As Canada celebrates National Nursing Week from May 11 to 17, the Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Toronto (CCAS) honours the transformative role nurses play in strengthening families and protecting the most vulnerable. Rooted in the CNA’s theme, “The Power of Nurses to Transform Health,” this week recognizes the profound impact of nurses who deliver care with compassion, dignity, and expertise—often in places where it is needed most.
At CCAS, that impact extends far beyond hospital settings. Through our Safe Sleep and Safe Bath in‑home nursing program, Health Specialists work directly with families to reduce risks for infants and support parents during the earliest and most critical stages of a child’s life. This is frontline prevention—nursing that identifies concerns early, strengthens safety, and empowers young parents with the confidence and skills to care for their children.
One powerful example is the work of Denise Sarrazin, a former Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse who now brings her clinical expertise into family homes. Denise recently supported Beth*, a 20‑year‑old mother rebuilding her life with the help of CCAS and the Catholic‑affiliated Abiona Centre. Together, they are ensuring Beth’s son, Aaron*, is safe, thriving, and deeply loved—an illustration of how nursing, early intervention, and Catholic social teaching intersect to transform health and family well‑being.
This work reflects broader shifts in the nursing profession. Nurses are increasingly delivering care in community‑based settings, addressing social determinants of health such as poverty, trauma, and housing instability. Preventative programs like Safe Sleep and Safe Bath reduce hospital visits, improve infant safety, and strengthen families long before crises occur. In Catholic child welfare, this approach embodies accompaniment, compassion, and the inherent dignity of every child and parent.
During National Nursing Week, CCAS proudly recognizes our Health Specialists for their leadership, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to children and families. Their work guides clinical decision‑making, enhances safety planning, and ensures families receive timely, informed, and compassionate care. This week—and every week—we celebrate the nurses whose skill and dedication transform health, uplift families, and bring hope to our community.
*Names changed to protect confidentiality.