Montgomery County Leaders Raise Awareness on Safe Sleep Prevention

FULTONVILLE, NY – Montgomery County officials are speaking out about the  importance of following safe sleep measures for infants.

“As parents and caregivers, it is our responsibility to ensure that our little ones have a safe and secure sleeping environment,” Montgomery County Commissioner of Health and Human Services Matthew Beck said.  “This not only contributes to their overall well-being but also helps prevent incidents that can have severe consequences.”

County officials held a press conference today in an effort to raise awareness about the potential dangers of unsafe sleeping arrangements for infants, such as sleeping alone in hazardous environments or sharing a bed with parents or a household member. October is Safe Sleep Prevention Month.

The New York State Office of Children and Family Services and the New York State Department of Health strongly advocate for parents and caretakers to adhere to safe sleep recommendations, mitigating the risks of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

“While we might not think this is a massive problem in the United States, a recent report from the CDC released that approximately 3,400 infants die each year from sleep-related incidents, “Montgomery County Director of Public and Mental Health Sara Boerenko said.

Boerenko described the importance of following the ABCs of Safe Sleep. Babies should sleep Alone, on their Back, in a Crib. More information can be found by visiting, https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/cps/safe-sleep.php

“It’s very important to share this message today and bring awareness to this situation,” Montgomery County Sheriff Jeffery Smith said. If there’s an injury or death of a person, especially an infant, it is tragic for all of us. It’s something that we’ve concentrated on locally and that we feel very strongly about. Together we can make a difference and together, delivering this message to our young parents, hopefully we can save lives.”

“Our goal is not to criminalize well-intentioned parents but to ensure that the law is applied when neglect or negligence leads to a preventable tragedy,” Montgomery County District Attorney Lorraine Diamond said.

“A safe sleep environment is vital for every infant’s well-being,” Beck said. “By adhering to the recommended guidelines, we can significantly reduce the risk of sleep-related accidents. Together, let’s protect the future of our children and grant them the peaceful rest they deserve.”

If you are in need of information regarding Safe Sleep, please contact Public Health at 518-853-3531.