BHK Staff Joins “5K Your Way” to Promote Infant Safe Sleep Awareness in Michigan

Posted October 25, 2023

[Houghton, October 23, 2023] – On a crisp autumn evening walk along the scenic shores of Portage Lake, BHK staff came together to participate in the Infant Safe Sleep “5K Your Way”. While the temperature may have dipped lower than expected, the spirits were high as the BHK Team rallied to celebrate and promote the crucial safe sleep efforts being made in the state of Michigan during Infant Safe Sleep Month.

Michigan is facing a troubling statistic – a heartbreaking loss of a baby’s life every 2-3 days due to sleep-related causes. To reduce these tragic occurrences, BHK staff and their supporters are advocating for safer sleep practices by encouraging families to follow a set of vital guidelines

1. Place baby on their back to sleep.
2. Provide a separate sleep space for the baby, equipped with a firm mattress an a snug-fitting sheet.
3. Keep baby’s sleep space free of clutter – no pillows, blankets, or toys.
4. Encourage breastfeeding.
5. Promote room-sharing, not bed-sharing.
6. Avoid overheating the baby.
7. Ensure the baby’s environment is smoke- and nicotine-free.
8. Remind all caregivers to follow these safe sleep practices diligently.

The importance of these safe sleep measures cannot be overstated, as they play a critical role in preventing sleep-related infant deaths. By adhering to these guidelines, families can significantly reduce the risk of such tragedies.

For more details on how to ensure your baby sleeps safely, please visit www.michigan.gov/safesleep

Sleep related deaths are preventable. BHK staff and the Infant Safe Sleep 5K Your Way event emphasize the urgency of raising awareness about safe sleep practices and working together as a community to protect the most vulnerable residents.