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.
 
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Allina Health is a nonprofit health care system serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin, dedicated to preventing and treating illness and improving the health of individuals, families, and communities. Through a network of more than 90 clinics, 12 hospital campuses, 13 retail pharmacies, specialty care centers, home care, and emergency medical transportation, Allina Health provides high-quality care from birth through end-of-life.  

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