What do you know about Public Health? Find out how to get access to York Region Public Health’s services. We’re here to help.
What is Public Health?
York Region Public Health prevents disease, protects and promotes health and aims to prolong life among the population as a whole. To do this, we monitor the number of times a disease occurs in the community and have programs designed to prevent and control its spread. Some of our programs also help and encourage people to lead safe and healthy lives.
What programs and services are offered by York Region Public Health?
Public Health programs and services range from prenatal programs, parenting programs and breastfeeding support, substance use prevention and sexual health, inspection of food establishments, immunization and dental care. Information on all our programs can be found at york.ca/health or by calling York Region Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653, TTY 1-866-252-9933. Programs are often free or offered at a low-cost.
Who Works for York Region Public Health?
Public Health staff are highly skilled professionals including nurses, health inspectors, health educators, epidemiologists, dental hygienists and family visitors.
Does York Region Public Health provide sexual health clinical services?
York Region’s six sexual health clinics offer a wide range of services including testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, HIV testing and they provide low-cost birth control. Clinic services are provided in a confidential and non-judgmental setting available by appointment and at no cost to York Region residents of all ages and sexual orientation. You don’t need a health card to access these services.
What is contact tracing and is it important that Public Health does it?
York Region Public Health conducts contact tracing – an effective disease prevention tool that works to identify and notify those who have been in contact with a person who has an infectious disease. These people are notified and encouraged to get tested and seek treatment if required. Contact tracing is confidential and makes sure the identity of the infected person is kept private. Examples of infections requiring contact tracing include: salmonella, chlamydia and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
How do York Region Public Health and ACYR work together?
York Region Public Health and ACYR collaborate to address the needs of people living with HIV /AIDS in York Region. Together, we help prevent infections by providing HIV testing, supplying condoms, providing clients with information and linking them to additional resources. We work hard with ACYR to provide testing opportunities and programs to people that may find it difficult to access sexual health services.
Written By Memory Maunde
Memory is a Public Health Nurse of the Public Health Branch, Community & Health Services Department