East Michigan News

CMU Health has announced the receipt of nearly $20,000 in funding aimed at reducing infant mortality through the provision of 285 pack 'n play systems to patients in need. The grant, awarded by the Saginaw County Health Department under its Advancing Healthy Births Mini-Grant initiative, aims to provide infants with a safe and separate sleep environment to lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). SIDS accounts for approximately one-third of all sleep-related deaths in infants younger than one year old.

“Saginaw County has an infant mortality rate of 8.8 infant deaths per 1,000 live births and the city of Saginaw is averaging 13.2 infant deaths,” said Dr. Samuel Shaheen, President and CEO of CMU Medical Education Partners. “These numbers are astronomical especially given that the majority of these deaths could have been prevented if the baby had been in a safe and separate sleep environment.”

A safe sleep environment includes using a firm, flat surface where a baby is placed on their back without nearby objects, within a crib, bassinet, or pack 'n play separate from family members.

This grant also supports CMU Health’s coalition partner BWell Saginaw’s efforts to address maternal and child health challenges in Saginaw County. The initiative aims to reduce infant mortality rates in the City of Saginaw by 50% by December 2026.

Shaheen hopes these sleep systems and additional support resources offered by CMU Health will encourage patients and the community to recognize the importance of this lifesaving education and help decrease sleep-related deaths.

Current and new patients interested in these services may contact Kathryn Debo, community outreach and patient wellness coordinator, at 989-558-6428 or visit cmuhealth.org for more information.