Rolling Out Safe Sleep

Indiana’s First Mobile Trailer Hits the Road

Indiana is on track to report its lowest infant mortality rate in state history, a hopeful milestone powered by years of innovation, partnership, and community education. At the heart of this momentum is a new, first-of-its-kind effort making its way across the state: the Safe Sleep Trailer. 

Launched in June 2025 by the Vigo County Health Department and funded by Health First Indiana, this mobile education unit is dedicated entirely to infant sleep safety. The trailer delivers hands-on, interactive education directly to families, with a focus on reaching high-risk and underserved communities. 

Shelby Jackson, health educator for Vigo County, recalls the moment of inspiration: “We were reviewing fetal and infant mortality data when I realized, people know the ABCs of safe sleep, but when it comes to practicing it, we fall short.” From that realization came the idea to take safe sleep education on the road.

Safe Sleep Simulation is proud to support this initiative as an official sponsor through the Safe Sleep Simulation program. We’ve provided simulation kits and educational materials that bring real-life scenarios to life, helping caregivers understand how to create safer sleep environments for their babies. 

“The staff from Safe Sleep Simulation are fantastic! I reached out with a proposal, and together we created a resource that truly meets people where they are,” said Jackson. “Tactile learning makes all the difference.” 

While Vigo County leads the hands-on training, our partnership helps ensure the trailer is fully equipped and ready to educate Hoosiers statewide. Upcoming stops include universities, healthcare provider fairs, churches, community baby showers, and more: 

• June 24: Public Health Nurse Conference, Carmel, IN 

• August 6: Summer Provider Fair, Vigo County Fairgrounds 

• August 30: Brazil Community Baby Shower (details pending) 

• Fall: Terre Haute Community Baby Shower (details pending) 

The trailer, which features a crib, car seat, bouncer, and blankets for live demonstrations, proudly displays the Safe Sleep Simulation logo as it travels. More than a vehicle, it’s a moving classroom that saves lives. 

“This trailer represents education in action,” said Ethel Massing, CEO of Safe Sleep Simulation. “We’re honored to extend the reach of our toolkit in such a meaningful way.” 

The Safe Sleep Trailer aligns with Indiana’s broader strategy to reduce infant mortality, which includes expanded prenatal care, home visiting programs, and breastfeeding support through Health First Indiana. While challenges remain, this mobile model is an innovative step toward closing education gaps and promoting equity in infant health. 

Together, we’re rolling out a brighter future, one safe sleep at a time. 

Learn more about Indiana’s Safe Sleep Program: Indiana Safe Sleep Program 

Learn more about Safe Sleep Simulation: safesleepsimulation.com