Building Surge Capacity: Lessons Learned from A Public Health Workforce Model

Presentation Type: Program in Action

• Presenters:

  • Dr. Megan Vincett, Toronto Public Health

  • Jocelyn Edwards, Toronto Public Health

• Description: An innovative workforce strategy was implemented twice in a public health unit to manage rapid workload increases and compressed timelines. It involved the rapid mobilization of employees and resources by coordinating across the organization to identify and train qualified employees to support programs in immediate need of additional staffing. Two evaluations were conducted to understand staff experiences with the strategy and identify successes, challenges, and improvement opportunities. Key themes across both evaluations included organizational agility, communication, employee selection, training, employee supports and impacts on other programs. Integrated findings have been used to improve coordinated organizational readiness for future surge support.

Trends in the Public Health Nursing Workforce in Ontario: A Decade of Demographic and Workforce Change (2013-2023)

Presentation Type: Research Presentation

• Presenter:

  • Japteg Singh, McGill University

• Non-Presenting Authors: Laura Anderson, PhD, McMaster University; Maureen Dobbins, PhD, McMaster University; Susan Jack, PhD, McMaster University; Sarah Neil-Sztramko, PhD, McMaster University; Dr. Cory Neudory, University of Saskatchewan; Emily Belita, PhD, McMaster University 

• Description: This session explores workforce trends among public health nurses (PHNs) in Ontario from 2013 to 2023, highlighting shifts in age, experience, and hiring patterns, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information and interrupted time series analysis, the study reveals a surge in younger, less experienced nurses and the impact of the pandemic on workforce dynamics. Attendees will explore the evolving demographics of PHNs and their implications for strategic planning and professional development to support a resilient and sustainable public health workforce.

The Ontario Public Health Information Database (OPHID) Study in Ontario, Canada

Presentation Type: Research Presentation

• Presenters:

  • Brendan Smith, PhD, Public Health Ontario

• Non-Presenting Authors: Naomi Schwartz, PhD, Public Health Ontario; Stephen Hunter, University of Alberta; Erin Hobin, Public Health Ontario; Laura N Anderson, McMaster University; Arjumand Siddiqi, Dalla Lana School of Public Health; Steven Rebellato, Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit; Roman Pabayo, University of Alberta

• Description: This presentation will discuss the need for data in Ontario on public health funding. This presentation will then discuss the methods of the Ontario Public Health Information Database (OPHID) study and the involvement of local public health in this research. Finally this study will go through some of the research produced using this database. 

Public Health System Resilience in Canada: Reflections from the COVID-19 Pandemic Response

Presentation Type: Research Presentation

• Presenters:

  • Yasmin Khan, MD, MPH, Public Health Ontario

  • Samantha Oostlander-Pereira, PhD, Public Health Ontario 

• Non-Presenting Authors: Brian Schwartz, PhD, University of Toronto; Madelyn Law, PhD, Niagara Health; Tracey O’Sullivan, PhD, University of Ottawa

• Description: This session will highlight findings from a Canadian Institutes of Health Research-funded study focused on advancing public health emergency preparedness in collaboration with five public health organizations within Canada. Specifically, public health practitioner experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic were explored through focus groups and interviews to better understand factors which contribute to public health system resilience. Themes generated through reflexive thematic analysis will be presented and related to relevant literature. Connections will be drawn between understanding public health system resilience and advancing emergency preparedness efforts.

