PREVENT CHILD DEATH IN THE BIRTH TO THREE POPULATIONS
01/15/2010
BIRMINGHAM (January 4, 2010) - Mike Warren, CEO of Children's Hospital, will welcome over fifteen non-profit agencies, nine area hospitals, the Department of Human Resources, the Alabama Board of Nursing, the Department of Public Health, the Department of Mental Health, law enforcement, neighborhood associations, local businesses, the faith community, volunteers, colleges and universities, the Mayor's office, District Attorney's office, and civic organizations to announce a major effort to protect Jefferson County's children on Wednesday, January 6, 2010 at Children's Hospital in the Bradley Lecture Center.
Shaken Baby Syndrome and Unsafe Sleeping Environments are the leading cause of preventable child death in the newborn to three year old age group in Alabama. Jefferson County leads the state in the highest percentage of these deaths. The Jefferson County Pilot Project, led by the Department of Child Abuse Prevention and under the umbrella of the First Lady Patsy Riley's Infant Vitality Initiative, is bringing Jefferson County community partners together to develop a plan that will streamline prevention efforts to impact the problem.
A comprehensive model to prevent child death in the newborn to three year old population has been developed through this project. A coordinated system of services, to include educational materials and a public awareness campaign, will inform the community and provide a toll free number to call for help.
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For more information contact Jana White, 205-531-3703
