Kennett, MO – Since 2009, 135 babies have died before their first birthday in Missouri’s Bootheel, making this region one of the highest for infant mortality rates (IMR) in not just Missouri, but the entire United States. To bring awareness to this critical issue and to celebrate ongoing community efforts to reduce infant mortality, Bootheel Babies & Families will host a Community Birthday Party from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 17 at Jones Park in Kennett.
New and expectant parents, siblings, grandparents, friends and the community at large are invited to attend the event, which will feature games and activities, giveaways, birthday cake and a free Celebrating Babies photo shoot.
“The Community Birthday Party is an opportunity to celebrate the great work happening in Bootheel communities to reduce infant mortality, but also to shine a spotlight on how far we have to go,” said Robert Turner, project management coordinator for Bootheel Babies & Families.
In the majority of infant deaths in the Bootheel, unsafe sleep habits are the cause – from bed sharing to placing babies on their bellies to sleep.
“That’s why Bootheel Babies & Families is focused on educating our communities about the ABC’S of Safe Sleep, ensuring babies always sleep Alone, on their Backs, in a Crib or other Safe sleep surface. This event allows us to share that message while also encouraging the community to become active in our organization,” said Turner.
Bootheel Babies & Families is a comprehensive community effort to reduce infant mortality in six Bootheel counties: Scott, Stoddard, New Madrid, Mississippi, Pemiscot and Dunklin. Register for the Community Birthday Party and the Celebrating Babies photo shoot, a free baby photo shoot with complimentary 5x7 print, at http://www.bootheelbabies.org/bootheel-events or contact Bootheel Babies & Families at: (573) 475-8688.