Benefits of Co-created Indoor Air Quality and Extreme Heat Campaigns in Promoting Healthy, Equitable and Sustainable Environments in School and Child Care Settings - "Healthy Environments for Learning Day“

Presentation Type: Program in Action

• Presenters:

  • Flora Aldridge, Canadian Partnership for Children's Health and Environment

    Erica Phipps, PhD, Canadian Partnership for Children's Health and Environment

    Jacquelin Wilson, Canadian Environmental Law Association

    Helen Doyle, B.Sc, C.P.H.I.(C), Ontario Public Health Association

• Non-Presenting Author: Geri Blinick, Canadian Partnership for Children's Health and Environment

• Description: This presentation will: (1) share insights on indoor air quality and extreme heat campaigns to promote healthy, equitable and sustainable environments in schools and child care settings, co-created through inter-sectoral collaboration involving public health, environmental justice, education, early learning, environmental protection, academia, and child health advocates; and (2) demonstrate the value of these "Healthy Environments for Learning Day" campaigns as powerful tools to increase awareness and advance action on policy and practice, including public health practice, to improve children's environmental health in schools and child care settings.

Wastewater Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance: A One Health Approach

Presentation Type: Research Presentation

• Presenter:

  • Rhiannon Punch, Queen's University

• Non-Presenting Authors: Dr. Anna Majury, Queen’s University, Public Health Ontario; Dr. Paul D Hynds, Queen’s University, Technological University Dublin; Dr. Stephen Brown, Queen's University

• Description: An integrative One Health approach for the monitoring of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) using wastewater surveillance and clinical data will be discussed. By quantifying resistance genes in wastewater using molecular techniques and correlating results with public health data (i.e., infection rates, prescription data) and spatiotemporal mapping, this research can offer a comprehensive view of AMR's complex dynamics across humans, animals, and the environment. This collaborative effort aims to enhance the knowledge network surrounding AMR.

Feasibility of Establishing a Canadian Obstetric Survey System for Severe Maternal Morbidity: Results of a Nationwide Survey

Presentation Type: Research Presentation

• Presenter:

  • Paige Gehrke, RN MScN, McMaster University

• Non-Presenting Authors: Isabelle Malhame, MD MSc FRCPC, McGill University Medical Centre; Rebecca J Seymour, RN, PhD, McMaster University; Rizwana Ashraf, MD, McMaster University; Joseph Beyene, MSc PhD, McMaster University; Tegwende Seedu, BSc MHP, McMaster University; Rashid Ahmed, MSc, McMaster University; Susie Dzakpasu, MSc, PhD, Public Health Agency of Canada; Sara Thorne, MBBS MD FRCP DRCPSC, University of Toronto; Deshayne Fell, MSc PhD, University of Ottawa; Amy Metcalfe, PhD, University of Calgary; Kenneth K Chen, MD FRACP, Brown University; Stephen Lapinsky, MB.BCh, MSc, FRCPC University of Toronto; Leslie Skeith, MD M.Ed, University of Calgary; Beth Murray-Davis, RM MA PhD, McMaster University; Josie Chundamala, Patient Partner; Sarah A Hutchinson, Patient Partner; Thomas van den Akker, MD MSc MPhil PhD, Leiden University Medical Center; Maria B Ospina, MSc PhD, Queens University; Prakesh S Shah, University of Toronto; K.S Joseph, MD PhD, University of British Colombia; Heather Scott, MD FRCSC, Dalhousie University; Jon Barett, MBBch MD MRCOG FACOG FRCSC, McMaster University; Rohan D'Souza, MD PhD FRCOG, McMaster University; Marian Knight, MA, MBChB, MPH, DPhil, FFPH, FRCPE, University of Oxford

• Description: We aimed to assess the feasibility of gathering data on system-level factors that contribute to severe maternal morbidity (SMM) through a Canadian-Obstetric Survey System (CanOSS). We distributed a nationwide survey to all Canadian birthing unit leads. Descriptive statistics and content analysis guided analysis. Of 289 units, 167 (58%) participated. Most (n=118/147, 80%) respondents reported that their units had a SMM case review process. Lessons learned were rarely shared outside the hospital, and never beyond regional levels. However, 76% of respondents were willing to contribute anonymized data on SMM to a centralized system, demonstrating feasibility of leveraging infrastructure to establish CanOSS.

