September 2010 - Our Voice in Action

Recent Advocacy Efforts on Behalf of our Membership

The lazy days of summer have not slowed OPHA’s advocacy efforts. This summer we have spoken out in support of a renewed government commitment to the Panorama project which would provide public health with the necessary health information system to better respond to the next public health emergency.

In response to the report H1N1 Pandemic: How Ontario Fared issued by the Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) this summer, OPHA has recommended that the government wait until the results of the independent evaluation of the H1N1 pandemic response are released prior to opening the Health Protection and Promotion Act (HPPA) to give the CMOH authority to issue directives to public health units. We also recommend that extensive field consultation be undertaken to inform any changes that are made to the HPPA.

In August, as recommended by our Built Environment Workgroup, we commented on the review of the 2005 Provincial Policy Statement, EBR 010-9766.

We also provided our advice regarding the proposal to replace the Special Diet Allowance with the Nutritional Supplement Program, in consultation with our Food Security Workgroup.

Government Consultations

OPHA was recently consulted on two important initiatives. Firstly, in August, OPHA completed an on-line survey to provide the Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion with our advice regarding the possible program elements supporting applied research and program evaluation, education and professional development and knowledge exchange functions in Public Health. Connie Uetrecht, Executive Director, will be participating in a focus group session on this important topic in October.

Secondly, at the September OPHA Executive Meeting members of our Board provided Dr. Arlene King and Public Health Division with their advice on the Strategic Vision for Public Health – a consultation process being undertaken by consultants for the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. We will eagerly await the results of this 5-year strategic plan.