Thanks to our dedicated Coalition members and many community supporters, Baby Safe Sleep Coalition was able to continue providing needed safe sleep resources to Monroe County families in 2017. Here are just a few of our accomplishments:
Supplied safe sleep brochures (printed courtesy of Xerox Corporation) to the Monroe County Department of Public Health to include in the mailing of 9,747 birth certificates in 2016.*
Provided 8,266 safe sleep take-home kits in 2017 to Monroe County hospital birthing centers for distribution to new parents for a total of 18,984 kits since starting the program in Summer 2015.
Worked with URMC/Golisano Hospital Pediatric Sleep Medicine Services to create an infant sleep tip sheet aimed at reinforcing safe sleep practices while helping parents and baby to get more rest.
Supported the efforts of UR Highland Hospital through our National Cribs for Kids program affiliation in becoming the third hospital in our community to achieve Gold Safe Sleep Champion status – the highest level recognized by the National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program.
Raised nearly $30,000 from events including Baby Safe Sleep Rocks, the BSS Stroll, Alex and Ani Bangles for Babies, and Roc the Day, and received a generous donation from the Glover-Crask Charitable Trust.
Shared free safe sleep educational materials at several community events and with local pediatricians, hospitals and agencies that work with infants and families.
Marked our 10th year of service by evaluating our safe sleep efforts to date, identifying new priorities and setting future goals.
Our Safe Crib Project raised $3,500 and distributed 19 Pack N Play cribs in 2017, serving as an additional resource for hospital social workers and community organizations serving people in need.
Met with Monroe County Executive Office, Department of Public Health and Law Department staff as well as NYS legislators to continue pursuing legislation action on banning the sale of crib bumpers.
As a participating member of the NYS Safe Sleep Task Force, shared local research, messages and best practices that have resulted in more effective statewide safe sleep initiatives.
