Meet Tamieka Gray, Our 2019 Safe Sleep Champion

Over the next few weeks, we’re interviewing our 2019“Champion for Change” winners to learn more about them and the work they do inHamilton County. Today, we’re highlighting Tamieka Gray, our Safe Sleep Champion,from the Cincinnati HealthDepartment.

Why is reducing infant mortality important to you?

Infant mortality is important to me because all babies should have the opportunity to grow and thrive. Being that the infant mortality rate for African Americans is so high, I feel that it is my duty as an African American woman to try to encourage changes in practices from what many African American families consider to be normal and safe. I call it the “generational norm” when people refer to what their parents and grandparents did, and because there was no fatality, they feel that it’s okay. But people have to keep in mind that we didn’t know then what we know now, and when you know better, you do better.

How did you get started in this field? Tell us a little about yourself and your background.

It’s funny, because I have a Master’s degree in IT, but somehow managed to have a career in the public health field. I started working for the Cincinnati Health Department in 2001 at one of the health centers. I was there for about six years, spent another six years in the Law Department, and ended up back at the Cincinnati Health Department, where I’ve been ever since.

I worked in what used to be called the Family Health Division, where we had programs related to maternal and child health, men’s health, reproductive health, WIC, home health and behavioral health. I started doing infant mortality work in this division. I began collecting and analyzing data, and I’ve been intrigued by what the data can show when it comes to safe sleep and the other factors that contribute to infant mortality. I took over the Cribs for Kids program in 2016 and have been able to expand it by partnering with many organizations throughout the city of Cincinnati and Hamilton County.

What’s a typical day like for you?

A typical day for me is unpredictable to say the least. When I’m not calling and scheduling families to come in for a safe sleep session, I’m collecting data for our health centers. I conduct safe sleep classes two days out the week, and do data entry to collect information about the people that we serve. I could also be doing reporting, research about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), or managing the Safe Sleep Advocates of Cincinnati’s Facebook page.

What do you like most about your job?

I love being able to provide families with resources outside of the Cribs for Kids program. Many times, families have more needs than just a safe sleep environment for their babies. Once a rapport is built with them, they feel comfortable enough to tell me what those needs are and try to help in any way that I possibly can.

How do you address safe sleep?

Community engagement is a must in this field. I attend health fairs and other events and provide attendees with brochures about safe sleep in an effort to promote awareness in the community. I also address safe sleep through educational classes, via social media, and through community partnerships. I am currently partnered with 13 organizations throughout the city, and more are in progress.

How do you take care of yourself when you work in such a demanding job field?

I actually had to learn self-care. I’ve always been one to put everyone else’s needs before mine, and I still do. But I am better at taking time out for myself. I enjoy good company, good wine and good food! But no matter where I am or what I’m doing, I’m always preaching to someone about safe sleep! I can never turn it off.

What are some next steps for you in reducing infant mortality in Hamilton County?

My next step is to use my social media page to engage more fathers when it comes to safe sleep education and practices. This means posting conversations that I have with men about infant mortality as well as breastfeeding and other related topics. When men feel more included, they tend to be more compliant when it comes to safe sleep.