Auburn University Dream Makers Partner with East Alabama Health to Enhance Pediatric Care

Auburn University Dream Makers (AUDM) has announced it is partnering with East Alabama Health to expand children’s healthcare services in Auburn, Opelika and surrounding communities. 

The Auburn University Dream Makers, formerly Auburn University Dance Marathon, is a student-service organization that supports the improvement of children’s health through philanthropic efforts and volunteering. 

“East Alabama Health recognizes the need within our community for expanded infant and pediatric services, and we are honored to meet that need head-on with the support of the Auburn University Dream Makers,” said Laura Grill, president and CEO of East Alabama Health. “The students of AUDM are a testament to how our Auburn-Opelika community is a family, and our family is committed to ensuring every child has access to the care, comfort and resources they deserve right here at home.”

With the Auburn-Opelika area being one of the fastest growing in the state of Alabama, the demand for expanded infant and pediatric services is paramount. 

In 2021, East Alabama Medical Center (EAMC) opened a level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and brought two neonatologists on staff, allowing infants requiring specialized care to remain with the families in a setting close to home. Fundraising and support provided by AUDM will help EAMC enhance the NICU’s equipment and expand other services for children and their families.  

“The partnership with the Auburn University Dream Makers is incredibly special and will be instrumental in the expansion of East Alabama Health’s infant and pediatric services,” said Susan Cowart, EAMC Foundation director. “AUDM’s commitment to serving the children and families of our community truly embodies the spirit of the Auburn family. 

“We are so grateful to have AUDM as a partner in helping ensure our youngest patients receive high-quality, compassionate health care," Cowart said. 

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About East Alabama Health

East Alabama Health encompasses East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital in Valley, the Spencer Cancer Center in Opelika, the Auburn Medical Pavilion and a host of other key medical clinics and practices that help provide a continuum of care to patients throughout an 11-county area. EAMC is a 314-bed regional referral hospital that is currently under construction to add 30 critical care beds. EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital provides emergency and outpatient services while its campus also features a nursing home and an ambulatory surgery center. East Alabama Health employs about 3,800 people and is the second largest employer in the region, trailing only Auburn University.