"Ranked 22 out of 29 in children's health in developed countries by the OECD, Canada needs to invest in the health and wellness of our children and youth in the same way that we invest in infrastructure or science and technology," says Dr. Kellie Leitch, founder of
The Sandbox Project. The innovative approach to dealing with mental health, injury prevention and healthy weight launched Dec. 2 at an event in Toronto.
At the event, Michael Wilson, Canada's former ambassador to the United States, pointed out the need for the program. "The Sandbox Project is both important and timely," Wilson said. "Dr. Kellie Leitch's groundbreaking research points out the need and the way Canada should be dealing with children's mental health."
The project will bring together experts and channel their knowledge into interactive tools and social media and, according to organizers, "build partnerships between parents, academic leaders, industry and governments to make Canada the healthiest place on earth for children and youth to grow up."
Ensuring the health of children, Dr. Leitch notes, is not simply morally right, but "is critically important for our long-term well-being as a country."
Writer: Edward Keenan
Source: Cara Salci, National Public Relations, for the Sandbox Project