BALTIMORE, MD (August 16, 2016) – Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen issued the following statement in response to a new study published in the journal Pediatrics, which found that most parents place infants in unsafe sleep environments.

“The study published in Pediatrics this week demonstrates the need for programs like B’more for Healthy Babies, an initiative led by the Baltimore City Health Department since 2009 that convenes 150 public and private partners around a common goal: decreasing our city’s infant mortality rate. Sleep-related deaths are largely preventable, and we have a moral imperative to ensure that families have the knowledge and resources so that babies can thrive.

“B’more for Healthy Babies relies on credible messengers to share clear and concise information about safe sleep practices via mass media campaigns, community outreach and engagement, and provider education. The messages encourage parents to put their babies to sleep following the A-B-C method: ‘On their Back. In a Crib. Don’t smoke. No Exceptions.’ Combined with improved public policies, efficient use of community resources, and home visiting programs, along with other services, B’more for Healthy Babies has been extremely successful.

“In 2009, Baltimore had one of the worst infant mortality rates in the United States. As a result of this work, Baltimore’s infant mortality rate dropped by 28 percent within six years, while the number of infants dying in their sleep reduced by half and the disparity between black and white infant deaths dropped by 40 percent.

“Researchers state that the study’s findings suggest the need to improve public education efforts about safe sleep practices.

“By implementing the strategies employed by B’more for Healthy Babies, jurisdictions across the country can help keep babies safe.”