The Co-Benefits of the Built Environment within Public Health and Emergency Management

Presentation Type: Promising Practice

• Presenter:

  • Ben D Gallagher, City of Mississauga

• Description: The public health sector has worked extensively to advocate for healthy built and social environments. However, emergency management in North America places a strong emphasis on individual emergency preparedness, with little consideration for the influence that built environments can have on community resilience. This presentation will examine emerging evidence in the field of emergency management demonstrating the importance of built and social environments as it relates to community resilience. The session will assist public health professionals in identifying opportunities to engage with emergency management professionals to communicate the co-benefits of healthy built environments, and opportunities for collaboration across sectors.

A Provincial Immunization Registry for Ontario: Position Statement from the Ontario Immunization Advisory Committee

Presentation Type: Promising Practice

• Presenters:

  • Elizabeth Brown, Public Health Ontario

  • Catharine Chambers, Public Health Ontario

• Non-Presenting Authors: Sarah Wilson, Public Health Ontario; Janice Sarmiento, Public Health Ontario; Christine Navarro, Public Health Ontario; Sarah Buchan, Public Health Ontario; Tara Harris, Public Health Ontario; Gillian Lim, Public Health Ontario; Reed Morrison, Public Health Ontario; Jeffrey Pernica, McMaster University; Jessica Hopkins, Public Health Ontario on behalf of the Ontario Immunization Advisory Committee, Public Health Ontario

• Description: Immunization registries are essential for maximizing the benefits of Ontario's immunization programs. In this promising practices session, we will review three guiding principles and seven recommendations from the Ontario Immunization Advisory Committee for a comprehensive provincial immunization registry for Ontario. These recommendations serve as a call to action for the Ontario Ministry of Health to develop and implement a provincial immunization registry.

Waiting Your Turn, Breaking Barriers to Care: Enhancing Access in Public Health Dental Clinics

Presentation Type: Program in Action

• Presenters:

  • Akhtari Begum, Toronto Public Health

  • Stephanie Torcivia, Toronto Public Health

  • Natalie Kwan, Toronto Public Health

• Description: This presentation highlights how Toronto Public Health's dental clinics applied the Model for Improvement (MFI) and Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles to reduce waitlist backlogs and improve access to care. Through assigning a dedicated staff to conduct comprehensive waitlist audit, and optimization of regional clinic capacity, the project successfully decreased waitlist and wait-times by over 50%. Attendees will gain insights into using data-driven strategies, collaboration, and continuous quality improvement to streamline operations, improve patient outcomes, and efficiently allocate resources in public health settings.

Improving Access to Public Health Services Using an Equity-Based Mobile Clinic Model: Evaluating the Neighbourhood Nursing Team Pilot Program

Presentation Type: Program in Action

• Presenters:

  • Amber White, RN, Manager, Clinical Services & Outreach, Region of Waterloo Public Health

  • Alana Bowering, CPHI(C), Med, Health Promotion & Research Analyst, Region of Waterloo Public Health

• Non-Presenting Authors: Riki Hillier, RN, Region of Waterloo Public Health; Kristen Jones, RN, Region of Waterloo Public Health; Tammany Kinnear, RN, Region of Waterloo Public Health; Martiza Yawching-Robertson, Lead, REDI Partnerships, Region of Waterloo Public Health

• Description: Neighbourhood Nursing Team (NNT) pilot program explores the impact of a micro-mobile approach, on social determinants of health within Waterloo Region. By partnering with 29 equity deserving groups and local neighbourhood associations, this multi-disciplinary team integrated flexible approaches and cultural humility, to address access gaps. Providing a broad spectrum of services, including clinical services, and health education, NNT reached over 14,900 clients and served more high-risk individuals than fixed clinics, leading to its establishment as a permanent Public Health program. Key insights on this equity based micro-mobile model, impact on Public Health practice, engagement strategies, and recommendations will be shared.

