The Justice Knowledge Network and the Canadian Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths recently announced the launch of The ABCs of Safe Sleep, an e-learning course designed to provide parents, grandparents, and other caregivers with information to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome and sleep accidents.

“Though nobody knows how to prevent SIDS, the latest research shows that there are things you can do to make your baby safer,” said Mary MacCormick, Executive Director of CFSID.

”An online approach offers an incredible opportunity to increase awareness about the risk factors associated with SIDS and to provide information to improve the health and safety of infants.”

At a recent national conference on SIDS and other related syndromes, CFSID and JKN launched The ABCs of Safe Sleep, the first online learning course to be delivered though the newly established SIDS Online Learning Portal. In addition to course development, JKN will maintain the Portal and provide technical support services to learners.

“Through the support of CFSID and the Province of Prince Edward Island, we’ve been able to create a high quality learning tool that will benefit countless families across the country,” Sandy Sweet, Executive Director of JKN said.

“And while it’s a departure from our typical subject matter, I think this initiative demonstrates the flexibility and versatility of our organization. I think this will be one of many new learning areas that we will explore.”

Established as a research and development initiative of Holland College in 2002, JKN has evolved to become a recognized leader in the design, development and delivery of e-learning for the Canadian law enforcement community. When the opportunity arose, JKN ventured into new territory to partner with CFSID to create online learning products about SIDS and infant health and safety issues.

Until now, CFSID, a national organization dedicated to reducing infant mortality and providing emotional support to affected families, delivered a range of educational materials, resources and support through a network of volunteers in communities across Canada. In order to broadcast their message to a wider audience, CFSID sought out JKN to develop web-based courses that would reach families and caregivers in even the most remote areas of the country.

This project has been funded in part by the Prince Edward Island Research and Development Initiative, a program that assists and encourages research and development in all sectors of Prince Edward Island’s economy. More information about The ABCs of Safe Sleep course is available through CFSID’s website, www.sidscanada.org. The next course in this series, which will be specifically designed for health care professionals, is scheduled for release in early 2009. For more information about the Justice Knowledge Network, visit www.justiceknowledge.com.

In this picture: (L-R) Rick Dykstra, MP for St. Catherines, Ontario; Mary MacCormick, Executive Director of CFSID; and Sandy Sweet, Executive Director of JKN recently attended the CFSID's national conference in Niagara Falls where The ABCs of Safe Sleep online learning course was launched.