Because of the generosity of foundation donors, the Ingalls Development Foundation is able to fund the entire Healthy Baby Network Program. We connect expecting women in Chicago Southland to resources that assist in a healthy pregnancy, delivery, and baby.
The Annual Drive Thru Baby Shower provides expecting families with needed baby items to start their parenthood journey, but most importantly, it provides awareness and access to helpful community resource in their neighborhood.
Our 7th Annual Drive-Thru Baby Shower was a fantastic success! Highlights from the event on Saturday, September 12:
Thank you again for joining us as we work to support healthy beginnings for babies and families in our community!
“The Drive-Thru Baby Shower is a beautiful event that happens every single year. We’re very happy to be here participating, helping underserved communities in Harvey and other neighborhoods. Each gift bag helps that baby start their life.”
SHANICE WILLIAMS, INGALLS COMMUNITY OUTREACH COORDINATOR
Patients connected to resources – 101
Educational classes – 35
Safe sleep cots distributed – 440
Car seats distributed – 12
Total unit deliveries – 443
56 patients presented at Ingalls with no prior prenatal care and were connected to prenatal services within 24 hours (100% of identified patients).
Shanice Williams was selected to present at the Americal Hospital Association’s Healthier Together conference where she discussed The Healthy Baby Network and its support in a growing maternal dessert.
Shanice Williams, MPH, CLC, OB Program Manager, shares the great work being done at Ingalls with Cook County commissioners. County Commissioner Monica Gordon asked her to speak Raising Awareness Regarding Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths in Illinois. Williams said:
Ingalls Hospital leadership, the Ingalls Development Foundation Board, and our generous donors came together to fully support a $25,000 matching grant from an Anonymous donor—resulting in a 53.3% increase in giving for the Healthy Baby Network program. For the second consecutive year, this donor’s match has strengthened critical Maternal and Infant Health services and improved outcomes.
As of December 2025, 31 classes reached more than 130 couples and over 500 individuals across the Chicagoland Southland area. We also distributed 419 Safe Sleep cots and sacs to new parents.
Healthy Baby Network outcomes include:
108 patients enrolled
93 babies delivered through the program
89 full-term births
We are deeply grateful for this support and hope you will continue to stand with us in advancing the Healthy Baby Network.
The Healthy Baby Network is a community out-reach program that includes a unique network of local healthcare providers, retailers, government agencies, schools and community organizations that work together to coordinate prenatal care, education and social services for pregnant women.
The Healthy Baby Network is located inside of UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial on Labor and Delivery in Harvey, IL.
Annual events include Babypalooza and a Drive-Thru Baby Shower for expectant mothers. Healthy Baby Network also provides Classes on breastfeeding, child birth preparation, and infant care.
The need for increased access to prenatal care for poor and low income pregnant women is dire given the recent closures of four labor and delivery units in Chicagoland, including South Suburban Hospital in nearby Hazel Crest. UCM Ingalls and its unique Healthy Baby Network stand alone in providing labor and delivery and outreach services in a 15-mile radius. Patients experience a one-on-one meeting where needs are defined and patients are immediately connected to services.
The Ingalls Development Foundation is grateful to The Coleman Foundation for its generous support of $50,000 per year for the Healthy Baby Network Program.
