Children’s of Alabama doubles critical care capacity with Norfolk Southern support

Families across Alabama will soon have greater access to lifesaving pediatric care, thanks to a donation made to Children’s of Alabama. Norfolk Southern President and CEO Mark George presented a $450,000 donation to the children’s hospital in support of its critical care unit expansion and health care education programs at a check ceremony held at the Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children on Nov. 14.

Why it matters

• The donation will help double the size of the hospital’s critical care space, equipping it with state-of-the-art technology and resources to serve more children in need.
• Funding for two simulation manikins will strengthen the Community Healthcare Education Simulation Program, enabling staff to train parents and rural health care professionals in caring for critically ill or injured children.

Extending impact across Birmingham

The Children’s of Alabama donation reflects one of several ways NS is working alongside partners to support the Birmingham community.

• Partnering with Habitat for Humanity: 25 company employees recently volunteered with Habitat for Humanity Birmingham to build a new home, along with a donation of $100,000 to support the nonprofit’s mission of providing safe, stable housing for local families.
• Celebrating first responders: NS employees joined the Irondale Fire Department to celebrate a $15,000 Safety First Grant that funded new critical gear for disaster response.
• Supporting heroes: Earlier this year, we sponsored the World Police and Fire Games, where the Norfolk Southern Lawmen Band performed and two special agents proudly earned medals.

What they’re saying

“Norfolk Southern is honored to support Children’s of Alabama as they expand their Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and enhance simulation training,” said Mark George, President and CEO of Norfolk Southern. “This gift is inspired by the families and care teams whose stories remind us that behind every hospital bed in this system is a child with dreams, a family with hope, and a team fighting for their future.”

“We are grateful to Norfolk Southern for their generous support, which will have a lasting impact on the care we provide to our patients,” said Tom Shufflebarger, President and CEO of Children’s of Alabama. “This generous donation underscores Norfolk Southern’s commitment to improving the health and well-being of children and families in Alabama and across the Southeast. By ensuring that medical teams and families are better equipped to deliver world-class care through training and simulation, this gift will help improve patient outcomes and reinforces the hospital's dedication to providing exceptional care for children for years to come.”