Jackson County Safe Sleep Coalition

The mission of the Jackson County Safe Sleep Coalition is to reduce the number of preventable infant deaths within the county resulting from unsafe practices.

Each year approximately two - three babies die in Jackson County due to unsafe sleep practices and these deaths are 100% preventable.  Sleep related deaths account fro approximately 17% of Jackson County Infant deaths. 
  
The Jackson County Safe Sleep Coalition formed in 2003, is comprised of health and human service organizations in the Jackson community committed to reducing the number of infant deaths related to unsafe sleep practices and environments. The goal of JCSSC is to increase awareness of safe infant sleep practices and decrease the number of infant deaths by providing education about modifiable risk factors.

Safe Sleep Steps

The Jackson County Safe Sleep Coalition recommends the following safe sleep steps endorsed by the Michigan Department of Community Health and the American Academy of Pediatrics to help reduce the risk of sleep related deaths:

• Baby sleeps by him or herself in a crib, portable crib or bassinet.
• Always put baby to sleep on his or her back even when he can roll over.
• Nothing in the sleep area. No pillows, blankets, bumper pads, comforters, stuffed animals or other soft things.
• Keep baby's face uncovered during sleep for easy breathing. Use a sleeper instead of a blanket.
• Don't allow anyone to smoke anything around baby.
• Don't overheat the baby. Dress the baby in as much or as little clothing as you are wearing.
• Use a firm mattress with a tightly fitted sheet.
• Use this Do's and Don'ts list for further help

Babies Enjoying Safe Sleep (BESS) Crib Program

The Babies Enjoying Safe Sleep (BESS) crib program provides cribs or play yards to high risk, low income families participating in the Maternal Infant Health Program at the Jackson County Health Department

A representative from the JCSSC is available to provide more information or presentations to local providers of children's services and parent / caregiver community groups to increase awareness of infant sleep environments.