Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, Regional Intensive Care Nursery celebrates 50-year anniversary

The Regional Intensive Care Nursery (RICN) at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center proudly celebrates 50 years of dedicated service to the Laurel Highlands community.

Since its humble beginnings in 1974 with just four baby warmers and incubators in the obstetrics unit, the RICN has grown into a Level 3 NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) that now cares for over 350 newborns annually.

"We've come a long way from those four warmers and incubators," said Dr. John Chan, retired neonatologist of the RICN.

The founding of the RICN brought much-needed advanced newborn care to Johnstown, which previously had no NICU within 75 miles. It became a beacon of hope for families in the region.

"For us, it has always been about providing exceptional care to Johnstown and the surrounding areas," said Dr. Sharon Schell, neonatologist at the RICN. "Knowing that families no longer have to travel far for such specialized care is incredibly rewarding."

Today, the RICN offers 16 private beds, allowing for parental bonding and the individualized care newborns need. The team includes two neonatologists, five Advanced Care Providers, registered nurses, clinical associates, and speech and occupational therapists, all of whom are committed to providing world-class care close to home.

As a Level 3 NICU, the RICN is equipped to care for infants born as early as 22 weeks gestation, offering comprehensive treatment for extremely low birth weight infants and advanced respiratory care. In addition, the unit provides critical care for newborns with complex medical needs, allowing expectant mothers with high-risk pregnancies to stay close to their families.

Over the past five decades, the RICN has cared for more than 16,000 newborns of all ages and sizes, a testament to its vital role in the community.

To commemorate this milestone, the RICN will host a 50th Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, September 8, at the Grand Ballroom at Windber Recreation Park. This special event will be a chance to reunite with past healthcare providers, share stories, and reflect on the lives touched by the RICN.

A memorial service will also be held to honor the memory of those who passed, recognizing all babies who graced the world, even for a short time.

The celebration, free and open to the public, will take place from 1-6 p.m. and feature presentations, guest speakers, and family-friendly activities. Entertainment for children includes a DJ, shaved ice, face painting, a petting zoo, and special appearances by Spiderman, Princess Belle, and Queen Elsa.

"We invite former patients, their families, and anyone from the community to join us in celebrating this momentous occasion," said Nicole Darr, Manager of the RICN. "RSVPs are required and can be made at Conemaugh.org/maternity-care/share-your-ricn-success-story."

In addition to the reunion, the smiling faces of RICN graduates from the community are proudly displayed on banners along Franklin Street near Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center and on digital screens throughout the area. One of the featured images captures a special moment: Dr. John Chan dancing at the wedding of his very first NICU patient, Adrianne Kuhar.

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