The first strategic plan that sets a five-year roadmap for creating a healthier, safer population has been launched by Grand Erie Public Health.
The health unit, which was formed through the amalgamation of the Brant County Health Unit and the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit, officially began operating on Jan. 1, 2025.
Maria Kinkel, chair of the board of health, called the plan a “clear and ambitious path forward.”
The strategic plan was developed after a review of local health data and 24 partner strategic plans, and input from more than 200 staff members, 30 community partners, healthcare organizations, municipalities and Indigenous partners.
“The greatest opportunity to improve population health lies not just in responding to disease, but in preventing it and creating conditions for healthier communities to thrive,” said Dr. Jason Malenfant, medical officer of health. “This strategic plan reflects that commitment by investing in the health and well-being of children and youth, confronting the growing burden of chronic disease, and strengthening partnerships needed to address the underlying determinants of health and advance health equity.”
The plan sets out four strategic priorities to guide the health unit over the next five years:
Strengthening partnerships and public trust: This includes deepening “respectful, culturally safe” relationships with Six Nations of the Grand River and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and positioning the health unit as a “credible and trusted source of timely, transparent and evidence-based information that builds understanding, addresses misinformation and supports informed decision-making.”
Champion children and youth-focused prevention: Nearly one in three local kindergarten children is considered vulnerable in at least one area of early development, including physical health and well-being, social competence, emotional maturity, language and cognitive development, or communication skills.
The health unit plan includes strengthening community partnerships to address root causes, build protective factors and create supportive environments that “promote youth resilience, mental health and well-being, and help prevent substance use.” The plan also includes improving access to preventative screening and immunization with a focus on reaching children who may have barriers to accessing care.
Lead comprehensive chronic disease prevention: Work with partners across sectors to advance policies that support health and help prevent chronic disease, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes and lung disease. Provide public health expertise and evidence to community planning and development, working with municipalities and partners to create healthier neighbourhoods. Use local data and evidence to identify and monitor differences in chronic disease risks and outcomes, better understand barriers to health, and inform targeted prevention efforts that reach communities with the greatest needs.
Health unit data shows rates of diabetes hospitalizations, cardiovascular disease hospitalizations and deaths, and chronic respiratory disease hospitalizations and deaths are higher in the health unit coverage area than across the province.
Invest in GEPH workforce to drive excellence: Build an “informed, connected and engaged workforce through effective internal communication, meaningful employee engagement, professional development and opportunities for connection, while fostering a workplace grounded in reconciliation, equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging to changing needs.” Invest in modern tools, innovative technologies and adaptable workspaces for employees.