Ascension St. John is proud to announce that it has achieved certification as a Gold Cribs for Kids® National Safe Sleep Hospital. This certification recognizes our healthcare team members’ commitment to best practices in infant safe sleep, ensuring the highest standards of care for our youngest patients. By earning this certification, St. John demonstrates adherence to rigorous guidelines established by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Cribs for Kids® is a national safe sleep initiative dedicated to reducing infant mortality. “Sleep related deaths are the number one reason we lose our babies each year—3,400 infants annually”, said Michael H. Goodstein, M.D., neonatologist and medical director at Cribs for Kids, adding, “we know that parents do at home what they see done in the hospital so modeling safe sleep and providing education to families will have an impact on infant mortality. The Cribs for Kids program recognizes hospitals making this commitment.”
According to the most recent data, Oklahoma has the 7th highest rate of sudden unexplained infant death syndrome (SUIDS) in the United States and continues to rank poorly in infant mortality rates compared to other states.
“Our team worked incredibly hard to earn this recognition, and it truly reflects the priority we place on safe sleep and the care of our babies,” said Ashlee Campbell, Nursing Director of Women and Children’s Services. “We are committed to ensuring every newborn and infant at Ascension St. John’s Medical Center receives the highest level of care, including following safe sleep practices that align with the guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics,” Campbell added.
Judy Bannon, CEO, and founder of Cribs for Kids explains, “The National Infant Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program launched in 2015. It is rooted in the Safe Sleep Recommendations made by American Academy of Pediatrics and the research that demonstrates families do at home what they see done in the hospital. There are over 500 infant safe sleep certified hospitals across the country and beyond. We are proud to welcome Ascension St. John to our program. It will have a profound effect on saving babies’ lives.”
For more information about Cribs for Kids® National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program, visit, www.cribsforkids.org/hospitalcertification
