On August 1, 2023, the New Mexico Health Department announced a collaborative effort among various state agencies to launch the Safe Sleep New Mexico campaign.
This initiative aims to provide parental and caregiver support and education, focusing on safe sleep practices for infants, with the goal of reducing the incidence of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) according to a press release.
"All New Mexico families should be aware of the risks and ways to prevent sleep-related deaths and keep their loved ones safe, said DOH Secretary Patrick Allen. "This gives babies the best chance to thrive during their first year and beyond."
The Safe Sleep New Mexico campaign aims to expand the community-based promotion of safe sleep practices through outreach and education while providing resources to enhance safe sleep environments.
In New Mexico and across the nation, Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) remains a significant cause of infant mortality, with 43 babies losing their lives to SUID in 2020-2021, accounting for 19.7% of all infant deaths in the state according to a press release.
“Parents want to do what they can to keep their babies safe,” said Early Childhood Education & Care Department Cabinet Secretary Elizabeth Groginsky according to a press release.
“That’s why we’re taking a multi-targeted approach to ensure families, community organizations, and medical and early childhood professionals have the knowledge needed about sleep. Families can practice safe sleep by remembering their ABCs: their baby should sleep Alone, on their Back, and in a Crib or bassinet without soft toys, pillows, bumpers, or blankets.”
The initiative was created by the New Mexico Department of Health in partnership with the Early Childhood Education & Care Department, the Children, Youth & Families Department, and various community stakeholders according to a press release.
“These deaths are unimaginably tragic, and preventable. We are doing everything we can to make sure families of newborns are aware that safe sleep saves lives. Informing parents about protective practices for babies drives down rates of mortality, plain and simple,” said Acting Secretary for Children, Youth and Family Services Department, Teresa Casados, according to a press release.