Porterville Recorder

Gala proceeds to benefit infant security at hospital

Sierra View Foundation event slated for Sept. 16

- Recorder@portervill­erecorder.com

In order to continue providing top level security to their smallest patients, Sierra View Medical Center has confirmed plans to implement a new infant security system with support from the Sierra View Foundation.

In order to continue providing top level security to their smallest patients, Sierra View Medical Center has confirmed plans to implement a new infant security system with support from the Sierra View Foundation.

Through the new HUGS infant security system, each newborn will receive an ankle monitor with a unique identifica­tion number. A microchip in the monitor will track their location and send constant signals — or heartbeats — to a protected computer system.

“This state-of-the-art technology will replace the aged electronic security system currently in place, protecting babies for a new generation,” said Dr. Jeffrey Hudson-covolo, chief nurse executive with Sierra View Medical Center.

With this technologi­cally advanced method of security, Sierra View will be able to closely monitor their Family Birthing Center and ensure the most comprehens­ive protection in newborn safety. After receiving a national Baby Friendly designatio­n earlier this year, the HUGS system will be the next step for the local hospital to welcome its newest community members in a protected environmen­t.

The Sierra View Foundation will donate proceeds from their largest fundraisin­g event of the year, the blacktie Gala. Known for its Dancing with the Sierra View Stars competitio­n, the 11th Annual Gala will feature a night of dance, food and philanthro­py.

Hudson-covolo stated, “On behalf of the maternity unit and the medical center administra­tion we are extremely grateful to the Sierra View Foundation for their financial support to install the HUGS system.”

Five local couples are rallying their friends, family and fellow community members to not only purchase votes to help them win the title of Sierra View’s Favorite Dancers, but to donate toward the HUGS system. The contestant­s for this year’s Dancing with the Sierra View Stars are Jorge and Kim Ramirez, Dave Kinsel and Tara Everett, Miguel Leyva and Quinn Atherton, Dustin and Tracy Della, and Jared and Lexy Harness.

The 11th Annual Sierra View Foundation Gala will take place on Saturday, Sept. 16, at the Portervill­e Fairground­s with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. To register and learn more about the Foundation, go to www.sierra-view. com/foundation.

Individual registrati­on and sponsorshi­p opportunit­ies are available to be a part of bringing the latest technology in infant security to the Portervill­e community. All proceeds from the Gala will go directly back to Sierra View Medical Center and the implementa­tion of the HUGS system for local mothers and their babies.

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