Business & Merchant

Last Updated on Sunday, 31 August 2025 02:13

Allegheny Health Network’s (AHN) Jefferson Hospital has been recognized as a Gold-Level Labor & Delivery program distinction from the Pennsylvania Perinatal Quality Collaborative for its outstanding commitment to infant safe sleep practices.

The PA PQC Designation Awards acknowledge Pennsylvania hospitals demonstrating exceptional dedication to collaborative efforts aimed at improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes through various initiatives, including maternal opioid use disorder, neonatal abstinence syndrome, maternal sepsis and safe sleep.

Safe sleep practices are critical for infant well-being. From 2020-2022, rates of sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) increased by nearly 12 percent despite overall improvements in U.S. infant mortality. This notable shift in SUID cases has prompted public health officials to advocate for safer sleep environments and promote increased awareness to reduce risk factors.

AHN Jefferson continues to play a pivotal role in providing safe sleep education and resources to families across the southern portions of Allegheny County, as well as the Mon Valley and surrounding communities.

Starting in 2016, the hospital implemented a comprehensive, multi-faceted initiative to champion infant safe sleep. Key components include hourly rounding to provide real-time education and support to families, thorough training for all practitioners on best sleep practices, routine safe sleep audits, and the provision of valuable resources to new families.

“We are incredibly proud to receive this award,” said Joy M. Peters, DNP, RN, MSN, MBA, NEA-BC, chief nursing officer at AHN Jefferson and Canonsburg Hospitals. “At AHN Jefferson, we understand the importance of safe sleep practices in preventing infant mortality, and we are dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of families in our community by providing the education, support and resources they may need. We want to help ensure the babies who get their start at Jefferson hospital have the best chance to thrive when they arrive home.”

To further support families, AHN Jefferson provides compliant bassinets and safe sleep “pack & play” kits upon discharge to families who indicate that their homes lack a safe sleeping environment for infants. All patients receive wearable blankets, educational materials, and verbal instruction prior to leaving the hospital. AHN Jefferson also extends its commitment to the community through prenatal courses featuring safe sleep lessons and participation in local outreach programs.

AHN Forbes and AHN West Penn in Allegheny County, as well as AHN Saint Vincent in Erie County, have also been recognized by PA PQC for their dedication to safe sleep practices in previous years.

To learn more about AHN Jefferson, go to ahn.org.