California's 61 local health jurisdictions (LHJs) are required to implement the California SIDS Program, with a goal of reducing the number of SIDS/SUID deaths in their communities and implementing outreach and education activities for families and organizations to support an infant safe sleep environment. Given each LHJ's unique community demographics, size, income and access to health care, local programs are tailored to the communities they serve. LHJs:

• develop and distribute SIDS/SUID literature at community events;
• adhere to the American Academy of Pediatrics Safe Sleep Recommendations;
• assess and support families' needs by providing safe sleep products such as bassinets, Baby Boxes, portable cribs;
• provide grief and bereavement support to parents and caregivers who suffer a SIDS/SUID loss;
• work with infant day care centers in collaboration with Department of Social Services; and
• ensure that Labor and Delivery hospitals in California provide safe sleep information and guidance to all parents and caregivers of newborns.

Local SIDS Coordinators 

To get SIDS community input, law mandates the appointment of the SIDS Advisory Council, a nine-member council of representatives from parent groups and professionals who provide services to families impacted by SUID. The council advises the California Department of Public Health on training and educational programs, recommends action to address disparities, and helps convene an annual statewide conference.

SIDS Advisory Council