OVERVIEW
Amanda Melton, Coroner of McCracken County, leads the Child Fatality Review Team in partnership with the Purchase District Health Department as part of a state initiative by the Kentucky Department for Public Health’s Division of Maternal and Child Health Child Fatality Review & Prevention Program. Amanda and her team noticed an alarming trends in Sudden Infant Death. The review takes a close look at these cases, combining the efforts of local professionals and government officials towards prevention and solution. The trends that troubled Amanda the most were infant death cases that shared a relationship with unsafe sleep practices and improper sleep environments in the home. It was Amanda’s hope that fewer lives would be lost by getting this information out ahead of the death before it occurs. Amanda and the Child Fatality Review Team provided this film tools for new parents in the form of an education campaign.
“Meant to be Close” is a perspective-driven body of works, full of information for the audience. It leads with the joy, love, and adventure that a family shares together when a baby is born – while shedding light on some potentially hidden, yet preventable, hazards that can tragically endanger a little one’s life. At its core, this campaign is a tool for new parents to use when considering what is best and safest for their baby. This campaign spends time with real parents, professionals, officials, and community members: a strong set of tools for parents to discover when making important sleep decisions at home for themselves and their baby.
This project was funded by the Purchase District Health Department with support from the Kentucky Department for Public Health.
MEANT TO BE CLOSE
TRAILER
Becoming a parent is a big and exciting step. Whether this is your first child or you are growing your family, it is normal to feel happy, unsure, or overwhelmed. Your child looks to you for love, care, and guidance as they grow. This program focuses on one important part of caring for a baby: sleep. Bringing a newborn home changes how families think about sleep, especially at night. This trailer shares helpful information and guidance to support safe sleep choices. Through conversations with real parents and professionals, it encourages families to learn more about how to reduce preventable infant deaths and to make informed, caring decisions for their baby.
MEANT TO BE CLOSE CENTERPIECE
CENTERPIECE FILM
This video teaches parents and caregivers how to keep babies safe during sleep and lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Experts and families explain that babies should always sleep on their backs, on a firm mattress, in a crib or bassinet with no blankets, pillows, or toys. Sharing a room is helpful, but sharing a bed can be dangerous because babies cannot move or breathe well if something blocks their face. Learning safe sleep habits helps protect babies and gives families more peace of mind.
SEGMENT TRAILERS
These trailers share why safe sleep is so important for babies. Doctors, sleep experts, and parents explain that many infant deaths happen when babies sleep in adult beds or near soft items that block breathing. The safest choice is to place babies on their backs, on a firm mattress, in a crib or bassinet with no blankets, pillows, or toys. Learning and following safe sleep practices can help protect babies and give families peace of mind.
60SEC COMMERCIALS
Being a new parent can feel overwhelming, but taking care of yourself helps you take care of your baby. Babies should always sleep in a safe space, like a crib or bassinet, and not in an adult bed. If your baby cries, it’s okay to put them safely down and take a moment for yourself. Learning safe sleep habits from professionals and other parents can help prevent accidents and keep your baby healthy, while letting you feel more confident and rested.
30SEC COMMERCIALS
This program teaches parents how to keep their babies safe while sleeping. Experts and real parents share tips about making safe choices, understanding risks, and still feeling close to your child. The goal is to help families learn how to prevent accidents and make smart decisions for their baby’s sleep.
STILL FRAMES
Meant to Be Close is a perspective-driven visual series that captures intimate moments of family life following the birth of a baby. The still frames lead with warmth—highlighting joy, love, and shared adventure—while quietly revealing everyday environments where hidden, preventable sleep-related hazards may exist. By spending time with real parents, professionals, officials, and community members, the imagery blends emotional connection with clear, informative cues. Together, the frames function as both a celebration of closeness and a practical, educational tool, encouraging new parents to reflect on safe sleep choices and make informed decisions that protect their baby’s life.
