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The California SIDS Program in conjunction with the Southern California Regional SIDS Council and the California Department of Public Health Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Division presents, Angels Among Us, on October 5, 2010. This day long learning experience promises to be rich in content, informative and supportive. To download the conference schedule including speakers, general sessions and other special events, just click on the conference agenda. We have a wonderful program lined up for you. Here's a peek at how the day's educational events will take flight.
Conference Highlights
We are honored to have as our keynote speaker on Tuesday, October 5th a world renowned SIDS researcher, Henry F. Krous MD. Dr. Krous is Director of Pathology Research at Rady Children's Hospital and is Clinical Professor of Pathology and Pediatrics at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine. He is also the Director of the San Diego SIDS/Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) Research Project.
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Henry F. Krous, MD, Keynote Speaker
SIDS Researcher
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Dr. Krous has served as a consultant to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institute of Child and Human Development in the development of national standards for infant death scene investigation. In California he is credited with formulating the State's standardized autopsy and death scene protocols. Dr. Krous has been involved in SIDS research for more than thirty years, of which twenty have been in collaboration with Dr. Hannah Kinney. Their cooperative efforts have been instrumental in identifying the link between SIDS and low levels of serotonin. Dr. Krous will discuss this recently published research study and provide an overview of current findings surrounding SIDS and other sudden unexplained infant deaths.
Immediately following his presentation, Dr. Krous will moderate an informal dialogue among SIDS medical experts as they respond to audience questions. The morning's general session will conclude with three parents sharing their journey of grief and the lessons they have learned in coping with their loss.
After lunch, registrants will have an opportunity for networking and sharing in a smaller informal setting by attending pre-selected workshops. Featured sessions are designed for SIDS grandparents, newly bereaved parents/family members and those years beyond their loss. Each of these small group gatherings will be facilitated by volunteer parents/family members who have experienced the loss of an infant. Professionals will attend an interactive session moderated by the Public Health Nurse (PHN) representatives of the State SIDS Advisory Council. The day's final general session will include a pictorial tribute celebrating the "borrowed angels" whose lives were lost suddenly and unexpectedly.
Other Conference Events
Pictorial Tribute
In honor of all infants who have died suddenly and unexpectedly, we invite you to participate in this year's pictorial tribute even if you are unable to attend the memorial service or conference. You may do this by emailing a digital photo of the infant you would like to honor along with the infant's name, birth date, date of death and any special message to Sarah Held at heldfamily@socal.rr.com. Please indicate in the subject line of your email Slideshow or Infant Photo. If your infant's picture is not in a digital format, please mail a photograph along with the requested information and a return self-addressed envelope to:
Guild for Infant Survival of Orange County
c/o Rachel Strickland, President
PO Box 148, Tustin, CA 92781
- Digital photos are preferred; however mailed photographs are gladly accepted. All photos and digital emails need to reach Sarah or the GISOC no later than Friday, September 24, 2010. Be sure to include your name and address if you mail a photo so that it can be returned to you.
- For those attending the conference, infant photos can be picked up at the Conference Registration Table.
- If you have any questions or need further information about the memorial tribute, please email Sarah at heldfamily@socal.rr.com or call the California SIDS Program at 800-369-SIDS (7437).
Displays/Exhibits
Conference participants are invited to visit the SIDS Display and Exhibit area during the conference and explore a variety of SIDS educational and informational handouts, brochures, pamphlets and promotional items. There is no charge for the exhibits. Exhibitors will include the California SIDS Program and SIDS parent support organizations in California.
Don't miss the opportunity to view the lovely handmade quilts memorializing those infants whose lives have been lost to SIDS; learn about local bereavement support services; browse an array of educational resources and informational materials; and preview promotional SIDS fundraising items.
Daniel E. Boatwright Award
Each year a highlight of the annual Conference is to honor and recognize the recipient of the Senator Daniel E. Boatwright Award. One special person is recognized by SIDS parents and professionals in honor of his/her commitment and dedication in serving the California SIDS Community. The 20th recipient of this prestigious award will be announced at the conclusion of the morning general session on Tuesday, October 5th. Thomas G. Keens, MD, past recipient and President of the State SIDS Advisory Council will be the master of ceremonies for this special event in which the 2010 honoree will be acknowledged for their outstanding public service.
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