Declaring #codePINK for kids in crisis. Will you join the emergency response?

Declaring #codePINK: Kids in Canada need urgent support

Children First Canada and our partners are uniting to raise the alarm about the current crisis facing children and youth across the country. Together, we're declaring a #codePINK – a term used for pediatric emergencies.

School closures and the lack of access to sports and recreational programs have led to devastating effects on the physical and mental health of kids.

Kids are in crisis. They deserve better.

Child suicide attempt admissions have doubled during the pandemic. (Children’s Healthcare Canada)
70% of kids report that the pandemic has harmed their mental health. (Canada’s Children’s Hospital Foundations)
Child abuse rates have risen sharply, with a doubling of cases of infants presenting with fractures and head trauma. (CHEO)

Declare a #codePINK on social media
We need your help to spread the word! Follow these simple steps to declare a #codePINK:

Step 1: Draw an emergency cross on your hand. You can use a pink marker, paint, or even lipstick.

Step 2: Take a selfie while holding your hand up to the camera, just like in the image above.

Step 3: Share your photo on social media and explain why you’re declaring a #codePINK.

Here’s a sample tweet:
I’m declaring a #codePINK because kids deserve to be healthy and reach their full potential. Join the call here! https://bit.ly/3tUhXlD

Thank you for raising the alarm for kids in Canada!

Stay informed

For regular updates and information about #codePINK, visit childrenfirstcanada.org/codepink and follow us on social media.

Twitter: @children1stca

Facebook: @childrenfirstcanada

Instagram: @children1stca

The crisis demands an emergency response
We’re calling for an urgent meeting of Canada’s First Ministers to coordinate an emergency response to support all 8 million children in Canada. This includes safely reopening schools, camps, parks and other recreational facilities as quickly as possible. We're also urging government leaders to scale up virtual care programs, reduce backlogs for surgeries and rehabilitation, invest in new models of mental health programs to meet the urgent and rising demands, and plan now for a safe return to school in the fall.

Calling all youth!
Do you know a youth who wants to take action on issues like climate change, mental health and racism? Through the Young Canadians' Parliament (YCP), young people across the country are standing up for their rights at the highest levels of government. Encourage young people under 18 to join the movement today! The application deadline is May 23.