News Release – DOH Launches New Messaging, Events for Safe Sleep Awareness Month

STATE OF HAWAIʻI

KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

JOSH GREEN, M.D.

GOVERNOR

KE KIAʻĀINA

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

KA ʻOIHANA OLAKINO

KENNETH S. FINK, MD, MGA, MPH

DIRECTOR

KA LUNA HOʻOKELE

DOH LAUNCHES NEW MESSAGING, EVENTS FOR SAFE SLEEP AWARENESS MONTH

26-136

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 6, 2026

HONOLULU - The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) Maternal and Child Health Branch (MCHB) is recognizing October as Safe Sleep Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of safe sleep practices and resources. This year's observance features updated messaging shaped by statewide feedback from parents and caregivers, alongside community partner events that bring safe sleep guidance directly to families.

"As we update our safe sleep messaging, our priority is supporting Hawaiʻi families with guidance that is both evidence based and grounded in local realities," said Wendy Nihoa, DOH MCHB chief. "Families asked for clearer, nonjudgmental information - and we listened."

Because sleep-related infant deaths and accidental suffocation are largely preventable, parents and caregivers are encouraged to take simple steps that protect infants during sleep, with messaging designed to be clear and supportive. Keeping your baby safe while they sleep is as easy as 1, 2, 3:

1. Back to Sleep: Always place baby on their back for every nap and night.
2. Firm, Flat Surface: Use a crib, play yard or bassinet with a tightly fitted mattress sheet; avoid inclines, couches or soft surfaces.
3. Own Space Near You: Room share, not bed share; nothing in the crib but the baby and avoid smoking, vaping or substance use nearby.

This month also features hands-on, family-friendly gatherings that bring these practices to life. On Oct. 20, Family Hui Hawaiʻi will host its "Little Pumpkins Playdate" at the Community Church of Honolulu in Nuʻuanu (2345 Nuʻuanu Ave.), offering seasonal activities, story time and an engaging safe sleep activity. During the event, families can complete an Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) developmental screening, receive a free ASQ take-home activity kit, chat about care tips and add their ʻohana name to a poster-board pumpkin patch display. Space is limited and registration is available online.

All Safe Sleep partner events - including the Family Hui Hawaiʻi playdate - are listed on The Parent Line calendar. Administered by Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies (HMHB) and funded by DOH, The Parent Line provides statewide access to safe sleep virtual workshops on the first and third Mondays of every month from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., along with parenting resources and hands-on assistance for parents and caregivers navigating infant sleep routines.

"Every family deserves the confidence and guidance to create a safe sleep environment," said Sunny Chen, HMHB executive director. "By partnering with DOH and sharing events and resources through The Parent Line, we're making sure families can learn in ways that feel welcoming and relevant."

For safe sleep tips, guides and links to resources, visit the DOH Safe Sleep program.

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