Lansing, Mich – Michigan’s First Lady Sue Snyder recently spoke at Lansing's Sparrow Hospital about the importance of infant safe sleep. Snyder has been committed to spreading the word about safe sleep especially for September, which is Safe Sleep Awareness Month in Michigan.

Along with First Lady Sue Snyder was Dr. Eden Wells, chief medical executive for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services; Christine Jodoin, senior vice president and chief nursing officer for Sparrow Hospital in Lansing; and Kathleen Marble, director of Sparrow’s Women and Children’s Services.

Every two to three days, a baby dies in Michigan due to unsafe sleep and the overwhelming majority of these deaths are preventable. Babies should be placed on their back, in a crib, bassinet or pack-n-play of their own for every sleep time and should not co-sleep with others, and the sleep space should be free of pillows, blankets or toys.

To learn more on safe sleep for infants please visit www.michigan.gov/safesleep

 The importance of infant safe sleep is overwhelming as Michigan’s Government Newsroom releases that in Michigan from 2010 through 2016, there were 1,013 sleep-related infant deaths in Michigan. In 577 of the 1,013 deaths, or 57 percent, the infant was sleeping on the same surface as another person or an animal. In 479 of the incidents, or 47 percent, the baby was sleeping in an adult bed.

Michigan Business Network caught up with Kathleen Marble Director of Sparrow’s Women and Children’s Services to learn how Sparrow Health System values and implements safe sleep practices for their patients. Sparrow is a leader in educating parents and other caregivers.

Listen now to this exclusive interview!