What is Public Health’s Role?
Public Health’s role as it relates to alcohol is multi-faceted, focusing on prevention and education, harm reduction, regulation, research, surveillance, and equitable access to care and support services. Public Health’s goal is to reduce the burden of illness and promote the health, safety and well-being of individuals and communities. Public health is pivotal in addressing the social determinants of health that contribute to disparities in substance use and related health outcomes.
Key aspects of Public Health’s role related to alcohol
- Addressing risk and protective factors for alcohol use.
- Educating the public, including youth, about potential harms associated with alcohol use.
- Promoting Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health.
- Working alongside government bodies to develop regulations and healthy public policies (labelling, advertising).
- Ensuring policies and programs related to alcohol promote equity.
- Monitoring population health and trends related alcohol to inform policy, programs, and services.
- Collaborating with local stakeholders across sectors to ensure comprehensive and equitable access to care and support services.
- Assess and evaluate current programs and services within Sudbury and districts.
This item was last modified on September 19, 2024