The Newport News Department of Human Services, in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Health, is offering a Safe Sleep/Crib Class on Thursday, June 15, from 1 p.m.-2 p.m. at the Department of Human Services main office at 6060 Jefferson Avenue in Newport News. Eligible participants can receive a free Pack-N-Play crib and all participants receive a goodie bag of useful baby items.

In a report by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, the majority of Virginia infant deaths in 2015 were related to unsafe sleep environments. This class, open to Newport News residents, can educate parents about what is needed and what steps to take to ensure new babies have a safe sleep space. It may help reduce the risk of both Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) related to unsafe sleep environments.

To qualify for a free Pack-N-Play crib, participants must be:

• a Newport News resident;
• Medicaid or FAMIS eligible or meet program income guidelines;
• a parent or legal guardian of child;
• at the earliest, in the third trimester of pregnancy; and 
• complete the 1 hour class and sign a waiver of liability release form indicating you have taken the Safe Sleep class.

To register, contact Tina Maynard with the Newport News Department of Human Services Healthy Families, Parents as Teachers and CHIP programs at 757-926-6294.