Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and Other Infant Death (OID) and Crib Matching Program Information

SIDS Awareness Month

In October of each year, SIDS Awareness Month is observed nationally and in Georgia. This provides an opportunity to involve the entire community in activities that encourage all citizens to be mindful of the safety measures that decrease the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (early prenatal care, prenatal smoking cessation and smoke-free environment, breast-feeding, use of firm bedding materials, and positioning the infant on his back when sleeping.)

The Georgia Public Health SIDS and Other Infant Death Program and the Georgia Sudden Infant Death Information, Support and Referral Project are pleased to join the current national partners in promoting the national Back to Sleep campaign, which encourages new parents to place healthy babies on their backs to sleep.

How can you help promote SIDS Awareness Month?
SIDS Awareness Month is more than just a month on the calendar - it's a time for action! Below is a sampling of the many activities that can be planned for the month of October. For additional ideas on how to implement risk reduction awareness activities in your community, call the Georgia SIDS Project at 678-342-3360 or email gasidsproject@dhr.state.ga.us

Ideas for SIDS Awareness Month activities

• Appearances on local radio and TV programs
• Write a letter to the Editor of your community newspaper
• Distribute "Reduce the Risk of SIDS" brochures, available free from the National Back to Sleep campaign, to expectant and new parents, grandparents and other care givers
• Media spotlight on families who have experienced the devastating sudden and unexpected death of their baby in local newspapers, radio, TV
• Proclamation from local elected officials (city or county government)
• Exhibiting at health fairs & conferences; free brochures, posters, door hangers available from the national Back to Sleep campaign
• Set up poster and brochures at public libraries or book stores, along with related books like the SIDS Survival Guide
• Submit articles and/or copy ready Public Service Announcements to newspapers, magazines, or local professional newsletters.

SIDS E-Zine
Stay updated about SIDS and Other Infant Death risk reduction, training and support activities by signing up to receive the E-Zine from the Georgia SIDS Project.

Georgia SIDS Project Launches Cribs for Kids
A crib donation project for high risk infant when no crib is available in the home.

The Georgia SIDS Project, in conjunction with the Division of Public Health, launched a pilot project in the Albany health district to identify high risk infants that do not have cribs, and through donated funds and state dollars make cribs available to these families. For more information on the Crib for Kids program contact the Georgia SIDS Project at gasids@mindspring.com