This collection of articles on the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), drawn from a southeastern regional symposium on the subject, summarizes much of what is known about the occurrence of SIDS, including current information about its causes. The background of state action in Florida is reviewed, with emphasis on the need for increased public and professional awareness of SIDS and the heavy burden of grief and guilt experienced by families involved. Medical background is presented in an article describing the incidence of the disease (also known as "crib death") and characteristics of victims and possible causes. A transcript of an SIDS parents' panel relates experiences of parents and hospital personnel, emphasizing the significance of insisting on autopsy in determining the cause of death. Another article describes the grief counseling program of the North Carolina SIDS Project, which provides counseling services in conjunction with the collection of data on various aspects of SIDS, including bereavement behavior of families. A discussion of the medical examiner's general role and relationship with SIDS parent groups focuses on the distinction between medical and legal aspects. A discussion of the role of public health agencies in SIDS case management defines three areas of responsibility: parent support, public awareness and improved reporting. And a final article, on the role of first contact personnel in SIDS case management, deals with the functions of law enforcement officers, hospital emergency room staff and other personnel. (Author/BF)