If you have a passion for knitting or crocheting, it’s time to put your skills to good use! A coalition of health organizations, including the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), is on the lookout for volunteers to craft purple hats for newborns. This initiative is part of a campaign aimed at raising awareness about Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS), a serious condition that can result from violently shaking an infant.
In collaboration with the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome, the Click for Babies campaign, named after the sound of knitting needles, seeks to educate parents about the risks associated with shaking babies. Shockingly, statistics from the New York State Department of Health indicate that between 1,000 and 3,000 children in the U.S. suffer from SBS annually. This can lead to severe brain injuries, including cerebral palsy and even death. Tragically, a quarter of these victims do not survive, and 80% of those who do experience lasting complications.
The campaign addresses one of the primary triggers for shaking: parental frustration during periods of excessive crying, known as the “purple” phase. Each letter in “PURPLE” represents a factor that can contribute to a parent’s stress, such as the peak crying period and the duration of crying episodes. Many new parents are unaware that infants can cry up to five hours a day, and this knowledge can be vital in reducing the risk of SBS.
Despite previous requests for assistance yielding limited volunteers, Amy Johnson, a health coordinator with OSDH, shared that this year’s response has been overwhelming. “We redesigned our campaign materials and boosted our social media efforts, which has led to an incredible outpouring of support from around the country,” she noted.
Volunteers are encouraged to knit or crochet hats primarily in purple, using soft, baby-friendly yarn. Ideal dimensions are around 14 inches in circumference and 4 to 6 inches high. If you’re not particularly crafty, consider organizing a crocheting party to rally support. Hats will be collected until October 1st and subsequently distributed to birthing hospitals and public health offices, along with informational resources on the PURPLE program.
Get those needles working! For more information on how to get involved, check out this resource to stay engaged with similar initiatives. Also, if you’re navigating your own couples fertility journey, this website can provide valuable insights. And for a comprehensive guide on pregnancy, Healthline serves as an excellent resource.
In summary, the Click for Babies campaign seeks your help to knit purple hats that will aid in raising awareness about the dangers of Shaken Baby Syndrome. This initiative not only provides vital information for new parents but also fosters a supportive community.
Keyphrase: Purple Hats for Shaken Baby Syndrome Awareness
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