About

The Ontario Public Health Association (OPHA) is a not-for-profit organization that provides a strong, unified, independent voice for all citizens, public-health professionals and volunteers committed to improving the health of Ontarians. OPHA has a very active Board of Directors that works independently to accomplish its governance responsibilities, and in partnership with other organizations to fulfill its strategic plan.

Since 1949, OPHA has served as a catalyst for development in the Public Health sector. OPHA galvanizes communities, governments and decision makers to manage current public-health challenges, launch new initiatives, and act in a responsive and accountable manner. Through strategic partnerships with hundreds of health units, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), addiction centres, academic institutions and community health centres, OPHA has succeeded in influencing and addressing specific public health issues as well as broader elements of health policy. These include preserving the environment, promoting disease prevention, narrowing health disparities and reducing poverty.

OPHA fosters and maintains strong relationships with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, the Ministry of Health Promotion, the Ministry of Children and Youth Services, and the Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion. OPHA’s track record of program development and advocacy, combined with its unique interdisciplinary approach to public health issues, has earned the organization a wealth of credibility as an active participant at the policy making table.

Mission Statement

The mission of the OPHA is to provide leadership on issues affecting the public’s health and to strengthen the impact of people who are active in public and community health throughout Ontario.

OPHA achieves this mission by:

  • providing professional development opportunities and up-to-date information in community and public health issues,

  • providing access to local, provincial, and multi-disciplinary community health networks,

  • developing mechanisms to identify and analyze public-health issues from the variety of perspectives in its membership and in the broader community,

  • creating and maintaining advocacy initiatives with a province-wide perspective,

  • leading the development of expertise in public and community health through collaboration, consultation and partnerships.