I am writing to express my sadness at recent funding cuts to the provincial Infant Development Program and the Books for Babies program.
As a public health nurse working with young children, I am aware of how these programs made a huge difference in the lives of the families that I see. While I know that local IDP services will continue, the provincial program was essential in co-ordinating services, particularly to smaller areas where the resources are fewer.
Delivering the Books for Babies gift bag has been one of the happiest things that I do for new families. Along with giving them information about their new babies and introducing them to public health services, the new book is something that is a gift far greater than the paper it is printed on. The book, and the information given in the library bag, is a way of demonstrating to parents that nurses, librarians, and their government put literacy as a priority and that we want to practically support families. It actually shows everyday people that the government cares enough to give something really lovely to them personally at one of the most important times in their lives.
Just a couple of weeks ago, the Vancouver Sun ran several articles leading up to their annual “Raise a Reader” campaign, which always coincides with the wonderful “Word on the Street” festival. Many of these articles referred to the proliferation of information (much of it done by local researchers) that proves the strong link between support given in a child’s early years and healthy growth and development. It is no secret that if we give attention to children in their first few years, there are huge benefits to the child’s neurologic and social development. Studies have also shown the cost to society if these children are not supported in these crucial years. In view of this research, it is sad indeed that you have chosen to withdraw this funding.
I also find it very interesting that political leaders have been quoted in these articles both this year and in previous years, giving their own personal support to the importance of literacy. This is a confusing message indeed.
As nurses and public sector workers, we will mourn this loss but over the years we have learned to be flexible and resilient in managing cuts to our funding. We all can appreciate the need to manage a budget well, but it is very hard to understand why such important services are being cut. The real losers here are the families. And the cost to government may end up being larger in the long run.
I urge you to please reconsider these programs. We will truly miss them.
Karen May, Public Health Nurse
No comments:
Post a Comment