Sudden Infant Death Services of Illinois, Inc. Commemorates 50 Years of Awareness, Bereavement Support and Safe Sleep Education Lisle (9/8/2018)

Join us on October 26, 2019 at Manzo’s Banquets in Des Plaines, IL, as Sudden Infant Death Services of Illinois, Inc. celebrates 50 years of service to Illinois Families! Dinner, Dancing, Magic by Robert Charles, Live and Silent Auction included! In 1968, the organization began with a group of concerned parents as a grassroots bereaved parent support organization. Although there have been many names and iterations, ultimately, Sudden Infant Death Services of Illinois incorporated in 1992. The organization is located in Lisle, IL and covers every county in Illinois.

Over the past 50 years, Sudden Infant Death Services of Illinois, Inc., has been relentless in raising awareness, providing support, and educating all residents of Illinois on strategies to prevent Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths (SUID). Utilizing Community Events, fundraising, and with the generosity of our donors and funders, Sudden Infant Death Services of Illinois, Inc. has been able to provide statewide memorial events, grief and bereavement support, infant safe sleep education, and, for struggling Illinois families, a Cribette ™, which is a portable safe sleep crib. Since 2009, over 2500 Cribettes™ and portable play yards have been distributed throughout Illinois.

Sudden Infant Death Services of Illinois, Inc. continues to provide quality care and education through the help of grants and donations. Current, evidence based research and recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) are given to expectant mothers, families, childcare and healthcare providers, and anyone with an infant in their lives. The organization works with various programs, hospitals, health departments and public groups across the state to assist in provision of cribs to families who do not have a safe sleep area for their babies. Providing compassionate bereavement services to family members and others that have been touched by the tragedy of an infant’s death is the cornerstone of the Mission and Vision of Sudden Infant Death Services of Illinois, Inc. Our goal is to reduce the number of infant deaths in Illinois through education and support of safe sleep practices.

In 2010 and 2011, Sudden Infant Death Services of Illinois, Inc. initiated legislation signed into law by Governor Pat Quinn, requiring all birthing hospitals provide verbal and written safe sleep education prior to hospital discharge of infant, and, secondly, all licensed childcare providers must have safe sleep education every three years to maintain licensure. Additionally, Sudden Infant Death Services of Illinois, Inc., was instrumental in passing the ordinance in Chicago that makes it illegal to sell or purchase cribs bumpers within city limits. These were the first laws/ordinances to pass in the United States regarding infant safe sleep.

On October 26, 2018, SIDS of Illinois, Inc. will be commemorating their 50th Anniversary with a celebration at Manzo’s Banquets in Des Plaines, IL. Purchase tickets by calling 630-541-3901 or register online at www.sidsillinois.org.

For more information or to donate, please call Nancy Maruyama at 630-541-3901 or email nancy@sidsillinois.org