Westchester County Department of Health

October is SIDS Awareness Month. Parents and caregivers can rest easy knowing the steps to lower a baby’s risk for SUIDS and SIDS. It's as simple as ABC. 

What is SUID/SIDS?
Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) is the sudden, unexpected and unexplained death of babies under the age of 1. Types of SUID include:

• SIDS.
• Accidental suffocation in a sleeping environment.
• Other deaths from unknown causes.

While scientists don’t know exactly what causes SUID, it usually happens in the baby’s sleep area.

The loss of an infant is tragic, but you can take steps to help prevent SUID by following the ABC's of Safe Sleep.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all infants sleep on their backs in their own safety-approved crib and in a smoke-free environment to reduce the risk both of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and Sudden Unexptected Infant Death Syndrome (SUID).

The ABCs of Safe Sleep (Create a Safe Sleep Environment for your baby)

"A" is for Alone:

• Always let baby sleep alone in a crib, never in a bed with another person or pet where baby could be smothered.
• Only have a firm mattress and tight-fitting sheet in the crib.
• No blankets, pillows, bumpers or toys.
• Dress baby in one more layer of clothing than you.

"B" is for on baby's Back:

• Always place baby to sleep on his or her back.
• No sleeping on tummy or sides.
• Tummy time is for supervised play time.
• No pillows or wedges in crib.

"C" is for Crib:

• Baby should sleep in a safe and separate crib or bassinet.
• Use a tight-fitted sheet with no blankets.
• Never allow baby to sleep on a couch.
• No futons, chairs, waterbeds or dresser drawers.

Resources:

• NIH Safe to Sleep Web site
• About Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths (SUID) and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) CDC
• A Parent's Guide to Safe Sleep

The Westchester County Board of Health Presents the 2024 Public Health Awards

Together with County Executive George Latimer, the Westchester County Board of Health presented the 2024 Public Health Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to public health in Westchester by two adults and one student.

Latimer acknowledged the work of the Westchester County Department of Health and celebrated the accomplishments of the public health community: “Today, during National Public Health Week, we honor two individuals whose efforts ensure that emergency responders in Westchester are well-prepared to answer our calls and a student who persistently advocates for residents who wrestle with mental health challenges and addictions. I also want to thank the dedicated staff of our Health Department, our Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD, and the volunteers who serve on our Westchester County Board of Health, for their essential service to our community. 

Latimer presented the winners with proclamations honoring their achievements and said: “These awards highlight the vital role that public health plays to preserve, protect and promote the health of Westchester residents. With their extraordinary concern for others, these volunteers set an example for all of us. I congratulate the winners and encourage other residents to choose this path.”

Board of Health President Robert Baker, MD, presented the 2024 Dr. Harold Keltz Distinguished Public Health Service Awards to David Raizen, the owner of a home security company who has dedicated his life to ensuring a robust and well-trained staff of volunteers and professionals is available around the clock to respond to emergencies in and around Scarsdale.

Dr. Baker said: “These honorees set a shining example for all of us with their dedication to serve our community and their fellow residents. The work they do helps preserve and improve public health in Westchester. This is an inspiring and accomplished group we are proud to honor.”

Raizen said: “I am honored to be recognized and to share the spotlight with the men and women of the Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps, who continually work to improve their skills and to better serve our community.”

The Board awarded the 2024 J.R. Tesone Youth Public Health Service Awards to Ashley Madden, a Pleasantville High School senior who has become a persuasive advocate for prevention, treatment and better allocation of resources for people who have one or more mental health challenges and an addiction, a combination known as co-occurring disorders. Madden has volunteered for five years with the Harris Project, a not-for-profit agency founded by Stephanie Marquesano with the mission to raise awareness about co-occurring disorders.

Madden said: “I greatly appreciate this recognition of my commitment to community service. As a youth advocate, my mission is to empower individuals to address their mental health needs with compassion and resilience. I appreciate my mentor and nominator, Stephanie Marquesano, for entrusting me to serve as an ambassador for the Harris Project and for giving me the confidence to elevate awareness, foster resilience and prioritize well-being for my peers.”

Dr. Amler presented the Commissioner’s Award to Emil Nigro, MD,  an emergency medicine physician and the medical director of the Hoch Center for Emergency Education at Phelps Hospital Northwell Health in Sleepy Hollow, and said: “I am grateful to Dr. Nigro for his dedication to emergency medicine and for ensuring that hundreds of clinicians, paramedics and other emergency responders have a state-of-the-art space where they can sharpen their skills and inspiring professionals to teach them at the Hoch Center for Emergency Education.”

Dr. Nigro said: “I am honored to be given the Commissioner’s Award by Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD. As the medical director of the Hoch Center, I value the partnership we have with the County’s Health Department and the Emergency Services Department and frontline staff.”