Partnerships & Collaborations

First Candle/SIDS Alliance

First Candle/SIDS Alliance is a national nonprofit organization which exists to promote infant health and survival during the prenatal period through two years of age through programs of advocacy, education and research. SUID/SIDS bereavement services are a critical component of the mission, vision and goals. NSIDPSC, which is administered by First Candle/SIDS Alliance, provides programs and services for professionals working in the health and human service arena. The scope of their work involves providing guidance and materials for educational efforts on reducing the risk of infant death as well as providing compassionate grief support to those affected by an infant death.

Services:

• A toll-free hotline (800-221-7437) that provides risk reduction education and bereavement support and referrals during normal work hours and a 24-hour crisis hotline for both English and Spanish speakers.
• Spanish Web site, international conferences and newsletter.
• Staff attends conferences to provide outreach to professionals and the public.
• Provides train-the-trainer style training to medical staff, child care providers, first responders, police, funeral directors and others.
• Provides information and referrals to callers about local bereavement and SIDS risk reduction.
• Provides SIDS risk reduction materials and bereavement packets to expectant families and bereaved parents.

Data: Staff provides technical assistance in interpreting SIDS and perinatal death research and statistics.

Membership: First Candle/SIDS Alliance partners with individuals and groups at the local, State and national levels interested in infant health and survival. There are several different membership levels: individual, professional, associate and charter members. Currently there are more than 60 members nationwide.

Publications: Produces and provides health care professional and family educational materials on SIDS risk reduction, current research and trends and grief and bereavement. All publications are available at low cost to organizations.

First Candle/SIDS Alliance
1314 Bedford Avenue, Suite 210
Baltimore, MD 21208
800-221-7437 (SIDS)
410-653-8226
410-653-8709 (fax)
www.firstcandle.org

Developed by the Program Support Center at First Candle with collaborative assistance from the Sudden and Unexpected Infant/Child Death and Pregnancy Loss Centers.