(pictured above, right to left: Laura Woodrum, LCDHD Director of Nursing; Danny Ashlock, Anthem Medicaid; Sabrina Merrick, LCDHD Maternal Child Health Coordinator; and, Shawn Crabtree, LCDHD Executive Director)
The Lake Cumberland District Health Department (LCDHD) is pleased to announce Anthem Medicaid Kentucky as the newest community partner for the Safe Sleep Kentucky/Cribs for Kids program. Anthem Medicaid Kentucky has awarded $10,000 for the purchase of Safe Sleep Survival Kits for qualifying Anthem Medicaid Kentucky infants. Safe Sleep Kentucky will match the funding. At least 200 families will benefit from this generous grant.
There were 88 sudden infant sleep (SIDS) related deaths in Kentucky in 2015, with a dramatic increase to 103 in 2016. In 2013, 90% of Kentucky SIDS had at least one sleep-related risk factor documented. SIDS is the sudden, unexplained death of a baby younger than 1 year of age that does not have a clear, known cause. However, research has proven that a vast number are actually due to suffocation, strangulation, or overlay while sleeping in an unsafe place.
Anthem Medicaid Kentucky representatives Rhonda Petr and Danny Ashlock are aware of the SIDS crisis in our state. Once they learned their company could help, they have been dedicated to ensure qualifying members could receive a Safe Sleep Survival Kit. Screened participants will receive a portable Pac N Play, fitted sheet, blanket sleeper and safe sleep materials with individualized education. A screening process is in place through LCDHD for Anthem Medicaid Kentucky members and non-members.
Please contact Sabrina Merrick, MCH Coordinator for LCDHD at 606 679-4416 extension 2288 for more information on Safe Sleep Survival Kits, or to become a community partner with Safe Sleep Kentucky. Other LCDHD services and valuable education on a variety of topics can be found at the following LCDHD links: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.
Further information on Anthem Medicaid Kentucky services including free eyeglasses or contacts for adults, or the new car seat benefit for new moms can be found at Anthem Medicaid Kentucky or by calling 1-855-690-7784.