Funded Projects

Rural Alabama Safe Sleep Initiative

Project Year

2023

City & State

Birmingham, Alabama

Program Name

CATCH Implementation

Topic

Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID)

Program Description

Problem: According to most recent CDC data, Alabama ranks #1 in the nation for infant mortality. We continue to see significant rates of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)/ Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome (SUIDS), and reported unsafe sleep practices. Alabama also ranks 47th in overall child wellbeing, and nearly 24% of Alabama children live in poverty (AL Kids Count Data Book). Lack of access to pediatric care, lack of awareness/education, and lack of physical resources all contribute to these dire circumstances. This is especially true in rural areas of the state. -Primary Setting: The project will focus on rural Alabama counties with lack of access to pediatric care. The primary target will be families living in Lowndes and Bullock Counties, which have the highest infant mortality rates in the state, as well as surrounding counties with demonstrated need (Autauga, Macon, Montgomery). Intervention will be provided in the target populations’ homes, in child care centers, and other locations to reach a broad audience and ensure that all resources and education provided are being utilized to the fullest extent. -Number of Children Affected: In 2019, there were 4,270 live births in the five counties listed above. Of these, 973 (approximately 23%) were determined to have had inadequate prenatal care (APDH data). As we know, all infants are at risk for SIDS/SUIDS, though infant mortality rates are higher for low-income communities and people of color. -Project Goal: To increase infant health and well-being and combat infant mortality by providing education and tools for infant safe sleep in underserved Alabama communities. -Proposed Intervention: To forge partnerships and train local agents to provide infant safe sleep services for expecting and new mothers in the home, and increase distribution of safe sleep materials for underserved families. -Anticipated Outcomes: We hope to reach approximately 400 families during the project period to improve safe sleep knowledge and equip families to better care for their infants. The intended outcome is to work to improve infant mortality rates in this area, though this indicator cannot necessarily be measured in the short-term. However, we know that safe sleep practices help to prevent SIDS/SUIDS, so we feel confident that these interventions will be effective in working towards this goal.

Project Goal

Increase infant health and well-being and combat infant mortality by coordinating education and tools for infant safe sleep in underserved Alabama communities.

Project Objective 1

Engage/train at least 10 medical practices and/or program partners in the program in the 12-month period.

Project Objective 2

Coordinate the distribution of infant safety tools and/or educational materials for approximately 400 families during the 12-month award period, such as portable cribs, print materials, and sleep sacks.

Project Objective 3

Track outcome measures for families receiving in-person services, such as number of sleep-related Emergency Department visits, and any reported SIDS/SUIDS incidents or deaths, during the project period, aiming for less than 2 reported incidents.

AAP District

District X

Institutional Name

Children's of Alabama

Contact 1

Jennifer McCain

Contact 2

Kathy Monroe