Grant helps Family Connection educate about child safety

MT. PLEASANT — Through the recent receipt of a grant from the Henry County Health Center Foundation, Family Connection of Henry and Washington Counties will further their support of young families through education specifically pertaining to safe sleep for infants and safe homes for toddlers.

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According to Family Connection Family Support Supervisor Amy McLaughlin, the program will use the grant money to purchase bassinets and pack and plays for families with very young babies or those expecting babies.

“The purpose of buying those items is to help with Safe Sleep,” McLaughin said. “Parents As Teachers, which is the curriculum Family Connection follows, spends a lot of time and focus on safe sleep for infants to reduce SUID deaths in the state of Iowa and nationally.”

From 2018-2022 Iowa’s SUID rate was 89.2 per 100,000 live births, according to March of Dimes.

Iowa Department of Health and Human Services defines SUID as Sudden Unexpected Infant Death happening in an infant less than one year without immediately obvious causation. The three primary reported causes being SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed, or unknown causes.

“The first step to preventing sleep-related deaths is to understand and use the most up-to-date, evidence-based recommendations for safe infant sleep,” the Iowa HHS website states. “These deaths often occur during sleep or in the baby's sleep area.”

By providing bassinets and pack and plays, Family Connection will help families lower their infants’ risks of SUIDS by meeting the “A” of the ABCs of safe sleep.

A stands for Alone. Infants should sleep along in a crib or bassinet. Their sleep space should not include other people, pets, toys, bumpers, pillows or blankets.

B stands for Back. Babies should be laid to sleep on their backs as fewer SUIDS deaths occur in children laid to sleep on their backs versus sides or stomachs.

C stands for Crib. The safest sleep for babies occurs in a crib or bassinet with a firm mattress and tight fitted sheet.

Family Connection’s intention to use grant funds to purchase sleep sacks and swaddles also will assist in meeting the criteria for the safe sleep ABCs as babies won’t be put to bed with loose blankets.

“By the time a baby is 12 to 15 months old, they probably don't need any sleep protection like that anymore, because they are active, they are mobile, they can roll over, they can stand up,” McLaughlin said.

As an organization the serves families in Henry and Washington Counties with children five years of age and under, Family Connection also will use their recent grant money from HCHC Foundation to purchase items for home safety. This will include first aid kits, no-touch thermometers, corner protectors, outlet covers, and other baby proofing items.

All these items will be available to families participating in Family Connection. Any family in Washington or Henry County with children under five or a pregnant mother, can join the program. They work with the families to educate them about their children and provide an incentive program which allows them to purchase items for their families with earned points.

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Oct. 29 the HCHC Foundation announced nine recipients for the 2024 Foundation Grant Program. Mt. Pleasant Community School District will use its portion of the total $20,000 awarded toward the Annual Family Education and Resource Night. Mt. Pleasant High School Activities Department will focus on mental health by purchasing concussion prevention helmets for student athletes.

Henry County Sheriff’s Office will continue to expand efforts to integrate Stop the Bleed Kits and training for use in classrooms across Henry County. Mt. Pleasant Public Library and Henry County Conservation received funds for a collaborative project to create an outdoor educational StoryWalk. Henry County Public Health will use grant money toward their Happy Feet, Chronic Disease Education, and Fall Prevention Programs.

Mt. Pleasant Childcare Center will put their portion of the grants toward before and after school programs. Wayland Area Childcare Organization will enhance training and education for staff and leaders. Tiger Food Pantry in New London will purchase a freezer to expand their operations.

“This is a great example of local dollars making a big impact for local organizations,” HCHC Foundation Director Savannah Collins said. “The Foundation’s grant program brings opportunities for area organizations to continue their service to Henry County residents.”

According to a press release from the HCHC Foundation, the focus of the organizations stewardship of financial resources focuses on the future of health care and quality of life in Henry County communities. Additionally, the grant opportunities doubled in 2024 to $20,000, an intentional strategy to bring an increased impact to awardees.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com