Barrett and Commissioner of Health Bevan Baker, along with the Infant Mortality Health Care Collaborative, commend Next Door Foundation for being an Infant Safe Sleep Community Partner.
Community Rallies Around Infant Safe Sleep Message
By Karen Herzog of the Journal Sentinel
Sept. 21, 2011 |(0) Comments
Mayor Tom Barrett and Commissioner of Health Bevan Baker applauded members of 38 organizations Wednesday for participating in a training program to learn more about infant mortality and the recommended infant safe sleep practices.
Each organization committed to educating its staff and the community it serves about infant safe sleep practices. Unsafe sleep is the most preventable type of infant death, according to Baker.
The recognition event was held at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare -- St. Joseph Hospital, where the health department's first annual Infant Mortality Summit was held last year with a focus on safe sleep practices. Unsafe sleep environments are responsible for nearly 20% of infant deaths each year in Milwaukee, Barrett reminded those at the event.
Babies who sleep in an adult bed have a significantly greater risk of SIDS and suffocation than babies who sleep alone in a crib or bassinette.
Last year's summit produced several recommendations from participants, and an Infant Safe Sleep Workgroup, led by the health department, was formed to move those recommendations forward.
The group created a six-step process to assist community organizations with spreading one clear message about safe sleep practices: All infants sleep safest on their backs, in their own crib with no blankets, pillows or other soft items in their environment.
Baker said Wednesday that the health department, alone, cannot educate the community.
Among the organizations who received certificates for participating in the safe sleep practice program:
Columbia St. Mary’s (Women’s Hospital, Family Health Center and OB/GYN Residency Clinic), Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare – St. Joseph’s Hospital Perinatal Services, Aurora Family Service/Family Enrichment Program, Children’s Community Health Plan, Next Door Foundation, Community Connect Health Plan, United Healthcare Community Plan, Milwaukee Health Services, Milwaukee Center for Independence, Progressive Community Health Centers, Molina Healthcare, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee College of Nursing Institute for Urban Health Partnerships Community Nursing Centers, Wisconsin Association for Perinatal Care, Rosalie Manor, Wisconsin Department of Health Services: Milwaukee WIC Program, Children’s Service Society of Wisconsin, Social Development Commission, Professionals Services Group, Children’s Health Alliance of Wisconsin and the Downtown Health Center Pediatric Clinic-Medical College of Wisconsin.