News and Events

Many cases once thought to be sudden infant death syndrome are now believed to be accidents caused by unsafe sleep practices. Please take a moment to read and share with your staff about Safe Sleep. Here is a story from NPR about Safe Sleep that is worth sharing. Rethinking SIDS: Many Deaths No Longer A Mystery, by Andrea Hsu http://www.npr.org/2011/07/15/137859024/rethinking-sids-many-deaths-no-longer-a-mystery?sc=17&f=. You can view the Safe Sleep PSAs from WV online at http://www.safesoundbabies.com. The American Academy of Pediatrics warns against putting teddy bears and bumper in the baby's crib.

Breastfeeding Supplies Now Eligible for Tax Benefits
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced, February 10, that breast pumps and other lactation supplies may be deducted as medical expenses or reimbursed under a flexible spending account. This announcement reverses a long-standing IRS rule that prohibited breastfeeding supplies from being eligible for tax benefits. AWHONN advocated for this policy change and we praise Senators Merkley (OR) and Harkin (IA), as well as Representatives Maloney (NY) and Levin (MI) for their long standing commitment to promoting breastfeeding and for their efforts to ensure that breastfeeding supplies are covered.