Greenbrier Valley Medical Center - The Period of PURPLE Crying

What is it?

The hospital disseminates DVDs and booklets, and a nurse educates parents on how to soothe a crying baby with less frustration. The program also involves community outreach and a media campaign strategy - all to make babies safer during those first few months.

Who is it for?

New parents.

Why do they do it?

Of the 95 cases of shaken baby syndrome treated in West Virginia children's hospitals between 1999 and 2009, 30 percent had evidence of prior injuries, 41 percent had bad outcomes (such as physical disabilities and cognitive impairment), and 12 percent died from their injuries. The rate of abusive head trauma among West Virginia infants is growing.

Impact

Since the program's inception, approximately 500 parents have received training and/or a DVD that helps them understand the reasons that babies cry, and what is normal for newborns.

Contact: Paul Storey
Chief Executive Officer
Telephone: 307-647-4411
E-mail: paul.storey2@gvmc.com