Chairman Crowley and Rep. Schakowsky Call on Federal Government Agencies to Expand Outreach Efforts on Safe Sleeping After New York Infant Deaths

Chairman Crowley and Rep. Schakowsky Call on Federal Government Agencies to Expand Outreach Efforts on Safe Sleeping
After New York Infant Deaths

(Washington, DC) – Following a series of infant deaths in New York City, House Democratic Caucus Chairman Joe Crowley (D-NY) and Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) sent a letter today to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Chairman Ann Marie Buerkle and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Acting Director Anne Schuchat calling on the agencies to renew their outreach and education efforts on safe infant sleeping.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Centers for Disease Control have previously carried out research and education regarding safe sleeping conditions for infants, including a CPSC study from 1999 and the ban on the sale of traditional drop-side cribs in 2010, as well as the CDC’s work on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). But following three recent infant deaths in New York City, new outreach and education is needed so parents can make informed decisions for their families.

“Given these recent, tragic deaths, we urge you to renew your outreach efforts. We also urge you to consider working with state and local officials nationwide on efforts to provide families with safe sleeping arrangements such as cribs and play yards, if affordability is the issue,” the letter states. “There are few things more devastating than losing a child, and we must do everything possible to give families the tools and information to prevent future tragedies.”

Print Friendly, PDF & Email