Unsafe sleep environments can increase infant deaths
In an effort to help reduce the risk of sudden infant deaths due to unsafe sleeping conditions, the Department of Human Services has partnered with the Virginia Department of Health to offer a free Safe Sleep Class for residents of Newport News. The goal is to provide all new babies in the city with a safe sleep space. According to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner’s Annual Report, the majority of infant deaths in Virginia in 2015 were related to unsafe sleep environments.
Participants who complete the one hour class and meet the qualifications below will receive a free Pack-N-Play crib along with other goodies for their new baby. The class takes place at the Department of Human Services main office at 6060 Jefferson Avenue in Newport News, on Tuesday, December 12, from 1 - 2:00 p.m.
To qualify for a free Pack-N-Play crib, applicants must be:
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Residents of Newport News;
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Medicaid or FAMIS eligible or meet program income guidelines;
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Must not have any safe sleep place for your baby;
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Must be pregnant or have a new baby;
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The parent or legal guardian of the child;
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At least in the third trimester of pregnancy (seven to nine months along); and
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Must sign a waiver of liability release form.
Those interested in attending the class can register by calling Tina Maynard with the Newport News Department of Human Services at 757-926-6294. For more information about safe sleep visit the Virginia Department of Health
Safe Sleep Virginia website.