Hoyer Receives National Award for Support for Infant Health and Survival

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Steny Hoyer today received the 2004 Congressional Distinguished Service Award from the First Candle/Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Alliance, recognized as one of America's top 100 charities, who work to promote infant health and survival during the prenatal period through two years of age. Representative Hoyer was singled out for his work at the federal level to help improve infant health and wellness.

"I am proud to have been chosen by the First Candle/Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Alliance to receive this award today," said Congressman Hoyer.

"As a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the Departments of Labor and Health and Human Services, I have been pleased to work with the First Candle/SIDS Alliance to increase federal support for the National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control, and the Health Resources and Services Administration.

"Working together, we have advocated and increased federal support for infant health and survival programs. And, I am delighted that the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development has continued to expand their research into both SIDS and stillbirth.

"But despite the progress we have seen, there are still too many infants succumbing to the tragedy of SIDS. That is why it is so important that you have made this trip to Washington today to make a difference for infants, children, and families everywhere. As Members of Congress, we rely upon your expertise, and need to hear your voices.

"I am proud to stand with you today and I want to thank you again for all your efforts to protect our children and improve the survival rate of our nation's infants," Hoyer concluded.

For more information about the SIDS Alliance, visit: http://www.sidsalliance.org/index/default.asp

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