Safe Sleep NC is a program of the UNC Center for Maternal and Infant Health. The goal is to strengthen the adoption of infant safe sleep practices that reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and that prevent infant sleep-related deaths such as accidental infant asphyxiation and suffocation across the state.

Montgomery County Department of Health utilizes the educational curriculum provided by Safe Sleep NC to teach expecting parents & parents/caregivers of young babies about the risks associated with unsafe sleep practices to equip parents to minimize risks in of sleep-related infant death. Participants are taught about current guidelines & recommended practices to provide safe sleep spaces for infants & how to keep those sleep spaces safe. At class completion, participants are encouraged to utilize resources available to them to help them feel confident in their ability to provide their baby with a safe sleep space. 

Montgomery County education staff worked diligently throughout 2022 to continue the efforts of the safe sleep education program for all people in Montgomery County. Staff implemented monthly group education classes for all individuals referred to the safe sleep program. Individual classes were held on an as needed basis for any referral. Staff utilized online communication platforms (i.e. Zoom) to reduce barriers in participation for participants. 

In 2023, education staff continued the efforts of the safe sleep education program for all people in Montgomery County. Group classes are hosted twice a month, with individual classes being held on an as needed basis for participants.