Infant Protection Project At Doylestown Hospital Awarded Federal Grant

DOYLESTOWN, PA — The Doylestown Health Foundation on Oct. 12 accepted a $100,000 Community Project Funding (CPF) grant from U.S. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick in support of the Doylestown Hospital's Infant Protection Project.

The funding will be used for infant protection equipment and software for the Village Improvement Association's (VIA) Maternity Center at Doylestown Hospital.

These tag transponders – which are attached to babies after delivery, as well as the mother if they choose – offer tamper detection, exit detection and continual supervision to prevent infant abduction. They also monitor the environment for potential sources of network interference.

The tag transponders will be used to protect newborns at Doylestown Hospital and will likely be extended to NICU babies and pediatric patients, if necessary.

“Since its founding, Doylestown Health has been a staple in the Central Bucks community. With over 1,200 deliveries annually and hundreds of additional pediatric patients admitted each year, it is essential that Doylestown Health receives the much-needed support to carry out their operation,” said Fitzpatrick. “I am proud to have supported the Infant Protection Project – especially considering this serves the maternity ward, which is one of the few locations in the hospital individuals are excited to visit!”

The grant program was introduced by Congressman Fitzpatrick into the FY2022 Consolidated Appropriations Act as a part of the Community Project Funding program. The new initiative allows members of Congress to target federal funds towards projects and programs within their congressional districts that will address the most significant needs facing the communities they represent.

“Doylestown Health is honored to receive this grant through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)," said Jim Brexler, the president and CEO of Doylestown Health. “Patient safety is our top priority. This grant will help us protect the safety of our littlest patients delivered in Doylestown Hospital’s VIA Maternity Center and will offer parents peace of mind. We are grateful to Congressman Fitzpatrick for his continued advocacy and support of our health system, as well as the well being of the children and families we serve.”

The VIA was the guiding force behind the founding of Doylestown Hospital in 1923, and still governs the operation of the hospital today. Founded in 1895 by a small, but inspired, group of women from Doylestown, the VIA is nationally recognized as the only women's club to own and operate a community hospital. The first meeting was held April 26, 1895 with 14 women present. Since that time the VIA has grown in size and scope to its present membership of more than 400 members.

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