MEDIA ADVISORY
Contacts: Jeanene Fowler, Maricopa County Public Health: 602-722-1806
Holly Ward, Arizona Department of Health Services: 602-542-1094
Infant deaths attributed to unsafe sleep environment, most preventable
PHOENIX (Aug. 14, 2015)–About 50 infants on average die each year in Maricopa County due to an unsafe sleep environment, and most of these are preventable.
On Tuesday, Aug. 18, Maricopa County Department of Public Health Director Dr. Bob England and District 4 County Supervisor Clint Hickman will join ADHS Health Director Dr. Cara Christ and Rachel Perez from the March of Dimes to bring awareness to the importance of creating a safe sleep environment. An unsafe sleep environment includes baby sleeping with another person, sleeping on the side or stomach, and sleeping anywhere other than a crib, bassinette, or playpen.