USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital named Outstanding Partner Agency by United Way
In the past year, participation in The Basics grew by 290%, a milestone United Way leaders attributed to Children’s & Women’s Hospital’s commitment to bringing educational programs directly to patients and families.
By Casandra Andrews
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United Way of Southwest Alabama recognized Children’s & Women’s Hospital as its Outstanding Partner Agency for 2025 during an award ceremony on Sept. 2.
The hospital was among a group of individuals and agencies recognized for making a lasting difference across Mobile County and southwest Alabama. The awards celebrate organizations that go beyond service delivery to actively collaborate with United Way in advancing its mission.
Children’s & Women’s Hospital was highlighted for its role in The Basics Southwest Alabama, an initiative designed to give parents and caregivers tools to support their children’s early learning and development. Hospital staff distribute information about The Basics program, along with details on how to join Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
“We are so honored to be recognized as United Way’s Outstanding Partner Agency,” said Debbie Browning, MSN, RN, CENP, chief executive officer of Children’s & Women’s Hospital. “This recognition highlights the commitment of our dedicated team members, who not only care for patients but also help strengthen families and create brighter futures for our community.”
In the past year, participation in The Basics grew by 290%, a milestone United Way leaders attributed to the hospital’s commitment to bringing educational programs directly to patients and families. The Basics is a community strategy from United Way to support learning and brain development among infants and toddlers. It consists of five evidence-based parenting and caregiving tenets that support children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development from birth to age 5.
At the hospital, introduction to this program spans pediatric service lines and includes patients in the neonatal intensive care unit, pediatric emergency center and all other eligible children who meet the age requirements.
The Imagination Library provides (by mail) free age-appropriate books monthly to children from birth to age 5 who subscribe to the program. The United Way of Southwest Alabama provides print materials about this program that are placed in hospital rooms and in discharge folders of pediatric patients.
As part of the University of South Alabama’s academic health system, Children’s & Women’s Hospital also contributes to one of the region’s largest United Way workplace giving campaigns. More than $6.2 million has been contributed to United Way of Southwest Alabama since 1998 by the University of South Alabama, including USA Health.
The United Way focuses on a collaborative approach to filling gaps in coverage and quickly helping children, individuals, and families back on their feet, leading fulfilling lives. Youth opportunities, quality healthcare, housing, and addiction and recovery resources are some of the focus areas for the 2024-2026 partnership cycle.
