IWK Health

04/17/2026

SmartParent in Nova Scotia offers people who are pregnant the option of perinatal education being sent directly to their cell phones. The pilot program, available from IWK Health and Nova Scotia Health Public Health, offers text messages from pregnancy and child health experts that guide expectant parents through the transformative weeks of pregnancy and the first year of their child's life.

Parents can enrol in the free service by texting the keyword ‘Baby’ to 12323 or by going to www.smartparent.ca and clicking Enrol Now.

https://iwkhealth.ca/pregnancy/smartparent-prenatal-support-program

04/16/2026

We’ve added three new sessions to our Virtual Autism Education Series!

These free online sessions are for parents and caregivers of preschool-aged children with autism (not yet in Grade Primary). They offer simple, supportive ideas from health-care professionals that families can use in everyday routines.

New sessions include:

Understanding Behaviour – Part 2: What We Do Next: Learn ways to understand your child’s behaviour and support them in building new skills.

Growing Social Connections: Learn about social skills in autism and ways to support your child’s strengths and positive interactions with others.

Safety Basics: Prevention, Planning, and Skill Building: Learn ways to help your child build safety skills and respond safely in everyday situations.

The Virtual Autism Education Series is hosted by PPAS — a partnership between IWK Health, Nova Scotia Health, Hearing and Speech Nova Scotia, and Autism Nova Scotia.

Register: iwkhealth.ca/provincial-preschool-autism-service/autism-education-series or visit the link in our bio

We hope to see you there!

04/15/2026

Help shape the future of women+ health in the Maritimes!

Researchers are inviting people living in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, or Prince Edward Island to share what health questions matter most to women+ (women and anyone who experiences health issues traditionally linked to women’s health — including cis women, trans men, non-binary, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse people).

✔️ Ages 18+
✔️ Open to people with lived experience, caregivers, healthcare providers, policy makers, and community members
🕒 Brief online survey

For more information and link to survey: https://www.maritimewomenshealth.com/

04/14/2026

Let’s Talk: Teens Building their Healthcare Skills
April 17th 12-12:45pm
Registration link - https://surveys.novascotia.ca/TakeSurvey.aspx?SurveyID=77LL36m0K
This session is for parents and caregivers of children living with a health condition. You’ll hear directly from youth who have moved into the adult healthcare system and learn why it’s helpful to start the conversation about transition early. We’ll explore what self-management means, why it matters, and how you and your child can begin building these skills together.

04/14/2026

🌱 Free Program: Introduction to Parenting Your Teen 🌱

Offered through Community Health Team programming, this free session is facilitated by IWK Health Mental Health and Wellness Coordinators.
This introductory workshop is designed to help parents and caregivers better understand their teens. Participants will learn practical strategies to improve communication, navigate common challenges, and build stronger, more connected family relationships.

📅 Tuesday, April 21 | 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 In‑person at the YWCA Armdale Professional Building
👥 Limited spots available
✅ Open to Nova Scotia residents

Community Health Teams provide free programs across the lifespan to support mental wellness.

👉 Register early to secure your spot!
https://cht.cdha.nshealth.ca/selectCourse.aspx?unitId=IWK

04/13/2026

This week, we celebrate Medical Laboratory Professionals across Canada who play a vital role in patient care. At the IWK, our Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine is an essential part of the health care team, providing accurate, timely test results that help guide care for children, youth, and families across the Maritimes.

Every test result helps to tell a story, and behind each one is a dedicated team working with care and precision. While their work often happens behind the scenes, their impact is felt every day through informed decisions, and compassionate care.

Thank you to all Medical Laboratory Professionals for your hard work, dedication, and expertise, this week, and every week.

04/12/2026

Did you know…

You can contact the IWK Bereavement Coordinator if you have questions about grief support resources in your area?

This service is for grieving children and youth, families grieving the death of an infant, child, or youth, and families grieving a pregnancy loss.

For residents of NS, NB, and PEI: the IWK Bereavement Coordinator may be able to connect you to in-person or virtual resources in your area.

To learn more, visit the IWK Health Pediatric Advanced Care Team (PACT) webpage or call 902-470-8942
https://iwkhealth.ca/clinics-programs-services/pediatric-advanced-care-team-pact

04/12/2026

Are you a youth with complex medical needs (14–24 years old), or a family member? We’d love to hear from you.

Your feedback will help us build a Transition to Adult Care Resource Guide with clear, useful information to support the move to adult care. You may even find a few helpful tips for yourself.

To offer feedback, reach out to Jackie Pidduck, Transition Coordinator
902-266-4054
IWKTransition@iwk.nshealth.ca

04/11/2026

When a child is hospitalized, their siblings may feel a variety of emotions including but not limited to confusion, upset or sadness. Find ways to help children cope with having a sibling in the hospital. From our friends at AboutKidsHealth and SickKids staff.

When a child is hospitalized, their siblings may feel a variety of emotions including but not limited to confusion, upset or sadness. Find ways to help children cope with having a sibling in the hospital.

04/11/2026

🌿 Free Program: Walking the Middle Path – 6‑Week Series 🌿

Offered through Community Health Team programming, this free 6‑week series is facilitated by IWK Health Mental Health and Wellness Coordinators.
Designed for parents and their teens (ages 12+), Walking the Middle Path helps families navigate differing perspectives and strengthen communication.

Participants will learn practical strategies to find balance and connection, with topics including validation, problem‑solving, acceptance, and change.

📅 Wednesdays, April 8 – May 13, 2026
💻 Virtual program
👥 Limited spots available
✅ Open to Nova Scotia residents
💻 We**am and high‑speed internet required

Community Health Teams provide free programs across the lifespan to support mental wellness.
👉 Register early to secure your spot! https://cht.cdha.nshealth.ca/selectCourse.aspx?unitId=IWK

04/11/2026

🌈 Free Program: Supporting Youth on Their Gender, Sexuality & Identity Journey 🌈

Offered through Community Health Team programming, this free session is facilitated by IWK Health Mental Health and Wellness Coordinators and developed with support from The Youth Project.

Join us to learn best practices for supporting children and youth as they navigate their gender, sexuality, and identity in affirming and healthy ways.

📅 Tuesday, April 14, 2026
📍 Online (Zoom) or In person at the Halifax Community Health Team, Halifax Shopping Centre
👥 Limited spots available
✅ Open to Nova Scotia residents
💻 We**am and high speed internet required for online participation
Community Health Teams provide free programs across the lifespan to support mental wellness.

👉 Register early to save your spot!
https://cht.cdha.nshealth.ca/selectCourse.aspx?unitId=IWK

04/11/2026

Oral health is essential to overall health at every age and stage of life. For children, good oral health supports growth and development, behavior, and their ability to learn, socialize and play.

Did you know that good oral health starts even before the baby teeth come in! Baby teeth are worth taking care of and starting early can help keep your baby cavity-free for life. Take your baby for their first dental check up by their first birthday. Provincial MSI covers basic dental care for children starting from birth. You can check with your dental office to find out which services are covered for your child or visit Children's Oral Health Program - Government of Nova Scotia, Canada.

For more information on taking care of baby’s teeth you can find a wealth of information in the Loving Care books available at https://www.nshealth.ca/parenting-supports