#SafeSleepWithJFS

About the Program

Category: Children and Youth (Best in Category)

Year: 2022

In 2020, 19 babies died in Hamilton County because they were sleeping in unsafe situations. It was the highest number of unsafe sleeping deaths in a decade. We at Hamilton County Job and Family Services decided to make a serious effort to curb this number. It was an unprecedented community outreach initiative for us that began with a concern about safe sleep, but grew into a great opportunity for community engagement. Caseworkers walked neighborhoods, talking about all the ways we are able to help people. Caseworkers attended 10 neighborhood events in the summer and fall of 2021, passing out more than 500 sleep sacks and swaddles - safe sleep clothing that keep babies warm without the risk of suffocation from blankets. The safe sleep attire was packed in new reusable tote bags with our logo with safe sleep instructions, some diapers and other baby items. We printed "My baby is worth it" and "My little brother is worth it" Tshirts that emphasized that practicing safe sleep, while it might be difficult when parents are tired and busy, is worth it when baby celebrates its first birthday.