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“How many babies have to die?”

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* I think we need more follow-up on this claim, but wow…

Social service groups said the situation is getting dire – and even deadly – as state funding remains stalled due to the budget standoff between Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and Democratic lawmakers.

Nancy Maruyama, executive director of education and community outreach for SIDS Illinois, had the direst pronouncement, saying some victims of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome might have been saved if her group’s program to educate parents about safe ways to put their babies to bed hadn’t suffered cuts.

“The majority of the death reports that I receive from the medical examiner’s office, those babies are in unsafe sleep situations, and if we had been able to get out there and do this education, it’s really possible that these deaths could have been prevented,” she said. “How many babies have to die before something is done about this situation?”

…Adding… Click here for an eerie flashback.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Oct 2, 15 @ 10:19 am

Comments

I’m thinking these are not the sort of arrows that Gov Rauner famously suggested he’d be happy to take.

But he sure is earning them.

Comment by How Ironic Friday, Oct 2, 15 @ 10:21 am
Maybe Diana Rauner, in her role at Ounce of Prevention, could advocate for all these groups her husband is trying to destroy…

Maybe.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Oct 2, 15 @ 10:21 am
That’s a bit excessive. As a parent of a few youngins, I can tell you that hospital staff drill a lot of that into new parents. But then again, using emotional pleas seems to be the only way to get to an electorate all too willing to give a pass to the gov.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Friday, Oct 2, 15 @ 10:22 am
“I’m thinking these are not the sort of arrows that Gov Rauner famously suggested he’d be happy to take.”

And I’ve yet to see him actually take an arrow.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Oct 2, 15 @ 10:24 am
What in G-d’s name has happened to Illinois?

Comment by Handle Bar Mustache Friday, Oct 2, 15 @ 10:24 am
I can certainly empathize, but the claim feels a little cheap.

Comment by Politix Friday, Oct 2, 15 @ 10:26 am
I think Ms. Maruyama is overstating the importance of her agency.

Do they go to people’s homes at bedtime and check to see if the child has been put to bed properly?

Comment by Big R. Ph Friday, Oct 2, 15 @ 10:31 am
@Ducky LaMoore
“As a parent of a few youngins, I can tell you that hospital staff drill a lot of that into new parents.”

That’s a one time deal. Traditional birth, the hospital pushes you out in 48 hours. Hardly enough time to have a serious continued dialog with a new parent. Particularly a young, tired, and perhaps uneducated parent.

SIDS isn’t prevented because the young mom has a quick chat between a sponge bath, and learning how to nurse for the first time.

Get a clue.

Comment by How Ironic Friday, Oct 2, 15 @ 10:32 am
It might be time for the governor to emerge from the Blago bunker and explain the benefits to the people of his chosen course of action.

What will be the return on the costs being incurred? Answer questions until there are no more.

Comment by Wordslinger Friday, Oct 2, 15 @ 10:34 am
So the state pays people to teach parents how to put their kids to bed? Who knew?

Comment by Casual observer Friday, Oct 2, 15 @ 10:34 am
It’s quite a stretch to claim that these deaths would have been prevented, by this group, but for the budget impasse. Would they claim that no SIDs deaths occurred in Chicago while they received their state funds?

Dramatic. But overdone. Like a lot of political statements.

Comment by walker Friday, Oct 2, 15 @ 10:35 am
Amen Wordslinger

Comment by Well then Friday, Oct 2, 15 @ 10:36 am
I now will defer to Mr. Sandack,

@RonSandack: I’m frustrated 2, but taking steps towards reforming IL more important than short term budget stalemate.

Comment by Honeybear Friday, Oct 2, 15 @ 10:36 am
@ Big R. Ph
“Do they go to people’s homes at bedtime and check to see if the child has been put to bed properly?”

Yes. In some situations they can.

Other services include:
“SIDS of Illlinois is committed to educating professionals, healthcare providers, and infant caregivers on how to reduce the risk of SIDS and other infant deaths. The not-for-profit organization achieves this goal through a wide variety of professional partnerships and community outreach programs. Some of the programs are offered in English, and others are in Spanish.”

