A large part of FLOURISH’s safe sleep efforts centers around helping St. Louis hospitals model safe sleep practices at their facilities. In late August, BJC, Mercy, SSM Health and other community organization representatives held a roundtable discussion on the importance of implementing the Cribs for Kids National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program in regional hospitals.
As of now, SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital is the only hospital in St. Louis that has achieved and maintained gold level certification status. Medical Director David Wathen and Injury Prevention Nurse Lori Winkler from SSM Health Cardinal Glennon shared their experiences with the program. Infant Loss Resources also provided information about how it can support the hospitals and train staff members on a standard curriculum that should be used across the region. To continue the momentum, additional roundtable discussions will be held in the future.
Additionally, FLOURISH St. Louis will host its bi-annual Safe Sleep Summit at Missouri Foundation for Health on November 15 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. This free program educates advocacy groups, service providers and community members on best safe sleep practices for infants. Keynote speaker Dr. Rachel Moon, a SIDS research investigator from the University of Virginia Health System, will address behavioral risk factors affecting sleep-related infant deaths. Register below for this free event.
