While Ontario has a number of resources in place to support health promotion and chronic disease and injury prevention, the Ontario government and public health experts identified the need to synthesize, develop, and disseminate the best available evidence in these areas. As a central resource, the OAHPP will fill that need by establishing linkages with existing provincial, national and international resources, generating new knowledge, translating both existing and new knowledge into useful tools and practical information for evidence-based policy and practice, and facilitating the exchange of knowledge between researchers, public health intermediaries, communities of practice and networks. Health promotion extends beyond reducing disease and ill health, to positive outcomes such as healthy growth and development, resiliency, healthy sexuality, supportive environments and healthy public policies. The scope of health promotion work is broad and spans the lifecycle, including maternal and child health, healthy growth and development, youth and teens, adults and seniors. Effective health promotion initiatives include partnerships with diverse sectors and occur in many settings such as workplaces, schools, clinics and community-based organizations. Chronic diseases are the leading cause of death and disability in Canada. In Ontario, the estimated economic burden of illness from cardiovascular and respiratory disease, cancer, and musculoskeletal, endocrine, neurological and psychiatric disorders amounts to 67 per cent of total health care expenditures. In 2009, the estimated total health care cost expenditures in the province is $41.5 billion which translates to an expenditure of $27.8 billion in direct costs for treating chronic diseases. There are also many indirect costs associated with chronic diseases such as those incurred by families and employers. Given this burden, chronic disease prevention is one of OAHPP’s key areas of specialization. Injury prevention is another area of specialization for OAHPP. Preventable injuries, such as falls, motor vehicle accidents, drowning, pedestrian injuries, poisoning and fire, have become an increasing threat to health. According to a 2009 report, injuries cost Ontarians $3.7 billion in direct health care costs and 4,643 lives were lost. Injury remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children and youth. Current initiatives:
At the request of the Ministry of Health Promotion, OAHPP has convened a Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) to provide scientific and technical advice to the Ministry as it renews the Smoke-free Ontario Strategy for 2010-2015. The SAC, which is comprised of experts drawn the Ontario tobacco control community, is expected to table its report by the end of March 2010. An International Expert Panel will provide peer review and peripheral commentary on the SAC’s work. Click here for more information.
The OAHPP, as a central resource for the province is building linkages with existing resources to provide the best evidence available in all areas of its mandate. As part of that process, the Ministry of Health Promotion and the OAHPP have explored the alignment of content expertise in the areas of health promotion, and chronic disease and injury prevention. On December 1, 2009, the OAHPP welcomed the following resource centres from the Ministry of Health Promotion, with an effective date of legal transfer for April 2010:
Evolving from a proposal submitted on behalf of the Council of Ontario Medical Officers of Health to the Ministry of Health Promotion (MHP) in April 2008, OAHPP is co-leading a project overseen by the Ontario Childhood Healthy Weights Surveillance Steering Committee to recommend a standardized approach to monitor heights and weights of Ontario school children which will be tested and evaluated by local public health units.
The purpose of this initiative is to develop an equity lens for application to OAHPP activities. Through a literature review, key informant interviews and other sources, this initiative will gather information on current practices, in local, national and international jurisdictions, in order to:
With this information the role and potential activities of the OAHPP will be determined. This report will be used by OAHPP to address inequities as we prioritize our actions and begin to operationalize the delivery of our products and services.
OAHPP is engaging with partners to learn about current activities and emerging needs of public health stakeholders in the area of mental health and addictions and identify opportunities to support those working to protect and promote the health of Ontarians. |
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