Owatonna Hospital Auxiliary gifts newborns a warm, safe welcome
Babies born at the hospital’s birth center will benefit from donation of 330 sleep sacks
OWATONNA, Minn. (Dec. 30, 2024) — Through its fundraising efforts, the Owatonna Hospital Auxiliary recently gifted 330 sleep sacks to the Owatonna Hospital Birth Center. Each baby born at the hospital will receive one. Sleep sacks are designed to eliminate the need for loose blankets and provide a safe, comfortable sleeping environment for newborns. And they may help decrease risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
According to The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2022, the sudden unexplained infant death (SUID) rate – which includes SIDS – was 100.9 deaths per 100,000 live births. Statewide, the Minnesota Department of Health reports approximately 50 SUIDs annually.
The sleep sacks help provide a sense of security to the parents of newborns. "The new grey sleep sacks have been a hit with our moms," said Sue Shaft, manager of the Birth Center at Owatonna Hospital. "Each sleep sack is embroidered with the words, ‘Wrapped in love by Owatonna Hospital Auxiliary.’"
The Owatonna Hospital Auxiliary is a group of 130 community volunteers committed to raising funds for unbudgeted hospital items, amenities to provide patient care and comfort, plus scholarships for area students pursuing medical careers.
According to The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2022, the sudden unexplained infant death (SUID) rate – which includes SIDS – was 100.9 deaths per 100,000 live births. Statewide, the Minnesota Department of Health reports approximately 50 SUIDs annually.
The sleep sacks help provide a sense of security to the parents of newborns. "The new grey sleep sacks have been a hit with our moms," said Sue Shaft, manager of the Birth Center at Owatonna Hospital. "Each sleep sack is embroidered with the words, ‘Wrapped in love by Owatonna Hospital Auxiliary.’"
The Owatonna Hospital Auxiliary is a group of 130 community volunteers committed to raising funds for unbudgeted hospital items, amenities to provide patient care and comfort, plus scholarships for area students pursuing medical careers.
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Allina Health is dedicated to the prevention and treatment of illness and enhancing the greater health of individuals, families and communities throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. A nonprofit health care system, Allina Health cares for patients from beginning to end-of-life through its 90+ clinics, 12 hospital campuses, 14 retail pharmacies, and many specialty care centers and specialty medical services, home care, and emergency medical transportation services. Learn more at allinahealth.org and join us on Facebook, X and Instagram.