Regional and local Sudden Infant Death Syndrome organizations have existed in Ohio for more than 35 years. In 1998, the SID Network of Ohio evolved as an umbrella organization for the many diverse regional and local SIDS entities and formally merged programmatic and service delivery operations. Support contacts are located in the following areas: Akron, Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Toledo, New Philadelphia and Dayton. The Network now stands as the only statewide volunteer health organization dedicated exclusively to solving the mystery of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. In addition, the Network also offers supportive services to those families who tragically lose an infant age two and under, suddenly and unexpectedly in the Ohio population to either diagnosed or undiagnosed causes of death.

The SID Network is committed to providing supportive services via support groups and individual meetings to families and caregivers who have lost a baby in their care; supplies up-to-date information on SIDS to medical and health related professionals and the general public; and is committed to supporting medical research into SIDS and related issues.

The SID Network of Ohio provides a variety of services. The Network is committed to ensuring that comprehensive services are available to anyone affected by a sudden, unexpected infant death. This includes information, counseling, and support for SIDS/SUID families and individuals affected by the death of an infant. At the present time, there are seven regional SIDS support contacts in Ohio. Referrals to many other infant loss support groups are offered to the newly bereaved throughout the state. A lending library with information about SIDS and the grieving process is located at the SID Network home office.

• SIDS support contacts in 7 locations statewide
• Coordination and referral to other supportive services
• Grief literature for newly bereaved parents and caregivers
• Consultation for Ohio's 157 health departments/districts, for primary responders , hospital personnel, Child Death Review Teams, Clergy, Funeral Directors, Therapists
• Home and phone visits
• National toll free hotline 1-800-477-SIDS (7437)

• Ohio's first Statewide Sudden Infant Death Task Force (Columbus, Ohio) to address Risk Reduction, Bereavement Support and Reporting and Surveillance Issues (May 2000). Over 60 individuals from key agencies in Ohio attended the initial meeting and are dedicated to a long-term plan of action to reduce infant mortality.
• Development and implementation of the National Black Reproductive and Child Health Institute (NBRCHI).
• Project collaboration with the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD).
• Founding member of the National Partnership with CJ Foundation for SIDS.
• Serving agent for the Ohio Department Health Bureau of Family Child Health Services.
• Assisted in the establishment of the statewide Child Fatality Review System (CFR).
• Developed and implemented statewide African American Risk Reduction Campaign.
• Development and implementation of Cribs for Kids Campaign in Cincinnati.
• Assisted in the implementation of mandatory autopsy for all infants who die suddenly and unexpectedly.
• Media campaign Cleveland area risk reduction message on approximately 175 buses and billboards with the Network’s 800 hotline number (October-December 2004).
• Public Awareness /Fundraiser “7 Days for SIDS”

Goals
To increase public awareness and knowledge of SIDS / Sudden Unexpected Infant Death(SUID) by:

• Educating the public at-large of SIDS reduction practices
• Participating in community outreach programs
• Serving as a comprehensive source for a variety of informational and educational materials
• Coordinating continual education forums for parents, the community at-large, and professionals
• Providing materials to promote safe sleeping environments
• Distributing a statewide newsletter

To provide Sudden Infant Death education and training for medical and health-related professionals by:

• Providing free educational and informational training sessions
• Serving as a statewide clearinghouse for SIDS/SUID literature and information
• Offering consultation and technical support

To reduce the emotional suffering that accompanies a sudden and unexplained infant death by:

• Providing free information and education regarding the grieving process
• Supporting a statewide SID Network
• Providing referral and support services to SIDS/SUID families
• Maintaining a national toll-free information hotline for parents, professionals, and the general public
• Offering training for volunteer peer contacts and peer facilitators

To maintain a statewide database on all Sudden and Unexpected Infant Deaths in Ohio on behalf of the Ohio Department of Health and the Statewide Coroner’s Association