Reducing sudden unexpected infant deaths using innovative approaches

Joanna O'Donnell, BA, GC-C
Karen Nash, MBA

Prematurity is the leading cause of sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) in the U.S.; however, sleep-related deaths are in the top three. Safe sleep messaging has been ongoing since the mid 1990’s, yet sleep-related infant deaths continue to occur.

Our organization implemented three projects designed to capture and elevate the family voice around infant safe sleep practices, increase understanding of family needs and adjust prevention efforts.

1. Sleep Baby Safe Project - 10 local health departments were invited to participate in this project. Participants attended local community events, conversed with families about their current and/or planned infant sleep habits, visually demonstrated what a safe sleep environment looks like and utilized this project to enhance their current prevention efforts. This project made it possible for health department staff to provide education around safe sleep and converse directly with families. Families also were asked to complete a survey as a method to capture first-hand information.

2. Reducing SUID Using a Collaborative Approach – The Alliance partnered with the Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board to survey public health departments, Women, Infants and Children (WIC) clinics and hospitals, in order to understand how infant safe sleep and abusive head trauma (AHT) information was being shared with families. In 2023-24, the survey was piloted to agencies in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin’s most populous county. The survey results revealed inconsistencies about how the agencies interpreted information delivery methods. This survey highlighted the need to offer more training to agencies about infant safe sleep and AHT that should include how to have trusting, nonjudgmental conversations to raise awareness and share information.

3. Reducing Sleep-Related Infant Mortality Impacting African American Communities in Southeast Wisconsin. African American families in Wisconsin experience SUID at a rate nearly four times greater than other families. This project focused on including family voices from impacted communities to help address the issue and to learn what barriers exist for families. The survey was offered to African American caregivers between the ages of 18-30 who were pregnant or caring for an infant under 1 year of age. Families who choose not to follow safe sleep recommendations often include one or more social determinants of health, like unstable or crowded housing, transportation and lack of support; the Alliance’s goal was to learn from families what community and professional support would look like to help address these issues.

Survey results informed state and local prevention efforts for SUID and injury in infant sleep environments.

Taking part in these projects improved collaboration and engagement between local health departments and the community. More than 500 families received education and information on the utilization of the AAP guidelines for infant safe sleep and shared their thoughts first-hand.

1. Learn how SUID impacts communities.
2. Understand how direct conversations with families can help reduce SUIDs.
3. Hear three examples of low cost projects designed to influence the health and safety of infants in local communities.