{"id":22855,"date":"2025-10-06T08:22:13","date_gmt":"2025-10-06T12:22:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/richmond-city\/?p=22855"},"modified":"2025-10-06T08:22:13","modified_gmt":"2025-10-06T12:22:13","slug":"rhhd-and-hdss-promote-safe-infant-sleep","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/richmond-city\/2025\/10\/06\/rhhd-and-hdss-promote-safe-infant-sleep\/","title":{"rendered":"RHHD and HDSS Promote Safe Infant Sleep"},"content":{"rendered":"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\u00a0<\/span><\/b> October 6, 2025<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Media Contact:<\/span><\/b> Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, <\/span>bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts and Henrico Department of Social Services Promote Safe Infant Sleep<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

October is SIDS Awareness Month<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

RICHMOND, Va.<\/span><\/b> \u2013<\/span> In support of <\/span>Sudden Infant Death Syndrome<\/span><\/a> (SIDS) Awareness Month, Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) <\/span>partners with Henrico Department of Social Services (HDSS) to<\/span> encourage expecting and new parents and caregivers to talk with their pediatrician or other healthcare provider about creating a safe sleep environment for children under the age of two.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAwareness is one of the strongest tools we have to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome,\u201d said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Maternity Navigation Program Coordinator Adranae Mena. \u201cRHHD provides safe sleep education through the <\/span>Low-Income Safety Seat Program<\/span><\/a>. We provide families with the right equipment for their vehicles and the knowledge to protect infants in their crib or bassinet. Through partnerships, education, and community support, RHHD gives parents and caregivers the confidence and resources they need to help infants sleep safely.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs a community in Henrico, we equip parents and caregivers with safe practices for infant naps and overnight sleep,\u201d said Henrico County Department of Social Services Assistant Director of Service Programs Mandi Green. \u201cCreating consistent habits\u2014having babies sleep alone, on their backs, and in a crib\u2014will promote the health and well-being of our youngest residents.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

RHHD and HDSS offer the following tips for creating a safe sleep environment:\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n