[May, 2007 – Washington, D.C.] In an effort to draw attention to our nation’s alarmingly high rates of infant mortality and focus on existing preventive strategies, First Candle convened a congressional briefing to introduce the National Caucus on Infant Health and Safety. The Caucus will lead advocacy efforts to increase awareness, educate Congressional Members, build bi-partisan relationships and offer policies to help improve and enhance infant and child health, safety and survival. Under the leadership of co-chairs Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Representative Lois Capps (D-CA) and Representative Shelly Moore Capito (R-WV), initial efforts will focus on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), late-term stillbirths and sleep-related infant deaths. A Congressional Briefing was held on May 14 to outline the goals of the Caucus and expand support for this important effort.

As the nation’s leading organization dedicated to infant health and survival, First Candle is working to ensure that every baby is provided the best possible chance to celebrate not only their first birthday, but many happy birthday’s beyond. According to Dr. Marian Sokol, president of First Candle, the Caucus is critical to the organization’s mission. “If we are to reach our goal of a future where all babies survive and thrive, we must enlist the help of all those interested in the health and well-being of our nation’s most precious commodity . . . our children, our future,” said Sokol.

Dr. John Kattwinkle, chairman of the American Academy of Pediatrics Task Force on SIDS, addressed the rising concern about infant deaths related to unsafe sleep practices. †Advocating for a “crib for every child’ to reduce the risk of infant death will be a priority for the Caucus. The briefing also focused on the testimonial of Bridgette Alexander and Deborah Williams on the death of their precious son/grandson, Julian Jaamal Alexander. Julian died suddenly and unexpectedly while sleeping with his mother and father in an adult bed. “We were never told that having Julian in bed with us was dangerous,” said Bridgette. “We want to help other parents understand the importance of safe sleep in preventing infant deaths.”

With infant mortality rates higher than 27 other developed nations, there is much work to be done. To learn more, or to support this important effort to prevent infant deaths, visit www.firstcandle.org or call 800-221-7437.