News from Westchester County.

COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER STATEMENT ON INCIDENT AT WEST POINT.

(White Plains, NY) – “Westchester County’s hearts go out to those impacted by the horrific accident at West Point this morning. The United States Military Academy is home to some of the finest young men and women our Nation has to offer. We stand with the West Point community, the families of those involved, and pledge to do whatever we can to support them.”

WESTCHESTER COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN

TO PROMOTE SAFE SLEEPING FOR INFANTS

Safe Sleep Practices Will Help Reduce the Risk of Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths

Watch the full News Conference HERE.

Watch the Promotional Video HERE.

(White Plains, NY) – Placing the safety of Westchester County’s children and families at the forefront, Westchester County Executive George Latimer launched a public awareness campaign aimed at preventing infant deaths attributed to unsafe sleeping environments. The ABCs of Safe Sleep, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and others, explains that the safest way for babies to sleep is Alone, on their Backs and in a Crib. At Ridge Hill Shopping Mall in Yonkers, Latimer was joined by members from the County’s Department of Social Services (DSS) and the Health Department to spread this very important message. 

Latimer said: “For any parent, the death of a child is absolutely devastating. That is why it is crucial to remember that your baby should always be sleeping alone, on his or her back and in a crib, every time you put your baby to sleep. It is our hope that by launching this safe sleep campaign, we will ultimately be saving children’s lives across Westchester County.”

As part of the campaign, DSS will be providing 500 bags filled with sleep sacks and pacifiers, two baby items that have been proven to reduce unsafe sleep infant deaths. The bags also include informational flyers that illustrate the ABCs of Safe Sleep in both English and Spanish. DSS’ nonprofit partners will help distribute the information to child care providers through its partnership with the Child Care Council of Westchester, and through the Westchester County Diaper Bank. The information will also be distributed through the Health Department’s WIC program that serves pregnant women and infants in Yonkers and Port Chester.

DSS Commissioner Kevin McGuire said: “Losing a child is heartbreaking and devastating to families. And Westchester County, along with its local and State partners, is prepared to do everything possible to educate parents and other caregivers about the ABCs of Safe Sleep, and the risks of bed sharing.”

Westchester County also created a promotional video for the campaign to reinforce the significance of safe sleep practices, featuring News 12 Westchester Reporter Blaise Gomez. Gomez is mother to her nine-year-old son Yani, and nine-month-old daughter Scarlett. The promotional video will be made available in all of DSS’ District Offices, as well as promoted in the County’s My Westchester Newsletter, on the website and on all social media platforms.

Gomez said: “My main concern are my children. I can imagine that any parent, their main concern is making sure that their kids are safe. So if I have the opportunity to raise awareness to what we do in our home to keep our children safe, I am more than happy to help spread that message to other people.”

The New York State Department of Health continues to report that nearly 100 infants die each year in New York State due to unsafe sleep practices, and Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID). Locally, the multi-disciplinary Westchester County Child Fatality Review Team reviewed 100 child fatalities between 2008 and 2018, and found that in 31% (involving 31 children) an unsafe sleep environment was identified, and that figure climbs to nearly 54% for infants under age one. While that doesn’t necessarily mean unsafe sleep was determined to be the cause, it nevertheless was present and of concern, pointing to the ongoing need for public education.

Also Statewide, the New York State Office of Children and Family Services reported that of the 221 infants under age one who died in an unsafe sleep environment between 2014 and 2016, 62% were sleeping in an adult bed, usually with one or more adults or other children, leading to our campaign for families to “Share the Room, Not the Bed.”

Commissioner of Health Sherlita Amler, MD said: “It is so unfortunate that unsafe sleeping and bed sharing are leading causes of death for infants, because most of the time these deaths could have been prevented. Bed sharing is not a safe alternative to placing a baby in their own crib, and every parent, family member and caregiver needs to understand the safest way to put babies to sleep. While new parents will learn the ABCs of Safe Sleep in our local hospitals, it is extremely important for us to reinforce these practices across Westchester County.”

Also joining the County Executive was Jennifer Canter, MD MPH FAAP, Child Abuse Pediatrician. Canter said: “Babies need parents’ love, bonding and a safe environment to thrive. I’ve evaluated hundreds of infant fatalities whereby well-intended caregivers made a fatal mistake. Love your baby by sleeping separately and save the cuddles for awake time.”

