Flora’s Walk takes first steps in Truro to support perinatal mental health

Despite the rain, dozens gathered in Truro on May 7 for the town’s first Flora’s Walk, one of more than 50 events across Canada supporting perinatal mental health.  

Led by Brianna Savoury, a registered nurse on the Women and Children’s Unit at Colchester East Hants Health Centre, and Sarah Maguire, a perinatal nurse consultant with Nova Scotia’s Reproductive Care Program, the event held deep personal meaning for Brianna.  

“I’ve always been passionate about perinatal mental health,” she says. “But working on the frontlines - supporting people through birth and seeing how it can impact their entire wellbeing - has only deepened that commitment.” 

Brianna is one of a few nurses involved with the Nova Scotia chapter of the Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Collaborative. The group focuses on building connections and creating meaningful change for families across the province. When the opportunity came to bring Flora’s Walk to Truro, Brianna didn’t hesitate.  

“We were nervous to take this on,” she says. “Speaking up and raising awareness is better than staying silent; this is just the beginning.” 

Named in memory of Flora Babakhani, a mother who died in 2022 from untreated postpartum psychosis, Flora’s Walk became the country’s largest fundraiser for perinatal mental health. The goal is clear: raise awareness, improve access to care and ensure no parent ever feels alone. 

In Truro, the walk sparked momentum, more than marking a moment. The walk brought together healthcare providers, families, community groups like Maggie’s Place and the Lavender Village Society. Also, municipal leaders, such as Town of Truro Mayor Cathy Hinton, participated and highlighted the need to improve local access to care. 

With the highest rates of postpartum depression in the country, Nova Scotia’s need is real and growing. 

This walk is just the beginning of something greater. By fostering connection and conversation, Brianna and her team are strengthening the foundation of perinatal mental health, ensuring no parent feels overlooked or alone.  

Jennifer Jollymore, clinical nurse specialist at the IWK, brought Flora’s Walk to Nova Scotia in 2022 and has worked tirelessly to expand this platform to raise awareness. This year, Truro joined Halifax in the movement, along with first-time walks in Sydney and the South Shore. 

Photo of participants taking part in Flora's Walk.