Backup Documents 10/10/2023 Item # 4B PROCLAMATION
It C.)
WHEREAS, more than 200 infants die every year in Florida because of sleeping in an
unsafe environment, including 49 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, 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, 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 more than a 66% 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 2023 be designated as
SAFE INFANT SLEEP MONTH IN COLLIER COUNTY
DONE AND ORDERED THIS 10th Day of October 2023.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA
/(-- .
RICK LOCH O, CHAIRMAN