March 2009 - Our Voice in Action

OPHA and Partners Looking for Answers From You

A networking collaborative, involving OPHA, is looking to expand its base of information about systems and supports that encourage the healthy development of children and youth through community-based programs.

We are hoping you can help! You probably know of many great activities, tools, manuals, and best and promising practices that create meaningful experiences in one or more of the following areas:

  • Physical Activity (e.g. sport, recreation, fitness);
  • Nutrition/Healthy Eating (e.g. learning about nutrition, food skills);
  • Personal Development (e.g. self esteem enhancement, decision-making, respect for others);
  • Life Skills (e.g. homework assistance, financial panning, job coaching);
  • Personal Safety (e.g. bullying/injury prevention);
  • Youth Engagement (e.g. leadership, service learning, volunteering, involvement in planning);
  • Culture (e.g. music, arts, drama).

If you do have — or know of any — great resources that can be used with children and/or youth between the ages of 6 and 18, we would really appreciate your taking 5-10 minutes to complete the Resource Information Form.

The deadline for submitting the information is Wednesday, March 25, 2009.

There will be a draw from the submitted contributions to win one of the following prizes:

  • Free registration to a Parks & Recreation Educational Forum [PDF] (either for this year – March 29–April 1st, Niagara Falls, ON or for 2010 – your choice) — value $500+
  • an iPod;
  • professional portfolio;
  • hoodie;
  • umbrella;
  • pen; or
  • a backpack filled with great products to use in children’s programs.

Here’s hoping you will join in collecting resources to share and to help support the healthy development of children and youth. In addition, those submitting information will get advance notice of the results of what’s out there! Click on this link to submit your information.

With great appreciation from:

 

Progress on Recommendations of Capacity Review Report Revitalizing Ontario’s Public Health Capacity

The Public Health Division of the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care in collaboration with the Ministry of Health Promotion has launched a sector engagement strategy designed to gather input and perspectives on building public health capacity in Ontario.

This initiative follows up on issues that were raised in the final report of the Capacity Review Committee Revitalizing Ontario’s Public Health Capacity [PDF], released in May 2006.

Over the last several years, OPHA has in its various communications to government — most recently in the 2009 Budget recommendations — called for action on the recommendations of this seminal report, and we are pleased that, in the wake of the release of the Ontario Public Health Standards, some progress is being made on Capacity Review.

In this phase of activity, public health practitioners are being asked to complete a web survey. Input is being sought from all levels of the public health sector — board of health members, senior leadership, all health unit staff and staff at all public health organizations.

To participate please click on this link to access the survey.

From their website it is recommended that you download and read a discussion paper titled “Building Capacity for Local Public Health in Ontario” as part of the process of completing the survey.

OPHA would like to take this opportunity to encourage you and to ask your colleagues to participate in this important survey so that a broad range of views can be represented and reflected as we work together to fulfill the aims of the Capacity Review Process.

 

Voluntary Accreditation Survey

The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care is seeking the views of health units on the prospect of implementing voluntary accreditation of health units as one aspect of the agenda on standards and performance management.

OPHA urges you to help ensure that your health unit is part of this conversation. If you have any questions about the survey please contact Alison Paprica or phone 416-327-1969.