Creative and data driven prevention strategies in New Jersey

As a result of participating in the SUID Case Registry pilot program, New Jersey has instituted some practice and policy changes to improve SUID case investigation and create SUID prevention activities. This presentation will discuss three of these strategies:

The New Jersey SIDS Center has trained all Child Protective Services Workers on safe sleep practices in the last few years. We are now focusing training efforts in geographic areas that have higher rates of SUID and the social factors that put them at risk. In partnership with New Jersey's Medical Examiner's Office, CFNFRB trained 105 first responders, law enforcement and medico legal death investigators to properly use the SUIDI reporting form and conduct comprehensive infant and child death scene investigations. In addition to training, these medicolegal professionals received doll reenactment kits.

Approximately 48% of all SUID's in New Jersey are Medicaid recipients. In a dual effort to reach this population as well as educate the parents of tomorrow today, the CFNFRB and its SUID Sub Committee, in partnership with the Departments of Education and Health, are sponsoring an art contest in Middle Schools throughout New Jersey. There are approximately 200,000 children enrolled in the 7th and 8th grade classes throughout the state of New Jersey. Participants will complete pre- and post-tests after a learning module based on the American Academy of Pediatrics standards for a healthy sleep environment. This will measure improved knowledge of the participants. Our goal is to have 20% of New Jersey middle schools participate. The 12 winning pictures will be compiled into a calendar that will be printed and distributed to the 20 Federally Qualified Health Care Centers in the state, the 17 WIC Offices, 22 AFDC Offices and multiple home visiting programs.