Our Goal is

Healthy

Children

We believe that

All

children

have

the

right

to the best health possible

It’s never too early

Take

Folic

Acid

before & during pregnancy

Guiding Principles

Striving for excellence in primary prevention and knowledge translation, transfer, and exchange
Transferring knowledge that meets identified needs and reflects current, evidence-based information
Recognizing the diversity of Saskatchewan’s population and working with communities to exchange knowledge
Collaborating with stakeholders to build and promote authentic partnerships with integrity
Providing a healthy and effective work environment for employees focusing on integrity, commitment to the Prevention Institute’s vision, professionalism, responsibility, accountability, and teamwork
Working across jurisdictional boundaries to meet the needs of people and communities
Acknowledging the Prevention Institute’s place within Saskatchewan’s Treaties and seeking its appropriate role in reconciliation

What is Primary Prevention?

Primary prevention aims to prevent disabling conditions from occurring by eliminating or modifying risk factors that can occur before or during pregnancy or after birth. Primary prevention efforts to prevent disabilities are the responsibility of both society and individuals. It is important to recognize that not all disabling conditions are preventable.

How does Primary Prevention Work?

Sometimes, primary prevention is legislated. Smoking restrictions in public places, the removal of lead from paint, and the use of seat belts and child passenger restraints are examples of legislated primary prevention. Primary prevention is also addressed through health promotion, education, community-based programming, and other practices that enable individuals and families to get support and make decisions about their health.

Primary prevention efforts are based in evidence. Preventing disabling conditions in children can occur prior to pregnancy (preconception), during pregnancy (prenatal period), and in childhood. Some examples are:

Taking folic acid prior to and during pregnancy helps to prevent children from being born with neural tube defects.
Testing for and treating sexually transmitted infections (STIs) helps to prevent transmission of the STI to the fetus.
Avoiding alcohol during pregnancy prevents Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
Avoiding tobacco during pregnancy helps prevent low birth weight babies.

Immunizations prevent diseases like polio, measles, and whooping cough.
Vitamin D fortification of milk helps prevent rickets.
Proper use of child passenger restraints helps mitigate injury and death of an infant or child in the event of a car crash.
Promoting and supporting early childhood mental health improves long-term mental and physical health.

How does the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute Practice Primary Prevention?

The Saskatchewan Prevention Institute is committed to working collaboratively to promote primary prevention throughout the province. We share evidence-based information through print and web-based resources. We provide education and training on all of our areas of focus. We collaborate to help communities work towards primary prevention of identified needs. Content experts and consumers of our information and training are involved to help us expand our programming.

What is a Disability?

“Disability” describes the impacts on individuals from impairment to their bodies’ function or structure, limitations to their ability to execute a task or action, or restrictions to their participation in life situations like school, work, or social life. Individuals can also be impacted by society’s view of their abilities.

Physical and social interventions can increase the opportunities of individuals, regardless of ability, to have a satisfying life.

Retrieved from WHO | Disabilities March 14, 2014

Our Partners in Prevention

The Prevention Institute gratefully acknowledges the support and guidance received from a number of dedicated Saskatchewan citizens who serve as community-at-large members.

The Government’s Early Years Plan (2016-2020) was developed ‘to make sure all Saskatchewan children get a good start in life’. This complements the Prevention Institute’s mission ‘to reduce the occurrence of disabling conditions in children’. The Government is represented at the Institute by Board Members from the Ministries of Health, Social Services, and Education.

The Kinsmen Foundation, through the proceeds of TeleMiracle, provides special needs equipment and access to medical assistance to Saskatchewan residents, groups, and health organizations to improve quality of life and independence.

SaskAbilities works with people of varying disabilities to enhance their independence and paticipation in the community through vocational, rehabilitation, and recreational services.

The University of Saskatchewan dedicates itself to excellence in research, teaching, and learning. The University of Saskatchewan is represented at the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute by academics from the Colleges of Medicine, Nursing, and Education.

Program Funders

Saskatchewan Prevention Institute

Celebrating 25 Years

This video chronicles the founding and development of the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute. It includes information about corporate structure and funding, as well as past programming initiatives.

WATCH VIDEO