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Kohl’s Donates $610,000 to Riley Children’s Foundation

Kohl’s Donates $610,000 to Riley Children’s Foundation

Kohl's has donated $610,000 to Riley Children’s Foundation to provide ongoing support and education aimed to improve Indiana’s infant mortality rate. The Kohl’s Caring For Our Kids program focuses on improving the progress of infant child care centers toward national quality accreditation and increasing the number of parents reporting safe sleep practices.

Indiana has ranked in the bottom tier of states in incidents of infant mortality for nearly two decades (41st nationally). Indiana’s infant mortality rate per 1,000 births is 7.0. Marion County’s infant mortality rate is 9.0. Meanwhile, in zip code 46201 on the near east side of Indianapolis (and within 13 other zip codes within the state of Indiana) the infant mortality rate soars as high as 26—similar to the rate in Guatemala. Safe sleep is the most preventable cause of infant mortality and is related to one out of every 8 deaths (Source: ISDH 2016).

To improve Indiana’s infant mortality rate, the Kohl’s Caring For Our Kids program will:

  • Partner with Riley Hospital for Children and Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSM) caregivers, and community and governmental organizations to pilot a program that bridges gaps preventing safe and quality infant child care in high risk zip codes.
  • Work with infant care centers to assess and improve their quality ratings.
  • Provide resources for safety and safe sleep education.

“Kohl’s Caring For Our Kids serves a vital role in the best interest of children,” said Nancy Swigonski, M.D., M.P.H., Riley Pediatric Public Health Researcher, Indiana University School of Medicine. “Increasing awareness of these efforts is paramount. To improve Indiana’s infant mortality rate, we must expose its terrible truths. It hits close to home for all of us, whether we’re aware of it or not. Together, we can reduce the number of children who are dying before their first birthdays.”

On Thursday, May 31 Kohl's Leadership visited Riley Hospital to pack kits for a first responder outreach program within the targeted community that is part of the Kohl’s grant. They stuffed three different kits: a home safety kit, a food kit, and a safe sleep kit. IMPD Commanders and Riley Children’s Health COO Paul Haut kicked-off the volunteer event with comments about the impact of the Kohl’s Caring For Our Kids initiative within Indianapolis.

Additonally, a Community Baby Shower will take place on Saturday, June 9 at the John Boner Neighborhood Center in Indianapolis. Riley Children’s Foundation, Indiana University School of Medicine, Boner Center representatives and an infant care provider will kick-off the event with comments about the Kohl’s Cares grant. Then guests will participate in baby shower activities which include educational stations and opportunities for prizes.

Kohl's commitment to Riley Children’s Foundation is made possible through the Kohl's Cares cause merchandise program. Through this initiative, Kohl’s sells $5 books and soft toys, where 100 percent of net profit benefits children’s health initiatives nationwide, including partnerships like this one with Riley Hospital. Kohl's has raised nearly $340 million through this merchandise program. For more information, visit www.Kohls.com/Cares.