Independence Health System Earns Cribs for Kids® Infant Safe Sleep Hospital Certification

GREENSBURG, PA, January 13, 2026 … Independence Health System today announced that Westmoreland Hospital achieved certification as a Gold Cribs Kids® National Safe Sleep Hospital. This certification recognizes team members’ commitment to best practices in infant safe sleep, ensuring the highest standards of care for its youngest patients. By earning this certification, Westmoreland Hospital maternity demonstrates adherence to rigorous guidelines established by the Cribs for Kids® National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program. 

“Being a Gold Safe Sleep Hospital is more than an award for us — it represents our unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of every baby and family we serve. Safe sleep saves lives, and we are proud to model, teach, and champion practices that protect infants both in the hospital and long after they go home,” said Lauren Trimeloni, MD, Latrobe Family Medicine-Obstetrics,

Director, Mother-Baby Program. “Earning this certification demonstrates not only our excellence in care, but also our deep commitment to empowering families with the knowledge and confidence to keep their babies safe at home.” 

According to the Cribs for Kids® National Infant Safe Sleep Initiative, approximately 3,400 infants die each year in unsafe sleeping environments.

“We know that parents do at home what they see done in the hospital so modeling safe sleep and providing education to families will have an impact on infant mortality,” said Michael H. Goodstein, M.D., neonatologist and medical director at Cribs for Kids. “Cribs for Kids program recognizes hospitals making this commitment.” 

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Nationally recognized for quality care, Independence Health System comprises Butler Memorial, Clarion, Frick, Latrobe and Westmoreland Hospitals with a combined bed count of 925. With more than 1,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and nearly 7,000 employees, the System is the third largest in western Pennsylvania serving a population base of 750,000 in a footprint spanning a multi-county region. 

The System includes tertiary programs rated among America’s best for cardiac care and surgery, earning accolades from a number of prestigious outlets and organizations. Locally owned and locally controlled, Independence Health System offers its patients low-cost, high-quality care across the care spectrum in such specialties as cardiology, cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, orthopedics and sports medicine, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, women’s health and obstetrics, emergency medicine, behavioral health and primary care. Its network of outpatient centers sees more than 1.2 million visits annually. The homecare division further supports patients at all stages of life with home health and hospice services. Learn more at www.independence.health.