SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Prevent Child Abuse St. Joseph County (PCASJC) is launching a Safe Sleep PSA campaign this winter to help families keep infants safe during sleep.

Unsafe sleep is one of the leading causes of preventable infant deaths, and many tragedies happen during naps, late-night feedings, and shared sleep in adult beds. Deanie Kopec, PCASJC Program Manager says, "most parents who experience an unsafe sleep death say they didn’t think it could happen to them. We want every family to hear this message loud and clear: safe sleep saves lives.” The campaign features billboard ads, social media ads, partner messaging through conversations and social media, and more.

PCASJC highlights clear and simple actions to prevent infant sleep-related tragedies:

• Always place babies on their back to sleep
• Put baby alone in their own crib or bassinet
• Keep the crib bare: no blankets, pillows, or toy
• Use a firm, flat mattress
• Never fall asleep with a baby on a couch, recliner, or adult bed
• Remember the ABCs of Sleep: Babies should sleep Alone, on their Back, in their Crib

Anyone can participate in amplifying the PSA messages by sharing content from our ready-made “Speaking Up for Safe Sleep Marketing Messaging Toolkit” accessible here: https://www.pcasjc.org/safe-sleep-toolkit