The SUDC Program strives to provide the best support for those who have lost a child to a sudden and apparently unexplained death. We offer these services at no cost to you while respecting your privacy, so that no family  around the world grieves alone. You are welcome to utilize any or all of the following services that may help you cope in your grief, all in the privacy of your own home.

The SUDC program can be contacted by our U.S. toll-free contact number (800-620-SUDC), direct at (201) 996-5080 or email. Your call or email will be returned within 72 hours. Please call us as frequently as you wish, but please note this is not a hotline. The Program Director, Outreach Services Coordinator and entire SUDC staff are here to help. Our program offers advocacy and support during the process of a death investigation.

The SUDC peer support program: Other SUDC families that have been trained to be a peer support for you are available through our Peer Support Volunteer Program. A Peer Support is a parent, grandparent (or other relative), childcare provider or foster parent who has experienced the death of a child due to SUDC. They are volunteers who give their time to contact grieving family members to offer support. A Peer Support Volunteer has: good listening skills, empathy and compassion, good coping skills and a non-judgmental attitude. The Peer Contact provides support through phone calls, written notes and e-mails. Peer Contact Volunteers receive training and support from the SUDC Program’s Support Services Coordinator. The purpose of the Peer Support program is to provide insight, hope, information and objectivity to grieving families thru someone who has had a similar loss.

The SUDC Online Email Groups(supporting families worldwide)- The online email support groups allow for open communication among our participating families. We have many groups inlcuding those for parents, fathers, grandparents, parents caring for a new baby after SUDC, adoptive parents, support for family planning, parents of older SUDC children, siblings and relatives who have had a child die from SUDC.

Families may participate in telephone conference calls with other SUDC families when calls are scheduled.

Siblings have the opportunity to participate in the pen pal program which allows them to communicate with another sibling who has experienced the death of a brother or sister.

The program also offers community education through SUDC literature, related conferences and community outreach. Families who are interested in raising the awareness of SUDC in their area are invited to do so and may contact the SUDC program for assistance.

The SUDC Program will add, expand and modify its services to meet the needs of its families. Families with ideas to improve our care are always welcome.