WEEK DESIGNATED TO PREVENT SHAKING INJURIES TO BABIES
 

County Executive Andy Spano presents a proclamation to Darryl Gibbs of the Shaken Baby Prevention Initiative.

Recognizing the success of a countywide effort to prevent shaking injuries to young children, County Executive Andy Spano has designated this week as Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) Awareness Week 2007.

A proclamation is being presented to a representative of the Hudson Valley SBS Prevention Initiative today at Spano’s office in White Plains. SBS Awareness Week is also being recognized statewide.

A countywide effort to educate new parents and other caregivers about the vulnerability of young children to shaking injuries began in 2002 when Spano announced a plan to launch a public information campaign at the county’s maternity hospitals. Coordinated by Westchester Medical Center and the Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, with funding from the NYS Children and Families Trust Fund, the Hudson Valley Shaken Baby Prevention Initiative built upon this and now involves 21 hospitals in seven Hudson Valley counties where more than 26,000 children are born. The program now also includes a primary care pediatrician network.

“Education is key, and we have been giving parents every opportunity to help protect their child,” Spano said. “Our maternity hospitals and their staff have played a critical role in supporting prevention education. We’re confident that awareness regarding shaken baby syndrome will keep increasing.”

This prevention education program involves nurses from the health department training the maternity nursing staff at the 21 hospitals on how to educate new parents. The hospitals are provided with educational materials (both English and Spanish) which include brochures and an eight minute video, titled “Portrait of Promise.” These materials educate the parents about to handle a crying baby and the damage that shaking can cause.

The HVSBPI recently added another component, a music CD of lullabies that is now being distributed by doctors offices.

“The CD contains 10 lullabies specifically written and performed to help sooth a crying baby and calm a frustrated parent or caregiver,” said Dr. Robin Altman, chief of General Pediatrics at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center and co-director of the HVSBPI.

“The packaging also offers tips on how to console a crying baby as well as a 24-hour toll free parent helpline which is available in English and Spanish.”

Organizers of the Initiative are asking all seven counties involved to designate the Week and recognize the Initiative and the collaborating hospitals for all they have done to educate parents and help them protect their children.