Micropreemie Unit Celebrating One Year

The Credit Unions for Kids Micropreemie Unit celebrates one year of life-saving care for fragile newborns.

Town & Country Credit Union

This spring marks a meaningful milestone for Sanford Children’s Hospital, Fargo, ND the one-year anniversary of the Credit Unions for Kids Micropreemie Unit, the only unit of its kind in the state, dedicated to caring for the tiniest and most vulnerable patients.

Since June 2023, the unit has already cared for 89 micropreemies, each with a unique story of strength, resilience, and hope. These babies, born before 26 weeks or weighing fewer than 28 ounces, require highly specialized care, something this state-of-the-art unit was designed to provide.

The Credit Union for Kids Micropreemie Unit, officially dedicated in May 2025 following its grand opening, was made possible through a powerful collaboration. A $500,000 cumulative pledge from 20 North Dakota credit unions, in partnership with Children’s Miracle Network and the Sanford Health Foundation, brought this vision to life. The effort reflects the credit union philosophy of “people helping people” and demonstrates a deep commitment to strengthening local communities.

The unit itself features four specialized rooms and six beds designed exclusively for micropreemies, babies born as early as 22 weeks and weighing as little as 13 ounces. While fewer than 1% of babies are born at this stage, their needs are complex and critical.

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Foundation Board members Shannon Webster, Lisa Snedeker, April Tompkins, and Kylee Lemieux

“Taking care of premature babies can be very challenging. They can suffer from serious complications of prematurity,” said neonatologist Mohamed Mohamed, M.D. “This unit represents the best we can offer, with a dedicated space to tailor care and support the best possible neurodevelopmental outcomes.”

Before the unit opened, these fragile infants were cared for alongside other babies in the NICU. Now, they benefit from an environment specifically designed for their unique needs, improving both outcomes and the overall experience for families.

That impact extends far beyond the walls of the hospital. For many North Dakota families, having access to this level of care in Fargo means staying closer to home during an incredibly difficult time. Micropreemies can spend more than 100 days in the hospital, making proximity to loved ones and support systems essential.

The collaboration behind the unit is just as powerful as the care it provides. Credit unions across the Dakotas came together, not as competitors, but as partners, to make a lasting difference, reinforcing their shared commitment to community and the credit union philosophy of “people helping people.”

One year later, that impact is evident in every life touched by the Micropreemie Unit. From the dedicated medical teams to the families who walk its halls, the difference is both immediate and lasting.

As Sanford Children’s Hospital celebrates this anniversary, it also celebrates what’s possible when communities come together with a shared purpose: ensuring even the smallest patients have the strongest possible start.

Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization has 53,000 employees and serves over 2 million patients and nearly 425,000 health plan members across the upper Midwest, including South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Iowa, Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

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