Sleep-related deaths are the leading cause of death for infants over 28 days and claim 3,500 lives each year in the United States. According to the most recent data provided by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the Kansas 2021 infant mortality rate (IMR) was 5.3 per 1,000 live births. This means nearly 200 babies did not survive to celebrate their first birthday.
The good news is that overall, the infant rate has declined significantly from 2002 to 2021. Furthermore, the 2022 Kansas State Child Death Review Board reported that 58% of all Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths (SUID) were found sleeping in an adult bed and 98% of the SIDS deaths had one or more factors contributing to an unsafe sleep environment.
“Too many babies are dying, which means too many families are grieving” says Christy Schunn,
Executive Director of Kansas Infant Death and SIDS (KIDS) Network. “While we have made progress over the last ten years, the KIDS Network remains committed to working with partners across Kansas to continue intervention efforts to decrease infant mortality and protect the lives of our state’s youngest and most vulnerable population.”
Together with Cottonwood District and Infant Toddler Services- Kid Link, the KIDS Network will host a Safe Sleep Community Baby Shower, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, April 5, at St. Nicholas Church, 2901 E. 13th St. in Hays. Community Baby Showers are an interactive and educational event for expectant parents or new parents (under six months) and their support people to learn the ABCs of Safe Sleep—all babies should sleep Alone, on their Backs, and in Clutter-free Crib. The pregnant women who attend the shower and receive the safe sleep training will receive a free portable crib and a wearable blanket, based on availability. Breastfeeding, tobacco awareness, and mental health resources will be available in addition to many other vendors who will have giveaways and door prizes. Refreshments will be served. Do you know someone who could benefit? Encourage them to attend the Safe Sleep Community Baby Shower in either Barton or Ellis County. Educational sessions begin every 15 minutes from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Pre and post surveys will be required to receive crib and wearable blanket. To sign up for the Ellis County Community Baby Shower visit: bit.ly/ellisco-communitybabyshower
Barton County Health Department and Kansas Children’s Services League Healthy Families will be co-hosting the Barton County Community Baby Shower from 4 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday April 24. This event is at an indoor location this year at the Great Bend Events Center. Over 20 different organizations will be providing information for attendees. Door prize drawings will be held during the event. Safe sleep demonstrations will be presented throughout the event. Pregnant women or those with infants 6 months of age and under who complete the safe sleep pre- and post-test as well as the safe sleep demonstration will receive a portable crib and sleep sack until supplies run out. We will also be providing a car seat check lane in the parking lot. Certified Car Seat Technicians are available to teach attendees to properly install car seats. Technicians can also check already installed car seats to make sure they are installed properly. Tdap vaccine will be available to pregnant women or caregivers to protect newborns from pertussis. Nurses will be available to check immunization records for attendees and make recommendations if vaccines are due.
Come check out the local resources for new families at the Great Bend Events Center from 4 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 24.
The KIDS Network is a nonprofit agency serving individuals who have been touched by the tragedy of infant death or SIDS in Kansas and those individuals or organizations who strive to reduce the risk of infant deaths by providing supportive services, community education, professional training and supporting associated research.
Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.