All parents and caregivers should use the tips listed below to keep your baby safe, and reduce the risk of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics:

Alone:

·         Baby should always sleep alone in a crib.

·         Share the room, not the bed. Baby can share a room with parents, in a separate crib.

·         Baby should not co-sleep, or share a crib with a sibling or pet.

·         No blankets, pillows, toys or bumpers.

·         Dress baby in one more layer of clothing than you for warmth, and use a sleep sack.

Back:

·         Always place baby on his/her back.

·         No sleeping on side or tummy.

·         Tummy time is for supervised play time only.

·         No pillows or wedges in the crib.

Crib:

·         Baby sleeps safety in a separate crib or bassinet.

·         Use tightly fitted sheets with no blankets.

·         Never allow baby to sleep on a couch.

·         No futons, chairs or waterbeds.

For more information, please visit https://health.westchestergov.com/safe-sleep

CORRECTIONS DEPARTMENT STAFF & INMATES BRING COMFORT TO CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL PATIENTS

(Valhalla, NY) – On June 6, correction officers, inmates and administrators from the Westchester Department of Correction kicked-off a new and unique partnership with their “next door neighbor” -- the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital.  With both the Hospital and the correctional facility calling the Grasslands Reservation home, DOC staff and offenders have committed to supporting the compassionate care provided to these young patients and their families. 

One phase of the partnership, spearheaded by the correction officers’ union (WCOBA), provides ‘comfort kits’ for patients’ families that contain toiletries, travel pillows, gum, mints and other items.  Mary Delaney, Director of MFCH’s Family Resource Center explained that families may find themselves at the Hospital under various circumstances.

Delaney said: “Moms and dads often arrive at Maria Fareri in an ambulance following a trauma-related event or due to a sudden illness. They may have forgotten their wallet or purse.  Additionally, we have families who may be at the Hospital for months at a time, perhaps when their child is undergoing extensive medical treatment.  While it may seem like a small thing, being able to provide the family with the gift of a fresh toothbrush, deodorant or a travel pillow lessens the financial burden on families and provides them with comfort which, in turn, allows them to focus on supporting their child in their journey of healing.”

In discussing the donations, WCOBA Union President Neil Pellone said: “We recognize that many members of our community face very challenging medical situations and other hardships. We hope to lessen their loads -- even if it’s just for a day. Random acts of kindness are a way of showing that Corrections cares.”

The second phase of the partnership involves ‘giving-back’ by female offenders housed at the County jail. Over the course of the past several months, volunteer Carol Berton taught them to crochet baby blankets, hats and booties, which were donated Thursday to the Hospital for use by newborns and toddlers. 

Department of Correction Commissioner Joseph K. Spano said: “The crochet give-back program aligns with our mission of ‘restorative justice’, in which offenders focus on repairing broken communities and being accountable for past acts.  In learning to crochet, our female offenders -- many of who are moms themselves -- learn a lifelong skill.  Using their time in custody to provide comfort to a child that they may never meet can have a tremendous impact on personal growth and reflection.”  

The revitalized crochet and comfort kit program harkens back to the 1970s, when correction officers conducted toy drives for disadvantaged children and offenders knitted blankets for what was then Grasslands Hospital. 

Tracy T. 55, of Port Chester stated, “I first learned to knit from Captain Marva Brown in the early nineties.  When I am sitting and making a blanket it gives me a sense of peace and helps take my mind off other things.  I like to keep my hands busy, and is nice to know that I am giving something back.”

COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER STATEMENT ON SECTION 1 BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS RETURNING TO COUNTY CENTER.

“Today is a great day for Westchester County high school basketball players, families and fans. From 1933 until 2018, the historic County Center played host to these pivotal games where high school hoops legends raised trophies and made memories that will last a lifetime. The County Center is a family-friendly venue that serves all Westchester residents and it has been a goal of my Administration to promote this celebrated County asset. When I was a boy on the South Side of Mount Vernon, we looked forward to seeing our hometown Knights play for the Gold Ball each season – and now I am elated to say that these Westchester moments will return to their rightful home.”