HealthLine 811 supporting maternal mental health
Professional support is only a phone call away for Saskatchewan women experiencing postpartum anxiety, depression, or perinatal loss.
In 2023-24, HealthLine 811 delivered mental health services to more than 325 clients referred to the maternal wellness program. Most referrals were for probable or possible depression or anxiety.
“Having registered social workers and psychiatric nurses deliver mental health care over the phone ensures timely support for women who may otherwise struggle to access services based on where they live,” said Marlee Cossette, Director of the Provincial HealthLine 811 Program and Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID).
“It is also an efficient and cost-effective way to supplement client care and bridge the gaps between regular primary health care and clinical mental health services – helping to reduce hospital readmission.”
Since province-wide program implementation in 2017, public health has been providing referrals for new moms with children up to 13 months of age. Women who have experienced perinatal loss between 20 weeks and six months can be referred to the HealthLine 811 maternal wellness program following completion of Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) screening. EPDS helps identify women who may be suffering from postpartum depression.
