Maternal-child well-being focus of fourth Meighen Wright Learning Institute

mother and child

A one-day event at York University will offer a novel approach to maternal-child health through integration of policy, practical and clinical approaches to improving maternal-child health in Canada and around the world.

The fourth Meighen Wright Learning Institute at York University will take place Nov. 2, and is organized by the Women’s Health Research Chair in Mental Health and Meighan Wright Academic Lead, Professor Nazilla Khanlou.

This year, the event will focus on two areas of interest: international context of disabilities in maternal-child health; and, parenting.

Invited speakers include local and world-renowned researchers and practitioners dedicated to maternal-child health and well-being.

“One of the unique aspects of this learning institute is that some of our keynote presenters are graduate of our programs in health who have been funded by the Meighen Wright Scholarship in the past, and have returned to share their scholarship with students, faculty and the community at-large,” said Khanlou.

Invited speakers include John Stone, Masood Zangeneh, Yvonne Bohr, Julie Cinamon, Marina Heifetz and Victoria Chan. There will also be several student poster presentations.

This full day of learning, which is open to students, community members and faculty, includes:

• keynote presentations and interactive discussions;
• a wide range of topics detailing practical and clinical strategies;
• speakers within the fields of knowledge translation and clinical developmental psychology;
• discussion of challenges and innovative approaches for those working in maternal-child health; and
• diversity of perspectives ranging across culture and disability.

This event will highlight current themes in child development, parenting and strategies relevant to maternal-child well-being and will bring together local and international experts in a way that promotes York University as a high-quality research and learning center.

Important issues that will be addressed include: the role of mobile technology, parent-based intervention for children with disabilities, traumatic stress and cultural competency.

“This day promotes themes that are important to the York community, as York is a community dedicated to health, current issues, equity, and global impact,” said Khanlou. “This day offers the opportunity for rigorous discussion and learning for the future potential of maternal-child health, children’s developmental and the experiences of women and their children with disabilities.”

It takes place in Room 519, Kaneff Tower, Keele campus, from 9:30am to 4pm. Those interested can RSVP to owhchair@yorkuca. A light lunch will be served.