Providence Portland NICU places second in international reading competition

_{Above: Barbara Gillespie, RN, and Jennifer Burrows, chief executive of Providence Oregon, with the read-a-thon’s Baby Bug-themed poster.} 

October 2026

Providence Portland Medical Center’s NICU placed second among 205 NICUs worldwide in the Babies With Books read-a-thon, highlighting how reading can bring comfort and connection to newborns and their families.

NICU nurse Barbara Gillespie, RN, championed the effort, encouraging caregivers, parents and Providence leaders to read to newborns. Jennifer Burrows, chief executive of Providence Oregon, was one of those leaders, joining families in the NICU to help read children’s books to their newborns.

“I wanted to see if executives would come down and read to the babies. So far, we’ve had a huge number volunteering their time,” Barbara says.

Reading to newborns has a positive effect on everyone involved. In addition to reducing drops in a newborn's oxygen levels, it creates a healthy habit that helps bond parents and babies from day one.

“The read-a-thon helps parents bond with their baby while relieving stress. It also starts them on a nice routine that they can continue when they go home,” Barbara says.“

Barbara has championed Providence Portland's participation in the program. A NICU nurse for 45 years, she’s worked in nearly every U.S. state, London, England and South Africa. Barbara fell in love with Providence Portland after experiencing the quality care we provide families firsthand. That was eight years ago.

Now approaching retirement, Barbara feels proud to have helped spotlight her team while creating meaningful opportunities for caregivers and families to connect through reading.

 “One person cannot do this alone, so success involves motivating the staff and patients. It’s a real team effort where nurses and caregivers are helping read to babies and encouraging parents,” she says.

^{Above:  Barbara, dressed in her Baby Bug mascot onesie, visits families with treats and ice cream to share.}

A shared moment of care

For Jennifer Burrows, chief executive of Providence Oregon, the visit was an opportunity to connect personally with families.

“Holding your newborn in your arms and reading — it’s these little things that let mothers share a tender moment,” she says.

A former labor and delivery nurse, Jennifer reflected on the sacred time she shared with families and their newborns during her visit.

 “It was a joy to spend a bit of time in my day alongside these families,” Jennifer says. “I left feeling more blessed than the blessings I provided.”

^{Above: Jennifer reads “Stellaluna” to newborn Nhiveli.}

Related

• Schedule an appointment with Providence Portland Medical Center.
• Read recent news about the Timbers visiting patients and families at Providence Portland Medical Center.
• See more of Barbara, who helped lead the Babies With Books competition in the NICU during 2025.