August 27, 2025

 Baby Circle 

West Winds Baby Circle is getting a new name, day AND location!

Starting September 3rd it will now be West Winds Baby Cafe.  It will take place on WEDNESDAYS at Saskatoon Early Years Family Resource Centre. 

We are making new posters and putting notice on social media.  We will also update the Yellow cards. 

In the meantime, please let clients know of the change. 

With the date change, this will affect staffing.  If you work Wednesdays and are interested in leading Baby Cafe or learning more about it, please let Kerry or Chelsea know and we can look into how we might be able to accommodate that.  Here is a picture of the new space.

A Message from SK Prevention Institute

I am pleased to share that the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute has recently published two new webpages on human trafficking. Human trafficking is a serious issue affecting communities across Canada, including here in Saskatchewan, and it often has severe and long-lasting consequences. It is important that everyone - health professionals, teachers, parents, and community members - learn about the risk factors and warning signs.

The first webpage provides information on:

• Risk factors and vulnerable populations
• Methods of entrapment
• Consequences for victims
• Prevention and intervention strategies
• Signs of trafficking
• Where to report concerns 

Find the webpage here: Human Trafficking - Saskatchewan Prevention Institute

 Health professionals play an especially important role in identifying potential victims. Research indicates that 50%–88% of victims have contact with a health professional during their trafficking. To support health professionals, the second webpage highlights:

• Signs of human trafficking specific to healthcare settings
• The 6-item Short Screen for Child Sex Trafficking (SSCST), designed for use by pediatric health professionals

Find the webpage here: Human Trafficking: Signs for Health Professionals - Saskatchewan Prevention Institute

For more in-depth information, you can also view:

• Human Trafficking in Canada Literature Review - Saskatchewan Prevention Institute
• Human Trafficking in Canada Environmental Scan - Saskatchewan Prevention Institute

Collecting Albumin

We were able to get a response from the newborn jaundice working group about collection of serum Albumin samples.  We only need to collect ONE albumin sample. Once collected, it does not need to be repeated.  The serum albumin level is a newer marker used to help assess risk for neurotoxicity. A serum albumin level of <30 g/L is a risk factor for neurotoxic effects of bilirubin.  So, the threshold for phototherapy is influence by this value. 

More information surrounding the new guidelines and processes will be discussed at our team meeting on September 23.  

Webinar on HIV and Reproductive Health

People living with HIV who are on treatment and maintain an undetectable viral load through conception, pregnancy and delivery do not pass HIV to their babies. However, some may hesitate to engage in important conversations with care providers due to concerns around barriers, challenges and stigma.

Register now!

This webinar explores how healthcare and other service providers can offer informed support to people living with HIV as they pursue their parenting goals. It highlights the importance of integrating reproductive planning discussions and counselling into care while also addressing the stigma that continues to surround parenting in the context of HIV.

You are amazing

I feel like this is how we have gotten through the summer.  Your hard work and team spirit have NOT gone unnoticed.  Thank you for your dedication.  In spite of the staffing challenges, I know our families are always well cared for because of your commitment to excellence. We are actively seeking strategies to make the work assignments more manageable.  I hope that this fall will bring a bit of reprieve.