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Sids/Bereavement Care And Referrals

The sudden, unexpected loss of a baby or young child is one of life’s most traumatic events. Losing a baby due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or Sudden Unexplained Infant Death (SUID) can be devastating for parents, siblings, and extended families. Your local public health nurses are available to provide you with support and information to help you cope with this tragic loss. Sometimes it helps to have a compassionate person to listen to your story and help guide you on next steps. We can talk with you by phone or meet with you in person at your home, our office, or a public place of your choice. We can also refer you to bereavement counseling, parent support groups, grief support, and/or mental health services if you would like a referral.

By Ohio law, all unexpected deaths of children under 2 years of age are reported to local health departments. A local health department nurse will then reach out to the parents to offer bereavement support and referrals. We reach out to parents by a letter or a phone call.

The Ohio Baby 1st Network (ADD LINK) is also available to help you. Their mission is to provide support to grieving families and prevent SIDS and SUID. They offer phone support and can put you in touch with other parents who have been through the lost of a baby. Online support groups are available. Their phone number is 1-800-477-7437, and their email address is info@baby1stnetwork.org .

You are not alone – help is available. If you would like to talk with a public health nurse, please contact us at 740-355-8358.

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