Dr. Mojgan Karbakhsh has been named the new director of Prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome BC (PSBSBC), a program within the BCIRPU at BC Children’s Hospital that aims to prevent traumatic head injury by child maltreatment and physical abuse in the province through education.

“I am honoured to provide leadership for the next chapter of this initiative. Each year, this program ensures that new families are supported and have access to information on infant crying and soothing strategies for their new baby.” —Dr. Mojgan Karbakhsh

PSBSBC implements the Period of PURPLE Crying© Program (PURPLE) across British Columbia, a primary prevention program that provides information and resources on infant crying, managing parent/caregiver frustration, alternative soothing methods, coping strategies, and the dangers of shaking a baby. This universal program has been implemented in BC since 2009. Each year, PURPLE materials are distributed to approximately 44,000 new families each year—in hospital, at public health units, and in community. British Columbia has continued to maintain the lowest incidence rates of traumatic head injury by child maltreatment in Canada.

Dr. Karbakhsh is a public health researcher with a background in clinical medicine and community health. She will provide strategic direction and vision for the program’s initiatives. Since joining the BCIRPU in 2021, Dr. Karbakhsh has contributed to developing data-driven, evidence-informed, and equity-focused strategies for safety promotion and injury control. She has contributed to the injury prevention sections of the Fourth Edition of Toddler’s First Steps, a BC Government resource for parents and caregivers, and undertaken projects examining the epidemiology of home injuries in BC, advocating at the provincial and national levels for the prevention of button battery injuries among children, working on initiatives to prevent youth suicide and self-harm among children and youth, as well as coordinating the Brain Waves program.

“I am honoured to provide leadership for the next chapter of this initiative,” said Dr. Karbakhsh. “Each year, this program ensures that new families are supported and have access to information on infant crying and soothing strategies for their new baby.”

Dr. Karbakhsh takes over the role of Director from Dr. Ian Pike, who has held the position since 2015. Her role begins on July 1, 2025.

Learn more about PSBSBC and PURPLE Program© at dontshake.ca.

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