They also provide training for child care services, which by the way is MANDATED by Illinois law.

You should check out their website. It’s quite informative. But then again, that wouldn’t help support your platform that any public money spent is a waste of taxpayer $$.

http://www.sidsillinois.org/#!video-reel/c9mt

Comment by How Ironic Friday, Oct 2, 15 @ 10:37 am
@Casual Observer

“So the state pays people to teach parents how to put their kids to bed? Who knew?”

It’s a lot more than that. They also provide education to day care, and other child care providers (as mandated by law).

Additionally they provide bereavement counseling for families that have lost a child, training for law enforcement and 911/EMT/first responders.

Try not to let your ignorance get in the way of the facts.

Comment by How Ironic Friday, Oct 2, 15 @ 10:40 am
“claim feels a little cheap”….

Until something really terrible actually happens. A child who lost care gets hurt, a senior citizen who loses in home care suffers in a horrible way, or something else really bad happens.

Then will it feel cheap?

Comment by Sideline Watcher Friday, Oct 2, 15 @ 10:45 am
To the Update…

===“Pat Quinn is, in the end, responsible for the failings at the Department of Children and Family Services. If it was a one-year problem or a temporary problem you could say, ‘OK, maybe, there was, it’s not really his responsibility.’ But he’s been governor for six years. He’s had a revolving door of failure at Department of Children and Family Services for years and years,” Rauner said.===

Governors own…

Don’t they… Governir Rauner?

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Oct 2, 15 @ 10:49 am
The comments in the flashback are prophetic.

Comment by AC Friday, Oct 2, 15 @ 10:53 am
According to SIDS Illinois’ website, 70 percent of their annual income comes from the state. Given the organization’s focus and mission, I don’t think it’s overstating the case for their education and outreach director to say “some victims of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome might have been saved if her group’s program to educate parents about safe ways to put their babies to bed hadn’t suffered cuts.”

I’d rather hear it now while we’re still talking hypotheticals about education and prevention.

Comment by olddog Friday, Oct 2, 15 @ 10:53 am
I’m sad to say this, but I think it’s going to take a specific, real-life example of a person dying directly due to the lack of a budget before we’ll start hearing a real public outcry. Whether that’s LIHEAP or some other program.

Comment by Tournaround Agenda Friday, Oct 2, 15 @ 10:54 am
- AC -, how about Rich Miller’s own comment?

===- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Oct 7, 14 @ 2:03 pm

This is another example of how BR is making it even more difficult to govern if he wins. By his own logic, every single child neglect death will fall right on his head. So be it.===

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Oct 2, 15 @ 10:57 am
Governor Rauner’s agency is responsible for metabolic disease testing and follow-up of every infant born in the State of IL. It is a matter of WHEN the lack of a budget (and subsequent materials and resources) will prevent follow-up of an affected newborn. There will be needless deaths at that point. Will Rauner’s anti-union vendetta be worth it then? Ask that question of the parents behind the 10 o’clock news microphone. The public is unaware of critcal functions in many state agencies, performed by numerous dedicated union professionals.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Oct 2, 15 @ 10:59 am
These are complete what if’s and hypothetical’s. I’m surprised there is more concrete proof of hardship.

Comment by Ahoy! Friday, Oct 2, 15 @ 11:02 am
It feels like a stretch, but it made people pay attention. Mission accomplished?

Kudos for her keeping it bipartisan ==due to the budget standoff between Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and Democratic lawmakers== as well. Smart lady.

Comment by Formerly Known As... Friday, Oct 2, 15 @ 11:02 am
Turnaround Agenda - sadly, I think you’re right.

Comment by Curious Georgina Friday, Oct 2, 15 @ 11:03 am
Testy in here! Everyone relax. No one wants babies to die.

Comment by Politix Friday, Oct 2, 15 @ 11:06 am
Gov. Rauner: Why is it that you put all the blame for child abuse deaths on Gov. Quinn, but now, when it’s time for you to own all of the calamities brought about by a lack of budget you place the blame on Madigan? Remember, Gov’s own these problems so, man up and take responsibility.

