Toronto Public Health (TPH) reduces health inequities and improves the health of the whole population
Foundational Principles
The following foundational principles provide a framework within which the priority directions and actions for 2015-2019 are developed and implemented. These principles reflect underlying values that guide our shared aspirations in working to achieve a healthy city for all.
Accountability and transparency
TPH provides service to meet the public health needs of the city, community and families we serve.
TPH is accountable to the Board of Health, Toronto City Council, the Government of Ontario, and to the people of Toronto.
TPH makes wise use of human and financial resources; delivers effective services in compliance with the Ontario Public Health Standards; and publicly reports our actions and results.
Community engagement
TPH is committed to civic engagement, collaborating with community stakeholders, partners and the public to assess health needs, support strong communities, and provide responsive services and policy that protect and promote health.
Inclusion
TPH embraces diversity, in all its dimensions, as an asset and promotes respect for all.
TPH strives for equity and inclusion in our work environment and in the provision of services to the communities we serve.
Health equity
TPH is a leader in reducing health inequities by working to address unfair and avoidable differences in health outcomes between groups.
TPH collaborates to identify and respond to health needs of vulnerable populations by providing accessible services and advocating for policies that address the social determinants of health.
Excellence
TPH is committed to excellence through the use of evidence in service and policy decisions, continuous measurement and improvement of performance, fostering a culture of innovation, and supporting staff learning.
Actions:
Involve communities and partners in the identification of health needs and development of services
Incorporate evidence about health inequities, including sociodemographic data collected in all programs, in the design and delivery of services
Ensure all public health services are accessible
Identify key public health interventions to address the needs of seniors
Integrate mental health promotion into TPH services
Implement an Aboriginal Health Strategy based on collaborative, community-led assessment of needs of the urban Aboriginal population
Monitor and report on progress toward health equity
Strengthen health equity competency of all staff
Actions:
Monitor and report to the Board of Health on emerging health issues and recommended policies that protect and promote health
Collaborate with city divisions and community stakeholders to advance municipal policy for healthy social, built and natural environments
Promote policy change to make Toronto a healthy city to raise a child
Promote healthy food system change including: food access, food retail environments and food literacy
Promote actions that increase resilience to climate change impacts on health
Influence health system transformation to enhance public health
Actions:
Monitor and identify emerging public health threats, including health hazards, emerging infectious diseases, and extreme weather
Enhance population readiness through education and immunization
Ensure all public health response plans address the needs of vulnerable populations
Strengthen collaboration with city, provincial and federal emergency responders
Actions:
Improve service through evidence, innovative practice and technology
Build the evidence base for public health practice through research
Exchange knowledge with other public health organizations, academic institutions, government, city divisions, community agencies and the private sector
Enhance capacity to measure and improve service quality
Increase public understanding of the vital role played by TPH in achieving a healthy city for all
Actions:
Implement a workforce strategy to recruit and retain highly skilled staff, at all levels of the organization, that reflect the diversity of the city we serve
Promote an environment of inclusion, collaboration and mutual respect where the diversity of staff, students and clients is welcomed
Enhance the use of technology to support staff learning and internal communication
Acknowledge staff and their contributions to excellence in all aspects of public health
