HOUSTON – (Oct. 6, 2009) – Ten expectant moms from medically-underserved neighborhoods kicked-off
a new, one-of-a-kind program called “Kohl’s Safe at Home” on September 18 at a Third Ward YWCA. Taught by safety expert Seema Patel, manager of the Center for Childhood Injury Prevention at Texas Children's Hospital, the unique program focuses on educating low-income, high-risk mothers on proper sleep positions and safe sleeping practices for baby, as well as childproofing, to reduce the number of preventable injuries and deaths among infants and young children that occur in and around the home.

Recent reports show that nearly every other day in Texas, an infant or young child dies while sleeping with a parent, other adult or older children. To address this critical issue, Texas Children’s Hospital and Kohl’s have created this community-based program that teaches expectant moms safe sleep practices for their new baby and includes a follow-up component that addresses childproofing and home safety.

At the inaugural event, moms participated in live hands-on, interactive demonstrations on how to properly set up and take down a portable crib system and mock scenarios that taught them to identify potential infant safety hazards. At the end of the program, moms were surprised with a special gift – a “Pack ‘n Play” portable crib system, so that their babies will have a safe sleep environment from the first day home from the hospital. Participating families will also receive childproofing devices to allow them to make the home modifications that will be discussed during the program’s follow-up component.

“We feel honored and privileged to be involved in a program that addresses such a critical issue in our community and provides medically-underserved families with the education and tools they need to empower them to make safer choices for their baby when it comes to sleeping and home safety,” said Patel.

Other supporters who provided encouragement to the expectant moms were Rosie Valadez McStay, director of Government and Community Relations at Texas Children's Hospital; Kohl’s store manager April Simon; Texas Children’s Hospital employees; Kohl’s volunteers; students from the University of Texas School of Nursing; staff from the Healthy Family Initiatives program and the Nurse Family Partnership; and other collaborating community-based organizations. The program’s debut was timed to coincide with National Infant Mortality Awareness Month.

According to a report issued by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services last fall, 170 children died in 2008 while sleeping with their parents. In more than half of the cases, the infants died before they were three months old. The DFPS cautions that the younger the child, the greater the risk that something could go wrong when co-sleeping. Through “Kohl’s Safe at Home,” Texas Children’s Hospital and Kohl’s are committed to educating the at-risk population.

To help reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), Texas Children’s Center for Childhood Injury Prevention recommends placing baby on his or her back to sleep, having baby sleep alone – never with a parent or sibling, using a crib or other safe sleep area made especially for babies, making sure baby’s head is not covered, and avoiding overheating baby by keeping room temperature the same as it would be for an adult. Cribs should have a firm mattress covered with a fitted crib sheet and be free of pillows, blankets, bumpers, toys, stuffed animals, or other soft objects. Parents should also consider using a sleep sack or other approved sleeper instead of a sheet. For more information about SIDS risk reduction and safe sleep environments, visit www.texaschildrenshospital.org/injuryprevention.

Kohl's commitment to Texas Children’s Hospital and the “Kohl’s Safe at Home” program is made possible through the Kohl's Cares for Kids® philanthropic initiative. Kohl’s Cares for Kids includes a merchandise program featuring $5 books and plush toys where 100% of net profits go toward supporting hospital partnerships like this one. Through 2008, Kohl's has raised more than $126 million dollars through its merchandise program. Other components of Kohl's Cares for Kids include Kohl's A-Team associate volunteer program; the Kohl’s Kids Who Care® Scholarship Program, recognizing stand-out kids for volunteer efforts in their communities; and fundraising gift cards for local schools and nonprofit organizations.

About Texas Children's Hospital
Texas Children's Hospital is committed to a community of healthy children by providing the finest pediatric patient care, education and research. Renowned worldwide for its expertise and breakthrough developments in clinical care and research, Texas Children’s is ranked in the top ten best children’s hospitals by U.S. News and World Report. Texas Children’s also operates the nation’s largest primary pediatric care network, with over 40 offices throughout the greater Houston community. Texas Children’s has embarked on a $1.5 Billion expansion, Vision 2010, which includes a Neurological Research Institute, a comprehensive obstetrics facility focusing on high risk births, and a community hospital in suburban West Houston. For more information, visit www.texaschildrens.org. 

About Kohl’s Department Stores
Based in Menomonee Falls, Wis., Kohl’s (NYSE: KSS) is a family-focused, value-oriented specialty department store offering moderately priced, exclusive and national brand apparel, shoes, accessories, beauty and home products in an exciting shopping environment. Kohl’s operates 1,022 stores in 49 states. A company committed to the communities it serves, Kohl’s has raised more than $126 million for children’s initiatives nationwide through its Kohl’s Cares for Kids® philanthropic program, which operates under Kohl's Cares, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kohl's Department Stores, Inc. For a list of store locations and information, or for the added convenience of shopping online, visit www.kohls.com.