A History of the NICU Handprint Hallway

Do you know the history behind our NICU’s handprint hallway? Today is the 30th anniversary of our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and throughout the years, these handprints have been made by our “NICU graduates” during our bi-annual reunion at the Santa Barbara Zoo. The tradition was started by a local ceramicist who donated time, talent and tiles to the event. Expectant moms have been known to walk to hallway and be inspired to name their newborn after a name they saw on the wall. Former patients have come back as visitors, and have been delighted to find their childhood handprints hanging proudly. There are tiles with twins and even triplets! Understandably, it is one of the most distinctive and talked about features of our hospital.