What is SIDS?
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the "sudden death of an infant under one year of age which remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation, including:
- performance of a complete autopsy
- examination of the death scene
- review of the clinical history" (Willinger et al., 1991).
Approximately 2,500 infants die each year from SIDS. 112 infants died in Georgia in 2002.
What is the Georgia SIDS Project?
This program is a partnership between the Division of Public Health and the Georgia SIDS Information, Support and Referral Program. Our purpose is to educate families and communities on the risk of SIDS and other infant death. This is done through early prenatal care, prenatal smoking cessation, breast-feeding, reducing heat exhaustion, using firm bedding materials, and assuring a safe sleep environment for babies. Click here for more information about educational campaigns and materials.
How can we help you?
This program provides bereavement support services for Georgia families who have experienced an infant death, as well as training for professionals to support these bereaved families. Click here for more information about support services.
For professionals the program offers DHR approved training classes related to SIDS and OID. These classses include specific presentations geared towards:
- child care professionals
- nurses
- mental health professionals
- health education specialists
- child birth educators
- social service staff
- and others
Brochures, Fact Sheets and other information are available free to the public. Click here to order those materials.
Created
By:
Graduates
of GSU
