Safe Sleep and SIDS

Awareness Month

October is Safe Sleep and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about how safe sleep practices can reduce risks for babies.

Sleep-related infant deaths remain a serious concern in Hamilton County. From 2021 through 2025, they accounted for 25% of infant deaths in the county, according to Cradle Cincinnati.

One of the easiest ways to remember safe sleep practices is through the ABCs of Safe Sleep: Alone, Back, and Crib.

Alone: Babies should sleep in their own sleep space without blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, or other soft objects.

Back: Babies should be placed on their backs for every sleep, including naps.

Crib: Babies should sleep on a firm, flat surface in a crib, bassinet, or portable play yard.

Santa Maria reinforces these practices through its Every Child Succeeds (ECS) program by screening parents’ safe sleep knowledge and practices, sharing education, and answering questions. Families engaged in Santa Maria programs may also have access to a Pack 'n Play through Every Baby Sleeps Safe after completing program requirements.

The Ohio Department of Children and Youth also recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing, using a sleep sack instead of a blanket, and making sure everyone who cares for a baby follows the same safe sleep practices

Sources:

• cradlecincinnati.org
• childrenandyouth.ohio.gov



If you know someone who could benefit from this information, please share these safe sleep resources with them. Families who would like additional support or information can also connect with Santa Maria to learn about available programs and resources for Price Hill families.

Thank you for joining us in a celebration of Belonging

On September 26, supporters, partners, volunteers, and friends came together at Western Hills Country Club for Passport to Success: Belonging, Santa Maria’s annual fundraiser. The morning centered on a message close to our hearts: everyone deserves to feel seen, valued, connected, and accepted.

WCPO’s Lauren Minor returned for her third year as emcee, bringing warmth and energy to a morning filled with stories and connection. Guest speaker Teddy Kremer shared a heartfelt message about kindness, acceptance, and making space for everyone to belong. His words brought laughter, emotion, and some very special moments throughout the room.

We were also proud to honor the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati (from which Santa Maria was originally founded in 1897) with the Partner in Purpose Award and longtime Santa Maria volunteer Steve Giessler with the Sister Blandina Champion of Hope Award. Their commitment to service and community made them a meaningful part of this year’s celebration.

To everyone who joined us, donated, volunteered, sponsored the event, or supported Passport to Success in another way, thank you. You helped fill the room with the spirit of belonging we hoped to celebrate.

If you weren’t able to join us, you can still be part of this year’s celebration. Consider making a gift in honor of creating spaces of belonging and helping support Santa Maria programs that work alongside Greater Price Hill families as they pursue their goals.

Celebrating a Historic Moment

For nearly 130 years, Santa Maria has grown and adapted alongside Cincinnati families. Seven years ago, we began imagining what the next chapter of that work could look like.

On September 17, that vision moved from planning to construction as we broke ground on our future home at 1048 Considine Avenue in East Price Hill.

The new 26,600-square-foot community hub will bring many of Santa Maria’s core services together under one roof, with the exception of our Joe Williams Family Center, which will continue to serve Santa Maria program participants in the Lower Price Hill community. For decades, Santa Maria has served the community from various scattered and aging facilities. This new home will create easier access for Greater Price Hill community members and give our team new opportunities to work across programs.

That impact reaches beyond the building itself. During the ceremony, Amber Kassem of the East Price Hill Improvement Association reflected on what this investment can mean for the community:

“This facility means that more families can access the work right here in our community, building independence and liberation, freedom to choose, freedom to dream, and move to wherever they need to be.”

Watch the video recap below for a closer look at this historic moment and the people helping bring this vision to life.

Thank you to our

Passport to Success: Belonging

Ambassador Sponsor

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About Santa Maria: Santa Maria Community Services provides essential support to families, offering programs in early childhood development, education advancement, employment assistance, financial stability, youth development, and health and wellness, as well as other supportive services. We empower families to achieve their goals and break the cycles of generational poverty through tailored coaching, resources, and advocacy. Our mission is to be a catalyst and advocate for Greater Price Hill families to attain their educational, financial, and health goals. Our vision is for Greater Price Hill to be a vibrant, thriving, and self-sustaining community.