Bradford, PA – The Dr. Lyle F. Renodin Foundation, a Ministry of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, New York, has donated $1,860 to CARE for Children to purchase Cribs for Kids® Safe Sleep Survival Kits for local families in need.
CARE for Children operates the local McKean County Cribs for Kids Program under the umbrella of the Safe Kids Pennsylvania-McKean County Partnership. Developed by Cribs for Kids® National Infant Safe Sleep Initiative, the program provides safe sleep environments for families in need and provides a consistent safe sleep message to the community. The goal is to reduce the number of accidental infant sleep-related deaths.
According to the National Cribs for Kids Program, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the leading cause of death in infants age one month to one year, and in the United States over 3,500 babies will die unexpectedly each year. Research indicates that many and perhaps most of these deaths are related to an unsafe sleeping environment. Researchers do not know what causes SIDS, but have identified modifiable risk factors. Two important strategies to reduce these deaths are making sure an infant has a safe place to sleep, and providing education to families.
“October is Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month and as our organization works to provide education that the safest way for a baby to sleep is alone on his or her back in a safety-approved crib, it is essential that we have cribs to distribute to those in need,” said Tina Martin, Executive Director. “We are grateful for the funding provided by the Renodin Foundation to purchase twenty Safe Sleep Survival Kits, which include a Cribs for Kids® Cribette®, SleepSack, sheet, pacifier, and educational materials, for distribution in the communities we serve in McKean County.”
During the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the McKean County Cribs for Kids Program is still operating. During this time, CARE’s safe sleep educators will conduct the infant safe sleep education over the phone or by video conferencing. After the education component is complete, arrangements will be made to deliver the crib and safety items to the family while practicing safe social distancing practices.
Families in need of a crib can call CARE at 814-362-4621. Health care providers, at-home visitors, Children and Youth Services, and early childhood programs are also encouraged to make referrals to the program. More information on safe sleep for infants and the Cribs for Kids Program can be found at CARE’s website https://careforchildren.info/cribs-for-kids/.
CARE for Children is a non-profit organization which provides child safety and injury prevention initiatives through its leadership of the Safe Kids Pennsylvania—McKean County Partnership. The partnership aims to promote the prevention of accidental child injuries through education, collaboration and advocacy. CARE also provides pediatric therapy services, early learning programs, and community outreach services for children of all abilities in the region.
The Renodin Foundation provides grants for programs and projects serving people in the Allegany/Cattaraugus Counties of New York and McKean County, Pennsylvania whose public charitable purposes are carried out in a manner consistent with the tradition of the Franciscan Sisters. Grant awards show a connection to the mission of the Foundation and assist the needy, underprivileged, elderly, developmentally disabled, handicapped, or economically disadvantaged.
