Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #113310

Christina Williams, BS, MBA, Philadelphia Medical Examiner's Office, The Grief Assistance Program, Inc., 321 University Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104, 215-685-7448, williamsgap@aol.com and Sonia Haynes, BSW, MEd, Maternal Child and Family Health, Philadelphia Department of Public Health, 1101 Market Street, 9th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107.

The controversies surrounding the issues of co-sleeping being a prevalent indicator of the cause of death in infants up to 2 years of age has become a relevant topic of discussion. There are different aspects to review when a suspicious infant deaths enters the files of the Grief Assistance Program. There are not always indicators that direct the cause of death to be linked to any specific diagnosis. It is then that a home visit is deemed necessary to complete the autopsy report. It is important to note that the circumstances of the death is important for the assessment of specific services needed to assist the family in obtaining significant answers necessary to start the process of healing. It is important to note that at the end of the investigation the family be well adverse on the cause of death and the circumstances surrounding the death of the infant. The bereavement care specialist is ready to assist the family in the process of grief. The bereavement process does not always consist of just counseling; it is necessary to assist and educate the family in future family planning, environment dangers and economic challenges. By collaborating with professionals the Grief Assistance Program, Inc. can offer referrals and follow-up support the family needs to start the journey of healing.

Learning Objectives: "At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Recognize that the Grief Assistance Bereavement Care counselor plays an integral part in assisting the Medical Examiner in the assessment an "unexplained" infant death scene.
• Develop a better understanding of the role of the grief assistant counselor.
• List five indicators that link a poor sleeping environment for an infant to the risk of early infant death.

Keywords: Maternal and Child Health, SIDS

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.