Columbus Kappa Foundation presents SIDS Sunday in celebration of Father’s Day
Fraternity calls all parents and grandparents and other caregivers to help reduce Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and other sleep-related causes of infant death
What: Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. SIDS Sunday
When: Sunday, June 18 at 10 a.m. during Sunday service
Where: Mt. Hermon Missionary Baptist Church, 2283 Sunbury Rd, Columbus, OH 43219
About the Event: COLUMBUS, OHIO – In honor of Father’s Day, the Fatherhood Matters Program, Columbus Kappa Foundation, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. and the Global Infant Safe Sleep Center (GISS) will give a special presentation to encourage grandparent, in particular, and other caregivers to help keep babies safe by place babies on their back to sleep and to follow other safe sleep guidelines that help prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and accidental deaths.
“We’re doing all we can to promote healthy lifestyles and reduce infant mortality in Ohio and in African American communities across the nation,” said Nathaniel Jordan II, Executive Director, Fatherhood Matters and the Columbus Kappa Foundation. “Men, particularly fathers, have an important role in being able to teach other men how to reduce SIDS and other sleep-related causes of infant death.
In Ohio, according to the 2015 data released by the Ohio Department of Health, a total of 1,005 infants died before their first birthday. Racial disparities persist with black infants dying at nearly three times the rate of white infants.
“Too many babies are dying,” said Stacy Scott, PhD, executive director, Global Infant Safe Sleep Center. “There are protective measures parents and caregivers can take to reduce the risk of this happening to their baby and we want to get that message out here in Ohio.”
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents and caregivers follow these guidelines:
- Babies should always sleep on their backs, at nighttime and naptime. Tummy and side sleeping are not
- Use a safety approved crib with a firm mattress and a tight-fitting sheet for sleep.Room share with your baby by making sure their crib is placed near your bed for at least the first 6 months.
- Do not share a bed or couch with your baby. Make sure your baby has its own separate sleep space. Never let your baby sleep on soft surfaces such as adult beds, water beds, sofas, chairs, comforters and
- Keep all soft bedding out of your baby’s crib. This includes loose bedding, stuffed animals and bumper
- Avoid overheating. Dress your baby like you would dress and keep theroom temperature comfortable, not too
- Pregnant women should receive regular prenatal
- Do not smoke during or after your pregnancy and avoid exposure to second hand smoke. These put your baby at a greater risk of dying from
- Avoid alcohol and illicit drug use during pregnancy and after
- Breastfeeding is
- Use a pacifier at naptime and nighttime after breastfeeding has been
- Do not use commercial devises marketed to reduce the risk of SIDS such as wedges and positioners. None have been proven safe or effective.
Contact:
Nathaniel Jordan II
614.515.0329
Karla Coleman
248.978.3280