BORN Registry Data Used to Support a Regional Network Grant Application

“Data coupled with personal stories from those in our community are such powerful drivers of change”.                                                                                                                                                                                                         ~Marnie Lightfoot

Women and Children’s Health Network - Mental Health Priority

Marnie Lightfoot is the Regional Director of the Women and Children's Health Network (WCHN) – a group of community members, care providers, and healthcare leaders committed to equitable and integrated access to healthcare for all birthing people, women, families, children in Simcoe County, Muskoka, Parry Sound, and adjoining communities.

Marnie, along with a Regional Perinatal Mental Health Task Force, recently used data from the BORN Registry to support a successful grant application to fund health policy training and development for providers in their region (The Dawn Walker Grant).

Marnie requested data from BORN to include in their grant application. The data highlighted specific needs in their area: “Our regional rates of those experiencing perinatal mental health concerns have been significantly higher than provincial rates for at least a decade. The data from BORN clearly profiles the dire need for change”.

The awarded funds enabled the WCHN to take a leadership role – advancing a collaborative perinatal mental health strategy across their region. Marnie says their network is grateful to BORN for the ongoing support and collaboration.  

Conference Inspires ‘Actionable Hope’

Part of the strategy included hosting a conference. On May 29^th 2024, individuals with lived or living experience, healthcare leaders, and clinicians representing 32 healthcare agencies gathered at Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care to explore the current state of perinatal mental health in Central Region North.

The conference provided a forum for research dissemination, knowledge sharing, strategy development, gap identification and resource pooling. The conference also featured a compelling segment where three individuals shared their lived experiences - adding emotional depth to the discussions and bringing a sense of urgency for change. The importance of mental health support for new parents and the need to improve access to care were important themes that emerged. The event, as described by one participant, inspired ‘actionable hope.’

Data from the BORN Registry can help networks such as WCHN identify health trends and gain a better understanding of local needs. Relevant, region-specific information is essential for developing targeted interventions and policies.