alPHa Board of Health Orientation Session

Association of Local Public Health Agencies

Andrew PapadopoulosJanuary 29, 2004

alPHa - Your Association

the Association that represents Boards of Health, Medical Officers of Health and Senior Management

traditionally, the collective voice of public health units in Ontario

alPHa’s Mission Statement

alPHa, through a strong and unified voice, advocates for public health policies, programs and services on behalf of member health units in Ontario

Operations of the Association

Board of Directors composed of 7 Board of Health members, 7 Medical Officers of Health and 7 Affiliate representatives

meets 5 times per yearcommittees include Advocacy

Committee and ad hoc Committees on key public health issues

Partner Organizations

AMO - representing Ontario’s Municipalities

OPHA - representing public health issues

OCCHA – accrediting Ontario’s Health Units

OHPA - representing Ontario’s health care system

alPHa’s Main Purpose

focus on policy and public health system issues

help health departments do their job

The Health Protection and Promotion Act

sets out the duties and responsibilities of a Board of Health In Ontario

ensure public health services are delivered within the Health Unit

must ensure the delivery of the Mandatory Health Programs and Services Guidelines

Mandatory Health Programsand Services Guidelines

outline the minimum level of public health services that must be delivered the programs listed are the floor, not the

ceilingit is expected Boards of Health would

enhance services based on local health needs

Mandatory Health Programsand Services Guidelines (continued)

divided into General and Program Standards

Program Standards are further divided into three groupsChronic Diseases and PreventionFamily Health Infectious Disease

Population Health,not Primary Care

locus of responsibility is local community, not individual

focus on determinants of healthconcentration not on services that

improve an individual’s health, but where it impacts on the community’s health

Board of Health’s Responsibilities

primary functions include oversight of:priority setting, planning and evaluation of

mandated programs and services fiscal accountability labour relations

be accountable to the communityhire the Medical Officer of Health

Medical Officer of Health’s Responsibilities

directs staff in the implementation of Board’s policies and procedures

reports to the Board on program issuesdirects the overall provisions of servicesaccountable to the Board for day-to-day

operations

Funding

budget set by the Board of Healthreceive payment from its municipalities

for the provision of public health servicesBoard must provide written estimate in

advance

Ministry of Healthand Long-Term Care

Public Health Division responsibility to aid Boards of Health link interprovincially and federally

Chief Medical Officer of Healthact anywhere in Ontario with the powers of

a Medical Officer of Healthensure provision of required public health

services

Problems in the System

lack of a clear public health systemfunding relationship can be complexpoor understanding of the Mandatory

Programsall issues are public health issues

The Most Important Public Service?

one issue affects everyone in the community

unique position of a Board of Healthservice provider but more importantly, public

advocateMedical Officer of Health responsible to

their community through the development and delivery of services