Press Release: Safe Sleep

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  December 15, 2011
Contacts: Amy Cornell, Health Information Officer, Santa Clara County Public Health
Phone: (408) 792-5155
Amy.Cornell@phd.sccgov.org

Avo Makdessian, Associate Director, First 5 Santa Clara County
Phone: (408) 260-3777
avo@first5kids.org

RECENT INFANT DEATHS LEAD TO IMMEDIATE LAUNCH OF SAFE SLEEP AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
Mother speaks about the tragic loss of her child and urges other parents to put their infants to sleep safely

San Jose, California:  According to the Santa Clara County Public Health Department, 3 infant deaths have been caused by unsafe sleeping practices in the county this year and 41 infant deaths within the last six years.

To prevent any more tragic deaths due to unsafe sleeping practices, FIRST 5 Santa Clara County has partnered with the Santa Clara County Medical Examiner’s Office and the Public Health Department, to launch a Safe Sleep Awareness Campaign. The goal of the campaign is to ensure that every parent and caregiver is aware of and prepared to adopt lifesaving safe sleep practices for their infant.

“Unsafe sleep practices have been the cause of one third of the deaths of Santa Clara County infants since 2005,” said Dr. Michelle Jorden, Assistant Medical Examiner. “Thorough examinations that include working with families to re-enact the baby’s sleeping situation have provided us with the data we need to fully understand unsafe sleep situations. Now, it is crucial that we teach all parents and caregivers what must be done to keep their babies safe while sleeping.”

During the joint press conference on Thursday at a FIRST 5 Family Resource Center, Dr. Louis Girling and Dr. Michelle Jorden, physicians leading the County’s Child Death Review Team, spoke on the causes and circumstances surrounding deaths of children in Santa Clara County due to unsafe sleeping practices. A mother also shared her tragic story about the loss of her baby due to unsafe sleeping practices.

“The only way to put a baby to sleep safely is alone, on his or her back, and in a crib or bassinet,” said Deputy Health Officer Dr. Louis Girling. “It’s so important for people to be aware of the dangers of sharing a bed with an infant, and to make sure the baby’s sleeping space is clear of things like toys, blankets, or pillows.”

FIRST 5 Chief Executive Officer, Jolene Smith introduced the Safe Sleep Campaign which will spread safe sleep messages throughout shopping malls, bus ads and radio public service announcements in the county. FIRST 5 will also be donating infant one-piece pajamas, or “onesies,” with a safe sleep messages to birthing hospitals for distribution to new parents

“These deaths are heartbreaking,” said Jolene Smith.  “We must remember that unsafe sleeping practices can be prevented, and together we will help ensure that another precious life is not lost due to unsafe sleeping environments and practices.”

For more information on Safe Sleep Practices please visit: www.first5kids.org or www.sccphd.org. 

About FIRST 5 Santa Clara County

FIRST 5 Santa Clara County is committed to the healthy development of children in their first five years. Established in 1998 through funding from California’s Proposition 10, the “tobacco tax,” FIRST 5 Santa Clara County distributes millions of tobacco tax dollars annually to programs and services that positively impact the lives of children and families in Santa Clara County.  For more information on FIRST 5, visit www.first5kids.org or call (408) 260-3700.