The vulnerability of children was one topic discussed when members of Prairie North Regional Health Authority board members met in North Battleford March 2.
Twenty-eight per cent of Saskatchewan children under six years of age are vulnerable, in one or more of five major areas of early child development, to experience social justice, economic, and/or life course problems later in life, according to a PNHR press release.
In Prairie North Health Region, that vulnerability rate is nearly 34 per cent, the release states. The number of children facing multiple developmental challenges is 9.5 per cent -nearly double the Saskatchewan mark of 4.8 per cent.
Glennys Uzelman, vice-president of Primary Health Services, presented the information, adding that Smart Family Policy in the areas of time, resources, and community services is necessary to reduce early vulnerability. In addition to the benefit for children, families and communities, Saskatchewan's economy would benefit over the longer term through increases in labour supply and productivity and reduced costs associated with crime, lack of education, chronic health problems and premature aging.
Uzelman explained PNHR is supporting next steps within local communities to improve early childhood development: the Meadow Lake Community Childhood Network is implementing a community development process; Lloydminster is working with Alberta and Saskatchewan governments to map the community's early childhood vulnerability.
The Battlefords are encouraging community action through information sharing, communication, and integrated planning; and the Lakeland Community Health Advisory Network has requested a presentation on early childhood development.
Uzelman added that the joint development of an early years strategy by government and community will have long-term lasting economic and social impacts.
