The EveryOne Reach One Infant Mortality Task Force is alerting the public about a recent increase in infant deaths in Montgomery County resulting from unsafe sleep practices. So far in 2019, there have been two confirmed deaths and five more pending, that are related to unsafe sleep practices. In 2017-2018, there were a total of ten deaths related to unsafe sleep practices.
“It is critical to remember every safe sleep related infant death is preventable,” said Debbie Lieberman, Montgomery County Commissioner.
EveryOne Reach One would like to remind parents, family members and friends about proper safe sleep procedures. Infants should always sleep Alone, on their Back and in a Crib. There should be nothing loose placed in the crib, such as, blankets or toys which may cause the baby to suffocate. Parents should not sleep with their child, either in bed or on the couch.
It is also important for friends and family members to help remind parents and caregivers about the ABC’s of safe sleep, should they see any conditions that cause concern. “Don’t let this happen to you or your family. It only takes one time for tragedy to strike, said Jewell Good, Assistant Director, Montgomery County Children Services. “We can all do our part to prevent these senseless deaths.”
To help reduce sleep related deaths the EveryOne Reach One Infant Mortality Task Force is launching a Safe Sleep Ambassador Program designed to educate the public regarding safe sleep practices. The program will be managed by Public Health – Dayton & Montgomery County and will encompass a “train the trainer” model to expand safe sleep education throughout Montgomery County by offering training to public and private organizations, including but not limited faith-based organizations.
The Safe Sleep Ambassador Program will incentivize this training and provide refresher training opportunities as needed amongst the participating organizations. EveryOne Reach One will also institute a safe sleep community marketing campaign through its existing partnerships.
Montgomery County residents can also take advantage of Public Health – Dayton & Montgomery County ‘s Cribs for Kids Program that provides free cribs for eligible parents. Call 937- 224-3696 for more information.
Link to article: https://www.phdmc.org/news-release/259-increase-in-infant-sleep-related-deaths
