Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ 2023 highlights underscore its commitment and responsiveness to the community

The Board of Health for Public Health Sudbury & Districts afforded itself a brief pause today to recognize Public Health’s 2023 achievements and service highlights. Spotlighting the accomplishments helped Board members reflect on the ways in which the agency fulfills its community commitments and is locally responsive.

“Public Health’s work happens ‘on the ground’, directly in the communities we serve, working alongside partners and residents that are equally invested in working towards healthier communities for all,” said René Lapierre, Chair of the Board of Health for Public Health Sudbury & Districts. “The people we serve count on Public Health to be a stable, dependable resource,” said Lapierre.

With a persistent eye on a future where the health of the community is maximized, Public Health Sudbury & Districts is no longer exploring mergers with neighbouring public health agencies. This comes following extensive prior consideration to merge with Algoma Public Health. In addition, recent preliminary explorations to potentially merge with North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit resulted in determination that further consideration was not aligned with the interests and needs of the communities served and those of the respective agencies. Public Health’s priority is now focused on stability after tumultuous years of pandemic response and recovery; stability that will support working continuously to improve the health of the community.

“With this being my first Board of Health meeting, I was immensely proud to see the showcase of the quality and depth of the agency’s work in 2023,” stated Dr. Mustafa Hirji, Acting Medical Officer of Health and Chief Executive Officer for Public Health Sudbury & Districts. “As we navigate ongoing public health challenges, my priorities are to foster a period of stability and to marshal the resources necessary to support this vital work. Whether it is working with partners to promote healthy policies for chronic disease prevention, preventing infections, supporting new mothers to give the healthiest start to their children, or strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities, Public Health staff make invaluable contributions to the health and health equity of people of all ages in every community,” said Dr. Hirji.

Examples of Public Health’s highlights for 2023:

• Administering 21 785 routine immunizations.
• Administering 9 815 vaccine doses to Grade 7 students through 61 schools or at Public Health’s offices.
• Launching a Positive Space initiative, demonstrating a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Welcoming 180 participants, 17 panelists, and 15 speakers to the Greater Sudbury Summit on Toxic Drugs co-hosted with the City of Greater Sudbury.
• Initiating and advancing 9 healthy public policies focused on helping prevent chronic disease.
• Investigating 460 issues of potential public health concern.
• Continuing to define and strengthen relationships with First Nation communities and Indigenous partners to collaboratively support public health programs and services.
• For a complete list of the 2023 Highlights, visit https://www.phsd.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2023_PublicHealth_Highlights_EN-1.pdf

In addition to reviewing 2023 highlights, the Board of Health approved the agency’s Accountability Monitoring Plan 2024–2028, which serves as an overarching framework for monitoring and reporting on provincial requirements and local priorities.

The Board of Health is the legal authority for Public Health Sudbury & Districts and oversees the delivery of public health programs and services per the Health Protection and Promotion Act and the Ontario Public Health Standards: Requirements for programs, services, and accountability.

Board of Health proceedings (agendas, minutes, and motions) are available online at phsd.ca. To learn more about local public health programs and services, contact Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200) or visit phsd.ca.