Sunday is third annual Safe Sleep Sabbath in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- In response to an increase in infant deaths, churches across Milwaukee recognized Sunday, Oct. 13 as the Safe Sleep Sabbath.

It’s the third year for the event, which aims to educate parents about the dangers of co-sleeping.

Mayor Tom Barrett and Commissioner of Health Bevan K. Baker marked the third annual Safe Sleep Sabbath by visiting area churches to raise awareness of infant deaths related to unsafe sleep.

“While we have seen some success in reducing our overall infant mortality rates, we continue to see too many infant deaths that are entirely preventable,” said Mayor Tom Barrett. “Working with area churches, we can reach right into the heart of the community to share a common message about safe sleep. We are grateful to all churches who have pledged to share this message on Sunday.”

The effort supports Mayor Barrett’s goal to reduce Milwaukee’s overall infant mortality rate by 10 percent and reduce the African-American infant mortality rate by 15 percent by 2017. The leading cause of infant deaths in the city is complications due to prematurity, which make up more than 50 percent of infant deaths.

Deaths due to unsafe sleep environments make up approximately 15 to 20 percent of all infant deaths.

During a co-sleeping awareness event last week with the Fire Department, Milwaukee Alderman Bob Donovan pushed for stricter penalties for parents who sleep in the same bed as their children.

“If you’re drunk or high and you roll over and suffocate your kid,” he said. "If that isn’t child abuse or child neglect, I don’t know what is.”

Sunday, Barrett responded to Donovan’s anger, saying “I have confidence in our DA – if he feels there should be criminal charges then I fully support his decision.  But he’s in a better position to make that call than a politician.”

The annual event is planned cooperatively by the City of Milwaukee Health Department and Columbia St. Mary’s. United Way of Greater Milwaukee, Church of God in Christ (COGIC) Northwest Jurisdiction, General Baptist State Convention of Wisconsin Inc., Urban Church Wellness Program, Common Ground Southeastern Wisconsin, and Milwaukee Inner-city Congregations Allied for Hope (MICAH) also support the day.