Thanks to a $2.5 million gift from a family of pediatricians, the birthing experience will be enhanced for mothers and their newborns at Community Regional Medical Center.

The hospital’s parent company announced on Monday morning the donation from the Sang family in honor of Dr. New Sang’s mother, Dr. Orathai Sangrujiveth.

She has provided care to newborns at Community hospitals for more than 37 years.

In recognition of their generosity, the postpartum programs at Community Regional and Clovis Community Medical Center will be named the “Sang Family Postpartum & Newborn Care.”

More than 60% of Fresno County’s babies — about 10,000 each year — are born at the two hospitals

As for the funding, it will enhance the patient experience at Community Regional, including remodeling rooms and adding showers to the bathrooms in the postpartum department downtown. Postpartum is the area where mothers and babies stay after delivery.

Dr. Sang Treats Tiny, Critically Ill Babies

Both physicians have provided care for newborns at Community Regional and Clovis Community. Dr. Sang has also treated the Valley’s tiniest and most critically ill babies in the neonatal intensive care unit at CRMC.

“The best and safest place to give birth in the Central Valley is at Community,” said Dr. Sang at Monday’s event to announce the donation. “The hardest cases get transferred to Community Regional because the doctors and nurses provide the highest level of care there. With the upgraded rooms, the environment will reflect the exceptional care.”

Dr. Sangrujiveth has practiced as a pediatrician in the Central Valley since 1985 and was joined by her son in 2012 when they established Sang Pediatrics together.

Inspiration for Others to Give Back

Dr. Sang hopes his family’s gift inspires other physicians and community members to give back to the hospital.

“This donation is not just an investment in Community Regional. It is an investment in the thousands of babies who will get their start at Sang Family Postpartum & Newborn Care each and every year,” said Craig S. Castro, president and CEO of Community Health System.

Said Katie Zenovich, senior VP for development at CHS: “The Sang family has supported our community’s youngest patients for decades. This remarkable donation will ensure that their family legacy continues for years and years to come.”