NCH Safe & Healthy Children’s Coalition and Avow Hospice Host First-Ever “Wave of Light” Event in Naples to Raise Awareness for Safe Infant Sleep and Bereavement Support
Naples, Florida, October 14 2024 – As part of efforts to raise awareness about safe infant sleep and provide support for bereaved families, the NCH Safe & Healthy Children’s Coalition and Avow Hospice are hosting their first-ever “Wave of Light” event on Tuesday, October 15th. This event is part of a global movement to raise awareness and offer support to families affected by pregnancy loss and the death of a baby.
The event coincides with Baby Loss Awareness Week, which runs from October 9th to 15th. Now in its 22nd year, Baby Loss Awareness Week provides an opportunity for families and communities to come together to remember and honor much-loved and missed babies.
This week is also a platform to highlight the profound impact of pregnancy and baby loss, emphasize the importance of bereavement support, and raise awareness about the need for improved pregnancy outcomes and safe infant sleep practices to save lives.
The Wave of Light event will take place on Tuesday, October 15th, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. at Avow’s Aunt Janet’s House, located at 1301 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105. The candle lighting ceremony will begin at 7:00 p.m., and attendees are encouraged to wear pink and blue to symbolize baby loss awareness. The event is free to attend.
“We hope that this Wave of Light event will spark conversations about pregnancy and baby loss and give local bereaved parents and families an opportunity to come together to remember and talk about their precious babies,” said Dr. Debbie Shepard, Vice-Chair of the Safe Infant Sleep Committee.
Baby Loss Awareness Week not only commemorates the babies who have been lost but also provides an opportunity for those affected to reflect on their healing journey. Bereavement support plays a crucial role in helping families navigate their grief, and self-care is a key part of sustaining emotional well-being.
Collier County residents are invited to share their photos from the Wave of Light on social media using the hashtag #BLAW to reach as many people as possible. Additionally, the global Wave of Light encourages everyone, wherever they are in the world, to light a candle at 7:00 p.m. local time on October 15th in a special act of remembrance.
For more information on how to get involved or for self-care advice during Baby Loss Awareness Week, visit www.babyloss-awareness.org. Families seeking bereavement support can also visit the NCH Safe & Healthy Children’s Coalition’s website at https://safehealthychildren.org/grieving-support-1, where a variety of local and national free resources are available.
October is Safe Sleep Awareness Month
In addition to Baby Loss Awareness Week, the NCH Safe & Healthy Children’s Coalition reminds parents and caregivers that October is Safe Sleep Awareness Month. To ensure infants sleep safely, parents and caregivers should follow the ABC’s of safe sleep:
- Alone – Keep the crib, bassinet, or pack-and-play empty. There should be no toys, bumpers, pillows, or blankets.
- Back – Always place babies on their backs on a firm surface to sleep.
- Crib – Move infants who fall asleep in swings, strollers, or car seats to a crib, bassinet, or pack-and-play.
The Board of County Commissioners of Collier County, Florida, has issued a proclamation declaring October 2024 as Safe Infant Sleep Month, in conjunction with the national observance of Safe Sleep Awareness Month, to remind parents and caregivers that sleep-related deaths are often preventable.
About the NCH Safe & Healthy Children’s Coalition
Founded in 2010, the NCH Safe & Healthy Children’s Coalition of Collier County unites over 85 agencies and businesses to address child health and safety issues. The Coalition works collaboratively to bring programs and services together, identify challenges, and develop solutions that support the health and well-being of children in the community. To learn more about safe sleep, visit https://safehealthychildren.org/safe-sleep-resources.
About Baby Loss Awareness Week
Running from October 9th to 15th every year, Baby Loss Awareness Week unites those affected by pregnancy and baby loss with families, friends, and healthcare professionals worldwide. Started 22 years ago by a group of parents, the initiative has grown into an alliance of over 130 organizations committed to raising awareness and providing support to bereaved families. By working with healthcare professionals and other partners, Baby Loss Awareness Week aims to improve bereavement care and reduce the incidence of pregnancy and baby loss. For more information, visit www.babyloss-awareness.org.
