MIDDLEBURG—Ascension St. Vincent’s Clay County brought extra joy to its Family Birth Place this week with a special Father’s Day celebration honoring new fathers and their growing families.

New dads were treated to a complimentary brunch and received a gift bag filled with keepsakes and thoughtful items to commemorate their first Father’s Day. Families also participated in a mini photo session, where a professional photographer captured memories of fathers with their newborns, many just hours or days old.

“Father’s Day is a special opportunity to recognize the important role fathers play from the very beginning of a child’s life,” said Kerri Kennedy, nurse manager of the Family Birth Place at Ascension St. Vincent’s Clay County. “It’s meaningful to celebrate these new dads as they begin this incredible journey and create memories their families will cherish for years to come.”

This event comes as Ascension St. Vincent’s Clay County is expanding its Family Birth Place. The hospital recently broke ground on a project to add a Level II NICU. The expansion will add approximately 5,000 square feet and eight private Level II NICU beds, allowing caregivers to provide specialized care for newborns born at 30 weeks gestation and/or weighing 1,250 grams (2.75 pounds) or more who require close monitoring and additional support for feeding, temperature regulation or mild respiratory concerns. 

The project is expected to be completed by the end of this year.