In March 2023, then 14-year-old Jude Downer became one of the first patients at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt to receive an implantable device designed to aid sleep.

Feeding and swallowing problems, known as dysphagia, occur in an estimated 25% to 45% of normally developing children.

For decades no effective preventive options existed, and the tools now exist to prevent severe disease.

SHINE program offers neurodevelopmental care embedded within a medical home for infants and young children with neonatal opioid exposures.

“My child is a miracle, and it wouldn’t have happened without that team of doctors and the staff.”