October is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Awareness Month

Human Services Agency warns parents about the risk to infants in unsafe sleep environments.

Reno, Nevada. Oct. 10, 2017. The Washoe County Human Services Agency (HSA) is proud to join the national campaign promoting the importance of safe sleep environments for infants during Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Awareness Month throughout October.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the leading cause of death among infants under the age of one in Washoe County. There have been 17 infant deaths in Washoe County since 2013, all due to unsafe sleep situations.

“Washoe County is calling on caregivers, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, babysitters, child care providers, health care providers, and others to reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related causes of infant death by practicing safe sleep habits,” Washoe County Human Services Agency Director Amber Howell said. “We encourage our media partners, local agencies and members of the community to join our cause and raise awareness.”

Cribs for Kids recommends the Safe Sleep ABCs as a way to create a safe sleep environment for infants.

ALONE-Always put your baby to sleep alone

BACK-Always put your baby to sleep on their back

CRIB-Always put your baby to sleep in a crib

Join the campaign on social media by following us @Washoecounty and using #SafeSleep.

Go to the Cribs for Kids website for more information.

REMSA wants to ensure your baby has a safe place to sleep. REMSA continues to work with community partners to help educate the community on safe sleep practices.

If your baby does not have a crib, please call REMSA Cribs for Kids Coordinator, Francisco Ceballos, at

775-353-0727.

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