Knitters and crocheters unite to promote awareness of shaken baby syndrome

A crafty campaign is underway to help raise awareness and prevent infant abuse during the normal period of infant development when babies cry more than any other time, sometimes inconsolably.

Beginning now and continuing through October, knitters and crocheters are invited to create any number of purple colored baby caps and bring them to a Samaritan hospital where caps will be distributed to new babies born during November.

The purple caps will serve as a reminder of the Period of PURPLE Crying Prevention Program, an educational program for parents of newborns at all five Samaritan hospitals. The program provides life-saving information about normal infant crying and the dangers of reacting to that crying in frustration by shaking or abusing an infant. The hope is that the purple caps will help create awareness and reinforce information contained in the PURPLE program to families.

“This is a creative opportunity to unite for newborns and promote awareness of the prevention of shaken baby syndrome,” said Debbie Heim, nursing manager of the Center for Women and Families at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis. “Creating a purple cap is something individuals can do, and it’s rewarding to play a part in the education of new parents about the Period of PURPLE Crying.”

Purple baby caps may be dropped off at the following locations:
 
Albany
Samaritan Albany General Hospital at the front desk – 1046 Sixth Ave. SW

Contact for questions: Marge Tomcal, (541) 812-4362

Corvallis
Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center at the front desk – 3600 NW Samaritan Drive
Creative Crafts and Frame Shop - 934 NW Kings Blvd
Fiber Nooks and Crannys - 530 SW Fourth St.

Contact for questions: Debbie Heim, (541) 768-5125

Lebanon
Samaritan Business Services Office, 325 Industrial Way

Contact for questions: Laurie Barajas, (541) 451-7872

Lincoln City
Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital at the front desk - 3043 NE 28th St.

Contact for questions: Ann Shupe (541) 996-7132

Newport
Samaritan Pacific Patient Financial Services in the lobby, 705 SE Coast Hwy
Yarn For All Seasons, 3101 SE Ferry Slip Rd #223, Newport

Contact for questions: Wanda Janes, (541) 265-4991

Visit www.clickforbabies.org for more information and a collection of baby cap patterns.

To learn more about the Period of PURPLE Crying Prevention Program, visit www.purplecrying.info.