FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 9, 2001
Contact: Jennifer McGinley mcginley@som.umaryland.edu 410-706-1521
Larry Roberts lroberts@som.umaryland.edu 410-706-7590

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND SCHOOL OF MEDICINE SIDS PROGRAM FORMS PARTNERSHIP WITH WIRELESS ZONE

The University of Maryland School of Medicine’s Center for Infant & Child Loss has entered into a corporate partnership that will help families facing the loss of an infant. Connecticut-based Automotive Technologies, Inc., in conjunction with Wireless Zone, the largest independent cellular agent in the country, will make a contribution to the center for every Verizon Wireless activation and upgrade done by Wireless Zone franchise stores in Maryland, District of Columbia, and Northern Virginia areas.

The center is a resource for families who have lost a child to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). “Our families are very grateful for Wireless Zone’s extremely generous offer,” said Donna C. Becker, R.N., M.S.N., director of the center. “This is the center’s first opportunity to have a contribution for a determined amount, allowing us to make long-term plans for services to families and risk reduction activities.”

“The loss of an infant from SIDS is a devastating tragedy and we hope our financial support will help to meet the center’s goal of reducing the number of SIDS cases every year, and help the families who are faced with this horrible loss,” said Ron Bender, Vice President of Franchise Development for Wireless Zone.

SIDS is the sudden and unexpected death of an apparently healthy baby and is the leading single cause of death among babies one month to one year. At present, there are approximately 3,000 SIDS deaths in the United States per year. It is widely recognized that SIDS deaths have been reduced by placing infants on their backs to sleep, using firm bedding, and creating a smoke-free environment. SIDS is not caused by suffocation, vomiting or choking. It is not contagious or hereditary, or a result of child abuse or neglect.

Since 1975, the Center for Infant & Child Loss has assisted Maryland families that have lost an infant or child by offering crisis intervention programs, counseling, and information. The center supports parent bereavement groups, SIDS related research, community service activities and risk reduction efforts. In addition to working with SIDS families, the center also provides services to any family facing the sudden unexpected death of a child.

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