Church Partnership Newsletter October 2014 | Page 2

Infant Mortality Some of the happiest moments parents can experience are the joyful chuckles of their young child as family and friends sing “Happy Birthday!” The light from birthday candles illuminate an otherwise dark room, and colorful balloons and streamers hang randomly around the space, to remind them their child has reached another year of life. However, in Franklin County, about three babies die each week and do not live to celebrate their first birthdays. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Ohio ranks seventh for the most babies born each year. But Ohio slides to the other end of the scale for the number of babies that die each year. Ohio is the fourth worst state for all babies dying, and Ohio ranks last -- or the worst in the country -- for the number of Black baby deaths. As a way to protect the health and improve the lives of all residents, Columbus Public Health (CPH) has made it a strategic priority to reduce the number of babies who are dying in Columbus. Many deaths are a result of babies being born too soon and too small; many are from birth defects. Another leading cause of death is babies dying in unsafe sleep environments. CPH is diligently working to educate neighborhood residents about ways to make babies safe while they sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics’ ABCs of Infant Safe Sleep guidelines will help decrease the number of sleeprelated deaths. The ABCs of Infant Safe Sleep mean that babies one year or younger should sleep A-Alone, B-on their Backs, and C-in a Crib. When parents and caregivers follow these guidelines, it helps ensure more babies are given the best possible chance to celebrate their first birthday. To access Safe Sleep Public Awareness Campagin materials visit: http://columbus.gov/publichealth/programs/Safe-Sleep-forInfants/Infant-Safe-Sleep-Public-Awareness-Campaign-Materials/ MCHS Church Partnerships extends our gratitude to Ms. Nikki Jenkins, MA for sharing this information. Nikki is the Infant Safe Sleep Education Program Manager in the Columbus Public Health's Family Health Division. Contact Nikki Jenkins at 614-645-1762 or [email protected]. What Can You Do?  Be as healthy as possible  Space babies at least 18 months apart   Encourage early prenatal care Have baby sleep Alone, on their Back, and in a Crib   Quit smoking Prevent baby from experiencing 2nd hand smoke  Encourage breastfeeding  Encourage post-partum visits