Governor Tomblin Proclaims September 'Infant Safe Sleep Month'

Press Release

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin today joined First Lady Joanne Jaeger Tomblin to proclaim September as "Infant Safe Sleep Month," part of West Virginia's Our Babies: Safe and Sound campaign, a statewide educational program to support parents and caregivers of infants with the support they need to keep babies safe while sleeping with a special emphasis on preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome.

"There are a number of important steps parents can take when caring for their children, and I'm proud West Virginia joins states across the country to raise awareness about the importance of safe sleeping techniques," Gov. Tomblin said. "The Our Babies: Safe and Sound campaign is a collaborative effort between hospitals and community partners to not only identify unsafe sleep practices, but also provide helpful and informational resources to new parents and families across the Mountain State."

As part of Infant Safe Sleep Month and the Our Babies: Safe and Sound statewide campaign, First Lady Joanne Jaeger Tomblin also announced a tour of partner hospitals across West Virginia participating in the educational programs. The campaign is a project of TEAM for West Virginia Children and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources.

"Unsafe sleep conditions are a leading cause of death for West Virginia infants in the first year of life," First Lady Tomblin said. "By working with hospitals across the state to increase awareness of conditions that lead to unsafe sleep and providing parents and caregivers with educational resources, I hope we can encourage parents to learn more about this important topic, in turn saving the lives of West Virginia children."

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