Backup Documents 10/22/2019 Item # 4B 48
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, more than 200 infants die every year in Florida because of sleeping in an unsafe
environment, including 47 infant deaths that have occurred in Collier County
since 2000; these deaths are preventable, and our goal in Florida and Collier
County is zero deaths from this cause; and,
WHEREAS, infants can suffocate because of sleeping in an adult bed or on other dangerous
sleep surfaces, such as couches, arm chairs or pillows, or by sleeping with
parents, siblings, caregivers or pets; and,
WHEREAS, infants sleep safest when sleeping alone, on their back, in a crib, bassinet or
portable play yard with a firm mattress and a tightly fitted sheet with no other
items, and when they are appropriately dressed for sleep; and,
WHEREAS, breastfeeding and smoke-free homes are encouraged, because they are
associated with fewer sleep-related infant deaths; and,
WHEREAS, the Florida Department of Health in Collier County, NCH Safe and Healthy
Children's Coalition, Health Care Network of Southwest Florida, Florida
Department of Children and Families, Safe Kids of Southwest Florida,
Lighthouse Pediatrics of Naples, Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida,
Collier County Sheriff's Office, Healthy Start of Southwest Florida, American
SIDS Institute and Charlie's Kids are working collaboratively through the Collier
County Safe Sleep Committee to raise awareness of the important steps
parents, grandparents, relatives, and all child care providers can take to keep
infants safe every time they sleep. Since the committee started in 2010 there
has been a 37% decrease in unsafe sleep deaths in Collier County.
NOW THEREFORE, be it proclaimed by the Board of County Commissioners of Collier
County, Florida, that October be designated as
SAFE INFANT SLEEP MONTH IN COLLIER COUNTY
DONE AND ORDERED THIS 22rd Day of October 2019.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSION 'S
COLLIER o • FLORIDA
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� W LLIAM L. MCDANIEL, JR., CHAIRMAN