Agenda 10/22/2024 Item #16H 2 (Proclamation designating October 2024 as Safe Infant Sleep Month in Collier County)PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, more than 120 infants die every year in Florida because of sleeping in an unsafe
environment, including 50 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, armchairs, 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, 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 2024 be designated as
SAFE INFANT SLEEP MONTH IN COLLIER COUNTY
DONE AND ORDERED THIS 8th Day of October 2024.
Board of County Commissioners
Collier County, Florida
Chris Hall, Chairman
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