PREVIOUS COVERAGE
• 6 Montgomery County projects aimed at preventing infant deaths
• Health groups plan Dayton hub to prevent infant deaths
• Ohio infant death rate declines but still remains high
“It is critical to remember every safe sleep related infant death is preventable,” said Jeff Cooper, Montgomery County Health Commissioner.
In 2019, there were 10 infant deaths related to unsafe sleep practices in Montgomery County.
Safe Sleep Ambassador participants are only required to attend one training session. The classes are free and will take place at the Drew Health Center, located at 1323 W. Third St. in Dayton from 9 – 11 a.m., either March 28, April 25, May 30, or June 27.
Light refreshments will be served. To register visit www.phdmc.org and click on events. For questions about the program contact Angela Grayson at (937) 496-6831.
Babies should sleep alone, with no other adults or siblings, and with no toys, blankets, pillows or bumpers in the crib.
Caregiver exhaustion can also play a role. A tired caregiver can be feeding a baby, fall asleep and accidently roll over on to a baby. Health officials have recommended if a caregiver is feeding their baby and is alone and tired, they should set an alarm to reduce the chance of this happening.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Gov. Mike DeWine on Ohio’s infant deaths: ‘This must stop’
The Montgomery County Coroner’s Office continues to see infant deaths related to unsafe sleep habits, leading to the launch of a new public safety announcement campaign to reinforce education on the ABC’s of safe sleep.
“Infants have not developed enough strength to pull air in or push air out when the chest or abdomen becomes compressed or when the mouth or nose is obstructed,” said Dr. Kent Harshbarger, Montgomery County Coroner. “It takes very little pressure or weight on the infant to prevent them from breathing normally.”
About the Author