NAN A. S. HAYWORTH: “specific risk factors have been identified, and through identification and implementation of learned actions, there is a…”

“specific risk factors have been identified, and through identification and implementation of learned actions, there is a potential reduction in the incidence rate of SIDS by up to 40 percent. Infant mortality rates among Native Americans in Indian Health Service areas was 9.3 versus 7.6 in the United States for all races. Now, understand that among Native Americans, that means the incidence of infant mortality is 22 percent higher. The areas in Tucson, Aberdeen, and Nashville exceeded the U.S. rate by over 50 percent. Infant mortality for SIDS in Indian Health Service areas average 2.3 times greater than all races in the United States, and three times the Caucasian rate. As I mentioned earlier, Mr. Speaker, the cause of SIDS is not known at this time. Researchers continue their important work to investigate and to understand and to try to prevent this syndrome. It is known that behavior modification and risk factor awareness has proven to reduce the incidence of SIDS by up to 40 percent. Mr. Speaker, we must look to partner with the Indian Health Service, Indian Health Service Area Health Boards, Tribal health departments, and Tribal Councils to develop culturally sensitive national, regional, and local SIDS risk reduction education programs.”