Whether physically or mentally, children urgently need support, says Children First Canada Founder and Executive Director Sara Austin.
She cites alarming figures. Hospital admissions for attempted suicide have increased 100% in the past year, according to figures from Children’s Health Canada.
Sara Austin is the Founder and CEO of Children First Canada, an advocacy organization for children across the country.
Also according to the association, admissions for substance use disorders have increased by 200% compared to last year and the use of potentially fatal opioids has also increased.
A study by the Children’s Hospital Foundations of Canada, 70% of children aged 6 to 18 believe the pandemic has damaged their mental health in at least one area, such as anxiety or attention span.
Children were deprived of school, sports programs, recreation, even simple things like parks, explains Sara Austin.
The kids have had to give up so much in the past year.
The term Code Pink is used to declare a pediatric emergency, and the campaign calls on federal and provincial / territorial governments to act immediately to address this emergency., is it specified in the press release issued by Children First Canada.
The organization and its partners are calling for an urgent meeting of Canada’s premiers to find solutions to better support children’s mental and physical health.
They also ask safely reopening schools, camps, parks and other recreational facilities as quickly as possible, expanding virtual care programs, reducing backlogs for surgeries and rehabilitation, investing in new models of mental health programs to meet urgent and growing demands, and planning now for a safe return to school in the fall.
Certain outdoor activities still prohibited
Hamilton West – Ancaster – Dundas NDP MP Sandy Shaw called out to the Minister of Health during question period on Wednesday morning, noting that the Progressive Conservative government just voted against our motion to safely reopen outdoor recreation facilities to boost mental health.
Ontario’s decision to ban physical activity outdoors is hotly contested. The NPD and certain associations have spoken out against this ban on several occasions.
Elliott responded that Ontarians were encouraged to take advantage of the parks and the good weather, but did not respond as to when it will be possible to use the tennis courts, basketball courts again or even golf courses.
The Minister of Health recalled the recent investments made in mental health and acknowledged that these problems will continue long after the pandemic and we are putting together the resources to be able to help people through this pandemic.
Sara Austin says urgent action is needed. The pandemic has not only worsened mental health problems, it has also increased rates of child abuse.
The Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) has reported a 100% increase in infants with fractures or head trauma since September 2020. The Children’s Hospital of British Columbia has also recorded peaks nutritional neglect and starvation.
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