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Hand to Hold Announces 2026 National NICU Mental Health Conference Program, Invites Parents and Healthcare Professionals to Attend

November 4–5 virtual conference features sessions on trauma-informed care, caregiver burnout, grief and family-centered support led by experts and parents with lived experiences; registration is free for NICU parents.

AUSTIN, Texas, October 21, 2026 - Hand to Hold,a national nonprofit supporting neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) families, has announced the full program for its 2026 National NICU Mental Health Conference, taking place virtually November 4–5. The two-day event features expert speakers, personal perspectives and practical strategies to strengthen mental health support for families and healthcare teams.

Building on these important conversations, keynote speakers Gigi Khonyongwa-Fernandez, a trauma-informed leadership coach, and J.S. Park, a hospital chaplain and author, will share insights on compassion, navigating grief and finding healing.

"Families and healthcare professionals carry the emotional impact of the NICU long after a hospital stay ends," said Katrina Moline, executive director of Hand to Hold and a NICU graduate parent. "We designed this conference to turn important conversations about mental health into practical action."

Through powerful stories from NICU families, Hand to Hold highlights the importance of compassionate support, connection, and hope throughout the NICU journey.

Sessions include:

  • What If Compassion Came First?: Why being seen matters more than having all the answers
  • Operationalizing Trauma-Informed Care through Partnering with Individuals with Lived Experience
  • Beyond the NICU: The Intersection of Unexpected Diagnoses, Long-Term Care, and Mental Health
  • Caring for Others Without Losing Yourself: A Practical Primer for NICU Families and NICU Professionals
  • The Many Faces of Grief: Understanding and Supporting Families through Loss
  • Sensory Wellbeing Guide: Practical Sensory Strategies for Neonatal Staff
  • Collaborating with Parents for a Healthier Outcome
  • More Than A Visitor: A NICU Dad's Experience

The conference will also recognize outstanding contributions to the NICU community through the NICU Hero Awards, sponsored by Keenova.

Registration is open, with free attendance for NICU parents and continuing education credits available to NICU professionals for all conference sessions. Register at HandToHold.org/conference.

Hand to Hold 2026 NICU Mental Health Conference banner
Keynote speakers for the 2026 National NICU Mental Health Conference

About Hand to Hold
Hand to Hold® is a national nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing early-intervention mental health support, educational resources, and community for parents before, during, and after a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) stay. Our services are offered at no cost to families and are tailored to meet the emotional and mental health, physical and social needs of NICU parents. Our support staff comprises NICU graduate and bereaved parents with specialized training. For more information, visit HandtoHold.org.

Media Contact:
Lauren Brown
[email protected]