Scaling up the collection and use of sociodemographic data to address systemic barriers for improved quality of care and population health

Presentation Type: Promising Practice

• Presenters:

  • Aideen Reynolds, Ottawa Public Health

  • Geneviève Mosher, Ottawa Public Health

• Non-Presenting Authors: Laurie Dojeiji, Ottawa Public Health; Louise Gilbert, Ottawa Public Health; Cat Miller, Ottawa Public Health; Katherine Russell, Ottawa Public Health

• Description: Collecting and using sociodemographic data (SDD) is increasingly recognized in the health system as an important tool to identify disparities and to drive evidence-based population health decision-making. Building on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is scaling SDD collection to other client-facing clinical services such as the Healthy Babies Healthy Children (HBHC) program. OPH will profile their work with community partners and clients to: understand the underlying factors that are contributing to HBHC SDD findings; use SDD to improve quality of care for individuals; and address systemic barriers for new and expecting parents in Ottawa.

Addressing Unhealthy Housing Conditions through Inter-sectoral Collaboration and Health Equity Approaches: Insights from a Public Health Survey

Presentation Type: Program in Action

• Presenters:

  • Geri Blinick, Canadian Partnership for Children's Health and Environment

  • Helen Doyle, B.Sc., C.P.H.I.(C), Ontario Public Health Association

  • Erica Phipps, PhD, Canadian Partnership for Children's Health and Environment

  • Dianne Oickle, National Collaborating Centre for Determinants of Health

• Description: Insights from a 2023/24 RentSafe/OPHA survey of public health practices on healthy housing in Ontario, case examples highlighting promising practices, and evidence establishing housing as a public health and health equity issue, can inform and mobilize the public health community to promote healthy housing by working with other relevant sectors, including tenants, housing providers, municipal by-law and property standards, legal aid and social services.  This presentation will engage participants in a discussion on public health roles, opportunities, actions and promising practices to address inadequate and unhealthy housing conditions as a social determinant of health and key driver of health inequity.

Monitoring results from the Syphilis Point-of-Care Rapid Testing and Immediate Treatment Evaluation

Presentation Type: Program in Action

• Presenter:

  • Lucy Mackrell, PhD Student, Queen's University, KFL&A Public Health

• Non-Presenting Authors: Maggie Hoover, RN, Queen's University; Sahar Saeed, PhD, Queen's University; Bradley Stoner, Director, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Nicole Szumlanski, Manager, KFL&A Public Health; Kandace Belanger, Manager, Thunder Bay District Health Unit; Stephanie Vance, PHN, Hastings Prince Edward Public Health; Natasha Larkin, Nurse Practitioner, Street Health Centre; Gabrielle Deschenes, Nurse Practitioner, Leeds Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit; Brooke Rasinho  , Senior PHN, Thunder Bay District Health Unit; Kira Mandryk, Manager, Ottawa Public Health; Patrick O'Byrne, PhD, University of Ottawa; Vanessa Tran, PhD, Clinical Scientist, Public Health Ontario; Melissa Greenblatt, Clinical Scientist, Sick Kids Hospital; Dr. Jorge Martinez-Cajas, Kingston Health Sciences Centre; Jennifer Burbidge, Nurse Consultant, Public Health Ontario; Jessica Burnside, MSc., Queen's University, Mary Southall, Clinical Nursing Facilitator, MPH, KFL&A Public Health; Megan A Cater, PhD, Research Associate, KFL&A Public Health

• Description: Ontario faces a rise in infectious syphilis, particularly among street-involved populations. This presentation discusses evaluation results of a point-of-care testing (POCT) outreach model implemented across five PHUs, focusing on reach and effectiveness indictors. From June 2023 to August 2024, 567 POCTs were conducted, identifying 26 true positives, including 12 new or reinfections treated on-site. Sensitivity was 70.3%, specificity 99.3%, with strong predictive values. Most participants faced significant barriers such as housing instability or lack of service connections. The evaluation suggests that equity-focused outreach with POCT and immediate treatment can enhance access to care and syphilis prevention and control in Ontario.

