VCU Health System Raises Awareness of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

By Malorie Burkett

The Virginia Commonwealth University Children's Medical Center and the Hayes Hitzeman Foundation are providing a tangible reminder to anyone who cares for a baby about the safest sleeping position for infants in order to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

The VCU Children's Medical Center Newborn Nursery will hold a SIDS Awareness briefing on Wednesday, Sept. 13 at 1 p.m. in Main Hospital, 1250 E. Marshall St.

A group of newborn babies wearing T-shirts bearing the phrase "This Side Up" will highlight the message from representatives of the VCU Medical Center's Newborn Nursery and pediatric emergency room who will talk about SIDS awareness.

The Hayes Hitzeman Foundation – a non-profit organization that raises funds for SIDS research, launched the "This Side Up" campaign earlier this year to educate parents and caregivers that babies are at less of a risk for SIDS if they are placed on their backs for nap or bedtime.

In addition to the briefing, the foundation will hold its annual fundraiser event this Saturday at the Science Museum of Virginia. For more information, visit http://www.hayesfoundation.org/events.htm.

According to the National SIDS/Infant Death Resource Center, SIDS is the major cause of death in infants from one month to one year of age, with most deaths occurring between two and four months. SIDS researchers and clinicians continue to try to identify risk factors that can be modified or controlled to reduce an infant's risk for SIDS.

Members of the media will need to be escorted to the newborn nursery. Please contact Malorie Janis at 804.827.0889 if planning to attend.