Comment by Former Hoosier Friday, Oct 2, 15 @ 11:07 am
@How Ironic

Take a breath. If I’m not mistaken, SIDS can still occur with a fully funded budget. Get off your soapbox.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Friday, Oct 2, 15 @ 11:10 am
OW, that comment especially, but yours as well. I especially appreciated:

“It’s just takes your breath away… the hubris of how great Rauner thinks he is.”

True then, as well as now. Timeless even.

Comment by AC Friday, Oct 2, 15 @ 11:11 am
Commander in Cheap Rauner understands that in order to accomplish the Mission (which is what, again?), there will be collateral damage. He hopes to emulate the astounding success of George W Bush. Politically, he could be part of that collateral damage eventually - but I suppose his “I always win” mentality doesn’t allow for that possibility.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Oct 2, 15 @ 11:12 am
Possible collateral damage from Rauner’s anti-union crusade.

Comment by Norseman Friday, Oct 2, 15 @ 11:14 am
@Ducky

People can die in car accidents even if they are buckled up. I suppose you’re for stopping buckle up campaigns as well? Let’s do away with immunization programs and a host of other prevention programs too since we can’t save 100% every time.

I’m not on a soap box, but you seem to be content to let a tragedy slow roll out.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Oct 2, 15 @ 11:16 am
- Ducky LaMoore -

With respect,

The premise here is the blame of consequences that may occur, the argument that they are occurring at any rate given the position the state is currently in isn’t measurable at this time.

The the accountability, framed with “responsibility” for consequences. That’s what’s trying to be at play here.

Thanks - AC -, appreciate that. I hope others go back and read all the comments in the Post, many thoughtful comments there.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Oct 2, 15 @ 11:22 am
Self important nonsense. And a cheap shot.

Comment by south side Friday, Oct 2, 15 @ 11:29 am
Public outcry will not happen until the statewide TV news media decides there is a problem, shows the public what the problems are, & demands that people to take action.

Comment by Mama Friday, Oct 2, 15 @ 11:34 am
” Let’s do away with immunization programs and a host of other prevention programs too since we can’t save 100% every time.”

Don’t give Rauner any ideas!

Comment by Politix Friday, Oct 2, 15 @ 11:39 am
“I think it’s going to take a specific, real-life example of a person dying directly due to the lack of a budget before we’ll start hearing a real public outcry.”

Or yesterday’s mass-shooting — the 142nd school shooting in the U.S. since Sandy Hook — could serve as a reminder that a public outcry over some tragic deaths doesn’t necessarily lead to changes in policy.

– MrJM

Comment by @MisterJayEm Friday, Oct 2, 15 @ 11:53 am
==But he’s been governor for six years. He’s had a revolving door of failure at Department of Children and Family Services for years and years==

Kids and the disabled dying after six years of (mis)management under one party ≠ service providers for kids and the disabled facing increasing bill backlogs after six months of two party budget negotiations.

Not that anyone will care, or that either of these things should ever happen.

Comment by Formerly Known As... Friday, Oct 2, 15 @ 12:07 pm
@MrJM: That is also true, unfortunately.

Comment by Tournaround Agenda Friday, Oct 2, 15 @ 12:22 pm
lots of what is needed is instruction in conjunction with health care. visits to ob/gyn include teaching, same for in hospital post delivery even in short stay and peds visits with kid in tow. the best kind of information comes with a visit with a doc or nurse. social services attached to health care environment . if that is what the group does, fine and should be funded. if not, better use of any funds is through health care.

Comment by Amalia Friday, Oct 2, 15 @ 12:41 pm
What kind of man ruthlessly cuts programs that affect the most vulnerable,yet always can find the money for unneeded corporate welfare?

Bruce Rauner has no ethics, no morals, no conscious.

What’s wrong with Rauner?

Is it shaken Governor syndrome?

Comment by Chicago 20 Friday, Oct 2, 15 @ 1:47 pm