Testing for extragenital Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis: At-home pharyngeal and rectal self-swabs are non-inferior to those completed in healthcare settings

Presentation Type: Research Presentation

• Presenter:

  • Lauren Orser, RN, MScN, PhD(c), Ottawa Public Health/University of Ottawa

• Description: This session presents on innovative research in sexually transmitted infections. From September 2022 to July 2023, we engaged in research to validate the use of at-home self-collected extragenital swabs for gonorrhea and chlamydia testing,  non-inferiority compared to in-clinic/clinician collected specimens. Results from this validation study were used to advance STI testing in Ontario following inclusion of at-home patient/self-collected rectal and pharyngeal swabs as an acceptable testing method by PHO.

FAST-HIV: 3-Year Sustainability of Novel Implementation of Emergency Department-Offered STAT HIV Testing and Linkage to Care

Presentation Type: Research Presentation

• Presenters:

  • Kristi Papamihali, MD Candidate, University of Alberta

  • Monika Schmidt, PhD, The Centre for Global Equity in Emergency Medicine, University Health Network

• Non-Presenting Authors: Alexandra McKnight, MSc, Public Health Ontario; Elayna Fremes, MPH, The Centre for Global Equity in Emergency Medicine, University Health Network; Isaac Bogoch, MSc, MD, University Health Network; Jennifer Hulme, MPH, MD, The Centre for Global Equity in Emergency Medicine, University Health Network; Davor Brinc, PhD, University Health Network; Megan Landes, MSc, MD, University of Toronto, The Centre for Global Equity in Emergency Medicine, University Health Network

• Description: We will present findings from the FAST-HIV program, which implemented STAT HIV testing in two Toronto emergency departments. Key points: Increased testing rates and decreased turnaround times. High HIV prevalence among tested patients (2.19-3.23%). Significant improvement in linkage to preventative care for HIV-negative high-risk individuals. High attendance rates (50-90%) for follow-up at immunodeficiency clinics. Reduced turnaround time for in-house versus centralized testing. Expansion to 11 Ontario EDs and multicentre chart review. The sustainability and effectiveness of FAST-HIV in improving access to HIV testing and prevention services for marginalized and high-risk populations, will be discussed.

The COVID-19 pandemic's impact on sexually transmitted infections and the modifying role of public health funding: an interrupted time series study

Presentation Type: Research Presentation

• Presenter:

  • Naomi Schwartz, PhD, Public Health Ontario

• Non-Presenting Authors: Brendan Smith, PhD, Public Health Ontario; Stephen Hunter, PhD, University of Alberta; Samantha Forbes, Public Health Ontario; Dionne Gesink, Dalla Lana School of Public Health; Erin Hobin, Public Health Ontario; Laura N Anderson, McMaster University; Steven Rebellato, Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit; Roman Pabayo, University of Alberta

• Description: This session will discuss the background of trends in STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis in Ontario and international evidence for trends in STIs before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. It will then go through the methods of an interrupted time series study. Finally results of this analysis will be discussed along with implications for public health actions during a public health emergency.

Cutaneous Toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae in a Donkey and Public Health Implications to Human Health: Challenges to One Health in Ontario

• Presenters:

  • Dr. Chidubem Ekpereamaka Okechukwu, Northern Ontario School of Medicine University

  • Dr. Colin Lee, Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit

• Non-Presenting Authors: Heather McClinchey Office of Chief Medical Officer of Health, Public Health, Ministry of Health; Heidi Pitfield, Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit; Julianne Kus, PhD, Ontario Agency for Health Protection & Promotion; Durda Slavic, PhD, Animal Health Laboratory; Ramien Sereshk, Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit; Kelly Magnusson, Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit

• Description: This poster presents a case of zoonotic cutaneous diphtheria caused by toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae in a donkey in Ontario, Canada. The study outlines the investigation and management of the case, including the veterinary diagnosis, confirmation of the diphtheria toxin gene, and subsequent public health response. The session will highlight the One Health approach, emphasizing the coordination between animal health and public health agencies. Key findings include the identification of human contacts, administration of post-exposure prophylaxis, and the challenges faced in reporting and managing the outbreak. This case underscores the need for enhanced surveillance and clear reporting guidelines for zoonotic diseases.

