Governor Proclaims Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood Awareness Month

WHEREAS, Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) is a category of death in children ages 1 to 18 that remains unexplained after a thorough investigation, including an autopsy; and

WHEREAS, each year there are approximately 400 cases of SUDC in the United States – including more than 200 younger children ages 1 to 4 – who die without a clear cause or explanation; and

WHEREAS, while less common than sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), which occurs before the first birthday, SUDC is an important health concern deserving of increased public awareness and research; and

WHEREAS, SUDC is the fifth leading category of death among children ages 1 to 4 in the United States; and

WHEREAS, there currently is no way to predict or prevent SUDC as its cause is unknown; it is hoped that future research will identify means by which SUDC can be prevented; and

WHEREAS, we recognize the dedicated efforts of organizations such as the National Institutes of Health, the SUDC Foundation, medical professionals, medicolegal death investigators, and volunteers who are working to better understand the causes of SUDC, improve the health of infants and children, and provide much-needed hope and support for those families grieving the heartbreaking sudden, unexplained death of a child; and

WHEREAS, Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood Awareness Month provides an opportunity to honor the memory of the young lives that ended too soon, show encouragement and support for the families and loved ones devastated by their loss, and increase public awareness of SUDC and the ongoing search for answers;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim March, 2024, as “SUDDEN UNEXPLAINED DEATH IN CHILDHOOD AWARENESS MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.