Rep. Schor offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 323.

A resolution to declare September 2016 as Safe Sleep Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.

Whereas, Sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) is the leading cause of death in infants between one month and one year of age; and

Whereas, Most babies that die of SUID appear to be healthy prior to death. The risk factors for sudden unexpected infant death can be mitigated by reducing the baby's exposure to smoke and unsafe sleep practices; and

Whereas, Many parents are unaware of the dangers of SUID. Babies are needlessly dying because they are put to sleep in environments that are not safe. These include: couches and adult beds, or sleep areas with other children, adults, pets, pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, or other toys; and

Whereas, There are seven simple steps one should take to ensure babies sleep in a safe environment. These steps are: the baby always sleeps alone in a crib; the baby sleeps on his or her back; there is nothing in the baby's sleep area; the baby's face is uncovered; there is no smoking around the baby; the baby is not overheated or overdressed; the baby must sleep on a firm mattress with a tight-fitting sheet; and

            Whereas, Our state is fortunate to have many public and private partners working together to protect children and ensure infants are safe. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recommend placing infants in a safe sleeping environment to help significantly reduce sudden unexpected death; and

            Whereas, Parents should gain a broader understanding of safe sleep practices and the risk factors associated with SUID and share that information with others. A broader understanding of safe sleep practices by parents in the state of Michigan will help prevent the approximately 10 infant deaths out of every 10,000 live births that occur every year; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare September 2016 as Safe Sleep Awareness Month in the state of Michigan. We aim to promote awareness of safe sleep practices; and be it further

            Resolved, That the members of this legislative body support the establishment of a safe sleep education program to promote awareness and education relating to sudden unexpected infant death with the focus on the risk factors and safe sleeping practices for newborns and infants; and be it further

            Resolved, That Michigan's hospitals are encouraged to instruct safe sleep practices to all new parents in order to prevent unsafe sleep environments and reduce infant deaths because of unsafe sleep; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Tomorrow's Child as a token of our thanks for helping raise awareness of safe sleep practices and providing support to families who have lost a baby.