top of page
Search

It Takes a Community to Keep Babies Safe

Updated: Feb 23

Infant safety doesn’t begin and end at the crib. It begins with a community committed to supporting families.


In Northeast Pennsylvania, partners across healthcare, social services, law enforcement, and community organizations have united to reduce sleep-related infant deaths through the NEPA Safe Sleep Task Force.

NEPA Sleep Safety Task Force Members from Left to Right: Chris Kolcharno, Mike Lydon, Judge Andrew Jarbola, Judge Michael Barrasse, Meghan Lennox Gagorik, Bo Loughney, Jeff Gilroy, Michelle Mancuso, DA Brian Gallagher, Cortney Grubbs, Ashley Ceccacci, and Addy the Advocate
NEPA Sleep Safety Task Force Members from Left to Right: Chris Kolcharno, Mike Lydon, Judge Andrew Jarbola, Judge Michael Barrasse, Meghan Lennox Gagorik, Bo Loughney, Jeff Gilroy, Michelle Mancuso, DA Brian Gallagher, Cortney Grubbs, Ashley Ceccacci, and Addy the Advocate


Why Community Matters


Families often interact with multiple professionals in the early months of a child’s life:

  • nurses and hospital staff

  • pediatricians

  • home visiting programs

  • child welfare professionals

  • law enforcement

  • childcare providers


When everyone shares consistent safe sleep messaging, families receive clear guidance and stronger support.



Connecting Families to Local Resources


Safe sleep education works best when paired with practical support. Families in NEPA may access assistance through community partners offering:

  • safe sleep education and materials

  • cribs and infant supplies

  • maternal and family health services

  • parenting support and home visiting programs


Organizations such as maternal health providers, St. Joseph’s Center, Outreach, and other local partners play an essential role in supporting families.



What You Can Do


Everyone can help promote infant safety:


✔ Share safe sleep information with new parents

✔ Offer support instead of judgment

✔ Connect families to local resources

✔ Encourage safe sleep practices every time a baby sleeps



Prevention Starts with Awareness


Safe sleep is not about blame. It is about awareness, education, and ensuring families have the resources they need to keep their babies safe.

Together, we can prevent tragedies and support families during one of life’s most important transitions.


Safe sleep is community protection in action.

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page