AURORA, Ill. – In recognition of Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month, state Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, is highlighting an initiative started across various state agencies to educate the public on important sleeping guidelines for infants.

“During Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month, it is important that we continue to educate parents and caregivers on safe sleeping arrangements for children to prevent injury or death,” said Hernandez. “This initiative is so crucial, because at the end of the day, many infant deaths can be preventable, and we must be doing everything in our power to prevent these tragedies.”

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) kicked off their Infant Safe Sleep initiative last week alongside the Illinois Department of Public Health (ILDP) and the Illinois Department of Human Services. Part of their initiative is partnering with PACE transportation, to display safe sleep information on all Pace buses throughout the entire Chicagoland area. In addition, DCFS plans to continue to work alongside community organizations and healthcare providers to ensure that parents are provided with the necessary information to reduce the risk of sleep-related infant deaths, or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). According to the ILDP, unsafe sleep is the leading cause of death for children 1 year old and younger.

“For families with infants, safe sleep environments are just as important as any other safety precaution,” said Hernandez. “I am grateful for Pace and these state agencies for continuing their work to promote and educate parents and caregivers across the state, so we do not have to lose another life.”