Event Details

Public Health Perspective on Supporting Infant and Early Mental Health Promotion

Infant and early mental health (prenatal to six years) is the optimal opportunity to influence health and wellbeing outcomes across an individual’s life. This PHO Rounds session presents the evidence that supports infant and early mental health. It highlights policy and system actions that can be implemented to better support this period of development. We will explore the inequities that infants and young children experience by virtue of their developmental limitations, including variation in the capacity of those caring for infants and young children to ensure their needs are met.

Intended audience: Public health physicians, public health nurses, public health unit staff in health promotion and children’s health, MOHs/AMOHs, Researchers

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Describe the importance of early mental health (prenatal to six years) to lifelong health outcomes
• Recognize system gaps in supporting infant and early mental health
• Consider the policies within health care systems that can better support infant and early mental health
• Identify opportunities to actively support infant and early mental health within the health system to increase better outcomes for every child

Presenter(s): Dr. Chaya Kulkarni

Dr. Chaya Kulkarni is the Director of Infant and Early Mental Health Promotion (IEMHP) at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). IEMHP is a national organization which improves outcomes across the lifespan through translating and promoting the science of early mental health into practice with families during pregnancy, infancy, and early childhood. Dr. Kulkarni has over 25 years of experience in a number of leadership roles including frontline service delivery, policy analysis, research, and curriculum and resource development. Prior to joining IEMHP, she was VP, Parent and Professional Education at Invest in Kids, and has also served as Senior Policy Analyst and Researcher for the Office of the Official Opposition, Queen’s Park. Dr. Kulkarni is an adviser to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and a member of the Board at Gateway Community Health Centre.

Disclaimer

The opinions expressed by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies or views of Public Health Ontario, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by Public Health Ontario.

Accreditation

Public Health Ontario Rounds are a self-approved group learning activity (Section 1) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC). In order to receive written documentation for Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits, please check “Yes” beside the question “Do you require CME credits?” on the registration form.

College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) Affiliate Members may count RCPSC credits toward their Mainpro+ credit requirements. All other CFPC members may claim up to 50 Certified credits per cycle for participation in RCPSC MOC Section 1 accredited activities.

PHO Rounds are also approved by the Council of Professional Experience for professional development hours (PDHs) for members of the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI).

For more information or for a record of registration for other Continuing Education purposes, please contact capacitybuilding@oahpp.ca.

Accessibility

Public Health Ontario is committed to complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodations to participate in this event, please contact 647-260-7100 or capacitybuilding@oahpp.ca.