The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care publishes minimum requirements for fundamental public health programs and services, including population health assessment and surveillance. These requirements are set out in the Ontario Public Health Standards (OPHS) and Protocols and are pursuant to Section 7 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.7.

Monitoring the health of York Region residents is completed by staff on the York Region Community and Health Services, Surveillance Unit (YRSU). Analysis of surveillance data allows public health staff to monitor trends over time, emerging trends and priority populations. This information helps to influence the development of public health policy, programs and services.

Below is a list of topic areas that are monitored by the Surveillance Unit.

Chronic Disease Indicators

• Healthy eating, healthy weights, tobacco control, physical activity, alcohol use, work stress and exposure to ultraviolet radiation (tanning beds/sun).

Injuries and Incidents

• Falls and incidents
• Road and off-road safety

Reproductive and Child Health

• Preconception health
• Healthy pregnancies
• Breastfeeding practices
• Reproductive outcomes
• Access to food and food security
• Healthy family dynamics (e.g. family violence)
• Dental and oral health

Infectious Disease Prevention and Control

• early detection of outbreaks or novel infections
• Infectious disease incidence, trends and risk behaviours

Reports outlining the health status, health behaviours and preventative health practices of York Region residences within the above stated topic areas can be found in the Reports section of the website.

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