COMMUNITY WELLNESS AND SAFETY

Commitment 4.3.4: We will continue implementing Right from the Start to improve early childhood development by:

• Improving oral health and developmental outcomes for children aged 0-5
• Developing options to enhance access to birthing services and pre and post natal care, including development of a territorial Midwifery model
• Supporting community wellness initiatives with early childhood development funding and subject matter expertise

The Department of Health and Social Services and the Department of Education, Culture and Employment continue to collaborate to complete the actions outlined in the Right from the Start 10 year strategic framework and the ECD Action Plan for 2017 – 20 with the goal of improving early childhood development across the NWT.

With funding from Health Canada, the Department is developing the NWT Oral Health Initiative with the goal of improving oral health services in the NWT. This initiative is focused on creating an integrated oral health program for all children within the NWT, the prevention and promotion activities that emphasize oral health as a part of overall health and the reduction of costs to the health system associated with acute dental treatments through increased prevention activities.

Midwifery Services continue to be offered in Hay River and Fort Smith. The GNWT is committed to the development of a territory-wide midwifery program that supports mothers, babies and families in our communities.