OCDPA's Evidence Informed Messages
<http://www.ocdpa.on.ca/rpt_evidence_messages.htm> 

The Ontario Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance (OCDPA), in consultation
with external experts, has developed messages for use by individuals,
groups and organizations to focus attention and promote collective
action on chronic disease prevention issues and to improve the health of
Ontarians.  The evidence-informed messages address the following chronic
disease risk factors:

 

*        High-Risk Alcohol Consumption 

*        Physical Inactivity 

*        Poor Mental Health  

*        Tobacco Use/Exposure  

*        Unhealthy Eating  

 

Documents which support the use of the evidence-informed messages are
now available on the OCDPA website.  The documents provide: context to
the project; background on the risk factor and chronic disease; overview
of evidence which supports the messages; and references.

 

Available: http://www.ocdpa.on.ca/rpt_evidence_messages.htm 

 

Review of Social Assistance Rate
<http://www.ocdpa.on.ca/ltr_SAA_Apr10.htm> 

The OCDPA commented on the review of Social Assistance Rates, part of
Ontario's Poverty Reduction Strategy, Breaking the Cycle, and advised
that: 

*	it is critical that the annual estimated cost of the nutritious
food basket be used to inform the social assistance rates;
*	the allowance for transportation, clothing and personal care
items should be adjusted for inflation annually; and
*	the shelter component maximum for Ontario Works (OW) clients be
set at 85 - 100 percent of the median market rent for each local housing
market, based on annual surveys conducted by the Canadian Mortgage and
Housing Corporation.

 

The Minister of Community and Social Services and the Minister of
Children and Youth Services have provided a response to OCDPA's asks.

 

Available http://www.ocdpa.on.ca/ltr_SAA_Apr10.htm 

 

Ideas for Organizations to Promote Positive Mental Health
<http://www.ocdpa.on.ca/rpt_promote_MH.htm> 

To help advance mental health promotion, the OCDPA Mental Health
Workgroup compiled ideas from OCDPA membership organizations on how
might an organization promote positive mental health. 

A summary is provided below to help you and your organization to promote
positive mental health: 

*         Conduct internal audit of practices related to promoting
mental health, create plans and identify objectives, integrate mental
health into organization's activities, policies and procedures and
messaging. 

*         Develop and support a mental health workplace committee that
can audit mental health needs/services available in organization. 

*         Reduce stigma by bringing mental health issues to forefront. 

*         Enhance mental health literacy1 within the organization and
its stakeholders. 

*         Education and awareness raising initiatives directed to
stakeholders (general public, health intermediaries, decision-makers,
etc). 

*         Create new tools/initiatives with a mental health component. 

*         Ensure the use of positive images and language in
communication materials. 

*         Fund ongoing research re: mental health and chronic disease. 

*         Increase participation in inter-sectoral
partnerships/initiatives and consult with other organizations to share
ideas on promoting positive mental health. 

*         Provide access to mental health services in the community. 

*         Advocate/influence policy making at various levels and across
sectors. 

 

Available: http://www.ocdpa.on.ca/rpt_promote_MH.htm 

 

Exploring the Evidence and Finding Solutions: A Forum on the Links
Between Early Environmental Exposures and Chronic Diseases
<http://www.ocdpa.on.ca/KE_EnviroExposure-Oct09.htm> 

On October 6th, 2009, the Canadian Partnership for Children's Health &
Environment (CPCHE) and the Ontario Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance
(OCDPA) held a Forum in Toronto entitled Exploring the Evidence and
Finding Solutions: A Forum on the Links Between Early Environmental
Exposures and Chronic Diseases.  The overall goal for the Forum was to
explore the links between early environmental exposures to toxic
chemicals and the development of chronic disease.

 

The forum summary and presentation slides are now available on the OCDPA
website.

 

Available: http://www.ocdpa.on.ca/KE_EnviroExposure-Oct09.htm 

 

 

Hoi Ki Ding, MSc

Manager

Ontario Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance

c/o Ontario Public Health Association

700 Lawrence Avenue West, Suite 310

Toronto, Ontario M6A 3B4

 

Tel: (416) 367-3313 ext 225

Fax: (416) 367-2844

www.ocdpa.on.ca <http://www.ocdpa.on.ca> 

 

 

 

 


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