About Emee
Hello! My name is Emee Baldwin and I am the founder of Poppy’s Purpose. I graduated from the University of Alabama in Huntsville with a B.S. in Nursing while competing as a pole vaulter on the track team. Currently, I am an Neonatal ICU nurse pursuing my Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. Outside of school, I participate in the Miss America Organization and will be competing in Miss Alabama during summer 2023. When I am not involved in these activities, I enjoy being outside and playing with my pets Griffin and Fat Louie. My greatest joy comes from spending time with my family on our small farm in Alabama.
“I understand the importance of holistic health, which considers the whole patient. It is comprised of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. It is my goal that every patient across the board has holistic health, and I believe this starts with patient advocacy.”
— Emee Baldwin
What Is Poppy’s Purpose?
In the winter of 2020, my beloved Poppy, my grandfather, was diagnosed with Covid-19. During the weeks Poppy was in the hospital, all visitors were prohibited. He fought his battle alone, with no one to advocate for his needs, provide him encouragement, or give him the comfort he so desperately needed. Our supportive, loving, tight knit family was forced to stay home while he struggled alone in the hospital. The day he passed was the day I was finally allowed to see him, but at that point it was too late. The weeks leading to that day were agonizing. Although more than 10,000 Alabama families had already experienced the same forced separation, I knew that I never wanted another person to struggle through this ordeal.
Emee Baldwin, founder of Poppy’s Purpose with grandparents, Bonnie and Harold Sachs
Losing my Poppy was the catalyst for my advocacy, but my desire to help others does not begin and end with Covid-19 patients. Advocates are essential for vulnerable populations. Twenty-six percent of people in the US are disabled, and nearly one in five people suffer from a mental illness. Roughly 35% of these people do not receive adequate treatment. Consider nursing homes where 1.3 million people currently live and over 40% of these patients reported abuse in their care facility. The truth is that when anyone is sick enough, they are unable to adequately advocate for their own care and well-being. Everyone has the right to an advocate of their choosing, by their side, to ensure they are receiving the best care possible, even in a pandemic.
As a nursing major, I understand the importance of holistic health. It is composed of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. It is my purpose that every patient across the board has holistic health, and I believe this starts with patient advocacy.
Emee Baldwin, founder of Poppy’s Purpose with (left to right) grandmother Bonnie Sachs, aunt Debbie Sachs Alvis, and State Representative Tracy Estes