Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood Awareness Month

Proclamation

By the Governor of Alabama

WHEREAS, Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) is the sudden and unexpected death of a child over the age of 12 months which remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation is conducted, including performance of a complete autopsy, examination of the death scene, and review of the child’s medical history; and

WHEREAS, each year, there are more than 4,600 sudden unexpected infant deaths and over 200 children between the ages of 1 and 4 who die without any clear cause or explanation; and

WHEREAS, while less common than Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), which occurs before the first birthday, SUDC is an important health concern deserving of increased public awareness and research; and

WHEREAS, at the present time, there is no way to prevent SUDC as its cause(s) is not known. It is hoped that future research will identify means by which SUDC can be prevented. If and when risk factors are identified, such as prone sleep position for SIDS, then one might anticipate reduction in the risk of SUDC; and

WHEREAS, we recognize the dedicated efforts of organizations such as the SUDC Foundation, medical professionals, and volunteers that are working to better understand the causes of sudden unexplained death, improve the health of infants and children, and provide much needed hope and support for those families grieving the heartbreaking sudden unexplained death of a child; and

WHEREAS, Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood Awareness Month provides an opportunity to honor the memory of the young lives that ended too soon, show encouragement and support for the families and loved ones forever devastated by their loss, and increase public awareness of SUDC and the ongoing search for answers:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim March 2017, as

Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood Awareness Month

in the State of Alabama.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 1st day of March 2017.

Robert Bentley

Governor