to make a lasting impact across the hospital system, ensuring patients of all ages receive high-quality care in a healing environment.

For more information about the NTU, visit www.hoopschildrens.org. To learn more about giving back to Hoops Family Children’s Hospital, visit www.mhnfoundations.org/giving.

Marshall Health Network, Hoops Family Children's Hospital and MHN Foundations leadership join the Cabell Huntington Hospital Auxiliary volunteers in presenting the hospital with a $1 million check, fulfilling a pledge the Auxiliary made to support the remodel in the Neonatal Therapeutic Unit. Pictured: Back: Lauren Francis (Coordinator, Volunteer Services), Trina Jackson, Melanie Akers (Vice President of Women's and Children's Services, MHN), Rhonda Lester-Parker, Dr. Jodi Plumley (NTU Medical Director), Scott Raynes (CEO, Marshall Health Network), Julie Neal (Director, Volunteer Services). Middle: Wilma Rucker, Leanne Blevins, Coni Mays (President, CHH Auxiliary), Lori Blackburn (NICU Nurse Manager), Kelly Adkins, Davanna Marcum, Becky Oblinger Front: Bradley Burck (VP Corporate, Foundation, and Donor Philanthropy), Paul Smith (Chief Administrative Officer, Marshall Health Network), Kristi Arrowood (Director of MHN Foundations)