The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #61605

Kimberlee Wyche-Etheridge, MD, MPH and Margaret Peggy Cox, RN, MSN. Division of Child and Adolescent Health, Metro Nashville Public Health Department, 311 23rd Ave North, Nashville, TN 37203, 615-340-5614, kimberlee.wyche@nashville.gov

Nashville, Davidson County, learned from its Perinatal Periods of Risk analysis that infant health was a major contributor to our high infant mortality Rate. Data from our Child Death Review team further indicated that Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, as well as, deaths occurring while co-sleeping with an adult made up a large portion of all regional postnatal deaths. Using this information the multidisciplinary infant mortality collaborative adopted a project modeled after Project Moses, where school and community groups, especially senior citizen clubs and church groups partnered with the collaborative to sew covers for baby baskets. The baskets are made using a carefully selected 32-quart plastic container, and a waterproof foam rubber pad, all of which is covered with the hand made covers. Once completed, the baskets are distributed free of charge to at risk mothers. Women are identified using the TN State Healthy Start risk assessment tool. Those that screen in are presented with a baby basket filled with new donated baby items prior to hospital discharge. The mother is instructed on the importance of putting babies to sleep on their backs, the dangers of positional suffocation, and risk factors for SIDS, and safe vs. unsafe places for babies to sleep. She receives follow up home visits where this information is reiterated. Creating this kind of a special partnership between the infant mortality collaborative, and active groups in the targeted communities helps to reestablish the tie between generations, and reemphasizes our theme that infant health must be seen as the community’s responsibility.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this session the attendee will have a better understanding of:
• An example of translating data into action
• How to engage the community in public health issues and interventions
• How to inexpensively decrease a serious, preventible infant risk

Keywords: Injury Prevention, Infant Mortality

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.