Public Health in Simcoe Muskoka Charles Gardner Medical

Public Health in Simcoe Muskoka Charles Gardner, Medical Officer of Health Carol Yandreski, Public Health Nurse, School Board Liaison Presented to Simcoe Muskoka District Catholic School Board May 2013

Presentation objectives • To provide a brief overview of the background and mandate of public health. • To provide an overview of our strategic plan, with a focus on the determinants of health. • To provide a high level review of public health activities with the SMCDSB.

Public health is… A 160 year old movement. Strategies focused on populations. To prevent disease and injury, and protect and promote health.

Taking action on the things that make us healthy Environment Ø physical, social, political, economic Behaviour Ø smoking, diet, physical activity, injuries, sexual health Human Biology Ø age, gender, family history Health Care Ø prevention, treatment, rehabilitation

The impact of public health: life expectancy trends

There is still room to improve health Social determinants of health account for 60% of variation in health status. Tobacco – 16% of all deaths. Diet / Inactivity – 14% of all deaths, 1/3 of all cancers avoidable with optimal diet. Alcohol – 5% of all deaths. Infections – 5% of all deaths. Injuries – the leading cause of death for people aged 1 to 44 years; $14. 7 billion annually in direct and indirect costs. Others – Sexual behaviour, illicit drugs.

2012 – 2016 Strategic Directions and Goals Important Public Health Issues Ø Identify and address priority public health issues that require a coordinated and comprehensive agency response. Accountability and Performance Measurement Ø Demonstrate efficiency and effectiveness, and enhance systems that measure and communicate progress on our priorities, programs and services. Determinants of Health Ø Address the factors that create inequities in overall health and improve the quality of life for populations at risk of poor health outcomes. Organizational Capacity Ø Enhance our knowledge, skills and practices to increase our ability to respond to community needs and optimize service delivery.

SMDHU Health Equity Framework Four roles for public health: 1. Assess and report on the health of populations 2. Modify/orient public health interventions to reduce inequities 3. Engage in community and multi-sectoral collaboration 4. Lead/participate and support other stakeholders in policy analysis, development and advocacy

Material Deprivation Index Simcoe Muskoka, 2006 Sources: Ontario Marginalization Index , Centre for Research on Inner City Health and 2006 Census, Statistics Canada

Families with Children < 17 Yrs Old and High Material Deprivation Simcoe Muskoka, 2006 Sources: Ontario Marginalization Index , Centre for Research on Inner City Health and 2006 Census, Statistics Canada

Modify/orient public health interventions to reduce health inequities: ü Healthy Smiles Ontario clinics provide full dental services to low-income families and others on government-funded dental benefits. ü Full treatment services at the health unit’s Barrie clinic location. ü Healthy Smiles Ontario bus visits communities throughout Simcoe Muskoka. ü Oral health surveillance in schools, community reporting and advocacy.

The Ontario Public Health Standards & Protocols

Engaging in community and multisectoral collaboration Co-location with partners • • Huntsville High School – sexual health. Gravenhurst Municipal Office and Cottage Country Family Health Team. Midland Secondary School. Orillia Common Roof. Joint planning • Emergency planning – municipalities and healthcare agencies. • School boards – Healthy Schools & COMPASS. • Child & family services: • Muskoka Planning Council for Children and Youth. • Child, Youth & Families Services Coalition of Simcoe County. • NSM LHIN and others – falls prevention, child and maternal health, Healthy Communities Partnership. • Municipal official plans and municipal policies – alcohol, injury prevention, nutritious foods, tobacco, food charter, fluoridation, active transportation. • Family health teams.

Leading / participating with and supporting other stakeholders in policy analysis, development and advocacy • Board of Health advocacy on the following: • • • dental services, provincial action on poverty reduction, alcohol control, tobacco control, health impacts of casinos, accessible and affordable housing. • Working with partner agencies / municipalities on the following: • • food charters / affordability (Nutritious Food Basket reporting), access to affordable housing, tobacco-free options for assisted housing multi-unit dwellings, health-promoting built environments (access to work, education, housing, healthy nutrition, child-play spaces, recreation, green-spaces).

Partnership Initiatives • New report format reflects the Catholic Community, Culture and Caring Pillar of the Board Improvement Plan. • Highlights initiatives collaboratively undertaken during 2011 -2012 school year. • Healthy Schools Program.