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Program Updates |
Ontario Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance (OCDPA)
The OCDPA has witnessed much activity during the past six months, having launched a number of resources available on our website, and being involved in the planning and development of several new, exciting projects for this year.
In Celebration: Recent Accomplishments
In conjunction with OPHA, its Alcohol Policy Network, and CAMH, the OCDPA hosted the 4th annual Alcohol: No Ordinary Commodity Forum, which focused on Alcohol and Chronic Disease, in March 2007.
Also in March, 2007, OCDPA, in partnership with the Ontario Prevention Clearinghouse and the Canadian Cancer Society, produced the "Primer to Action: Social Determinant of Health", a resource in both French and English for health professionals, lay people, and activists to explore how the social determinants of health impact chronic disease.
The OCDPA successfully presented its paper, "Thinking Like A System: Supporting Chronic Disease Prevention in Ontario" at the International Union on Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE) in June 2007.
A representative of OCDPA presented information on the Alliance and evidence from its resources at Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance of Canada's on-line information session, "Alcohol and Chronic Disease" in July 2007.
The OCDPA is currently engaged in a branding and communications project in order to bring attention to chronic disease prevention and Ontario's need for an integrated, coordinated, and well-invested system. To accomplish this, we are working with communications professionals to produce a brochure that will expand the OCDPA's visibility in the community and push for investments in chronic disease prevention and a system to address it.
With Ontario's election in full swing, the Alliance drafted a letter detailing nine recommendations for action [PDF, 57kb] that will immediately support chronic disease prevention in Ontario. The OCDPA sent this letter to each of Ontario's political party leaders and their health critics, urging them to integrate these actions into their party platforms and plans, if elected.
What's Happening Now: Current Projects
The OCPDA is involved in the following projects and directions for 2007:
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Tobacco to HEAL: this project will look at the successes of Ontario's Tobacco Strategy and, similarly, apply learnings to Ontario's Healthy Eating and Active Living (HEAL) Strategy. By interviewing key informants involved with, or aware of each strategy, the OCDPA hopes to look at opportunities for advancement and action to support and enhance the HEAL strategy and its outcomes.
Common Messages: the OCDPA membership will work on developing a platform of common messages on chronic disease and its prevention from an common-risk and social environment perspective. We intend to develop an action plan on dissemination and usage of these messages among members and in the community. -
Integrating CDP at the local level: the OCDPA is looking to its membership to link with Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs), to build capacity and develop common understanding and actions on chronic disease prevention and wellness promotion.
Briefings on Chronic Disease in Ontario: we are currently developing short briefings on the major chronic diseases in Ontario, their prevalence, common risks, and preventive measures. We intend to expand this to look at chronic disease and priority populations, including seniors, aboriginals, ethno-specific groups, women, and children.
What’s Next: Upcoming Foci and Priorities for Action
At its July 2007 retreat, the Alliance membership identified two focal areas related to chronic disease to address within its 2008/2009 work plan. These are: Alcohol, its relation to and impact on chronic disease; and, the link between chronic disease and Ontario's physical and built environment. In terms of influencing Ontario's socio-political environment, the group has agreed to continue it work on addressing health inequities by focusing on the social determinants of health, which will be further developed this year.
The Alliance invites you view our materials on our website, or to contact our staff, for ideas and suggestions.
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