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Media Release, 3 February 2006
Ontario's new Minister of Health Promotion to open first-ever conference on 'moving upstream' to prevent health and social problems before they happen

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Toronto, ON. (Feb 3, 2006) On February 21 and 22, 200 people working in the health and social sectors in Ontario will come together to identify how to achieve real social change and healthier individuals and communities, across the province.

The recent rash of gun violence in Toronto has many calling for investments in prevention - programs for children and youth and supports for parents to create healthier communities. While the challenges are great, solutions lie in breaking down traditional barriers between the health, social, business and government sectors.

No one group can go it alone. The answer to society's problems lies in people working together, including the police, social services, politicians, health care workers and community groups.

The price tag for health and social problems is staggering. Chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer cost the Canadian system $80 billion per year. Low-income people suffer chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes disproportionately. And, despite a decade and a half old federal government pronouncement to eradicate child poverty, it persists for 1.2 million children.

Professionals and volunteers from across the spectrum of health and social services will strategize at a two-day conference called Moving Upstream Together: Partnering for Ontario's Future Health Well-Being (www.opc.on.ca). The Ontario Prevention Clearinghouse, celebrating 20 years as Ontario's leading bilingual health promotion organization, is the host.

"We need 'upstream-thinking' from our leaders at City Hall, Queen's Park and Ottawa. This will be a working conference focused on prevention, solutions, bridge building, and collaboration", says Connie Clement, Executive Director of the Ontario Prevention Clearinghouse.

"We all want healthier and safer communities, access to health care when we are sick, and the programs and supports to prevent health and social problems before they happen", says Charles Pascal, Executive Director of the Atkinson Charitable Foundation, who is speaking about the Canadian Index of Well-Being as the opening keynote speaker for the conference, "Prevention-oriented policies and practices will help us tackle the most serious health and social problems of our time. In this regard, measuring and reporting on the things that count, is key."

For more information contact: Krissa Fay, Ontario Prevention Clearinghouse at 416-408-2249 ext. 275 or by email at k.fay@opc.on.ca.