Stormont Vail Health Achieves Gold Safe Sleep Hospital Recertification

The National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program recently recognized Stormont Vail Health with its highest designation, a “Gold” Safe Sleep Hospital, for our commitment to best practices and education on infant safe sleep.

“Receiving this certification once again is more than an achievement; it’s a testament to our unwavering commitment to the well-being and safety of our newborns and their families,” said Alison Wilson, Administrative Director of Women’s & Children's Service Line. “We provide education and resources to help families prepare a safe place for their newborn at prenatal clinics and community events. We are committed to providing patients with the proper sleep education and demonstrate safe sleep in the hospital so we can ensure every newborn in our care is getting the safest start possible when they go home for the first time. We have the same level of concern and commitment for any infant who comes into our care at the hospital to promote safe sleep throughout the first year of life.”

As a Nationally Certified Safe Sleep Hospital, Stormont Vail’s Topeka Hospital is recognized for following the safe sleep guidelines recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and providing training programs for healthcare team members and family caregivers. The 2023 recertification is valid for five years.

The National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program is dedicated to preventing infant sleep- related deaths due to SUID and accidental suffocation.

“Sleep-Related Death (SRD) results in the loss of more than 3,500 infants every year in the U.S.,” said Michael H. Goodstein, MD, neonatologist and medical director of research at Cribs for Kids®. “We know that modeling safe infant sleep in the hospital and providing education to families has a significant effect on infant mortality. Cribs for Kids Hospital Certification Program is designed to recognize those hospitals that are taking an active role in reducing these preventable deaths.”

The National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program was created in partnership with leading infant health and safety organizations such as All Baby & Child, The National Center for the Review & Prevention of Child Deaths, Association of SIDS and Infant Mortality Programs, Kids in Danger, Children’s Safety Network, American SIDS Institute, Charlie’s Kids, CJ Foundation for SIDS, and numerous state American Academy of Pediatric chapters and health departments.