Understanding Toronto's post-pandemic HIV increase: identifying data gaps to advance analysis 

• Presenters:

  • Shilpa Raju, Toronto Public Health

  • Dr. Rita Shahin, Toronto Public Health

• Description: Since the decline in COVID-19 pandemic activities, Toronto Public Health (TPH) has noted an increase in reported HIV cases. We sought to better understand the increase by reviewing acquisition location and diagnosis timing for our cases, while also assessing if and how we might enable more frequent analysis. Our in-depth review provided useful insights about individuals testing positive for HIV in Toronto. In addition, we identified knowledge gaps and related opportunities for improvement. This work enhances our ability to monitor and understand our local picture and contribute to larger discussions about HIV in Toronto.

Identifying radon priorities for Ontario: Consultations with local public health

• Presenter:

  • Sabrina Imam, MSc., Public Health Ontario

• Non-Presenting Authors: Garthika Navaranjan, PhD, Public Health Ontario; Dr. JinHee Kim, Public Health Ontario; Elaina MacIntyre, PhD, Public Health Ontario

• Description: Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and the second-leading cause of lung cancer for smokers in Ontario. Consultations with 30 public health units (PHUs) across Ontario were conducted between June and September 2024 to develop priorities for a new radon initiative at Public Health Ontario (PHO). Priorities included standardized provincial educational resources, local radon data across Ontario, maps and interactive data visualization tools. The consultations successfully identified radon priorities which will be used to inform PHO's new radon initiative.

The Durham Youth Health Group: A Youth-led Strategy to Identify Youth Health Priorities and Elevate the Youth Voice

• Presenters:

  • Kerrianne Thompson, Public Health Nurse and Youth Engagement Coordinator, Durham Region Health Department

  • Emilie Ladouceur, Public Health Nurse and Youth Engagement Coordinator, Durham Region Health Department

• Description: Following the Covid-19 pandemic, Durham Region Health Department restored their youth engagement strategy in 2024. The purpose of the Durham Youth Health Group is to engage local youth aged 12-18 to work towards positive health outcomes, for themselves and their fellow peers. The youth engagement strategy yielded 307 applications of interest for the Durham Youth Health Group. This project successfully demonstrates a collaborative youth engagement approach between youth and their local public health unit. The group is youth led, and offers a foundation for youth to have a voice in their community, inform programs and services, and gain skills.

Exploring SNOMED CT as a Standard Terminology in the Public Health Context

• Presenters:

  • Melissa Menecola, Public Health Ontario

  • Kayla Burt, Public Health Ontario

  • Navjot Bhullar, Public Health Ontario

• Non-Presenting Authors: Rabia Sajwani, Public Health Ontario

• Description: Learn about how leveraging SNOMED CT, a global standard for health data, can be applied to advance interoperability in public health practice. In modernizing Ontario's health data ecosystem, data standards are crucial for ensuring consistency and accuracy, which are vital for effective surveillance, reporting, and decision-making in public health. This presentation details the project's comprehensive methodology, including systematic field mapping, expert consultations, and the use of visual tools to enhance collaboration. This presentation will provide valuable insights for public health professionals interested in the applicability of international data standards to support adaptable public health systems.

Engage and Elevate: Tools that Connect

Presenter:

• Alison Carvalho, Kingston Health Sciences Centre

• Non-Presenting Authors: Emily Moslinger, Kingston Health Science Centre; Lana    King, Kingston Health Sciences Centre; Aneka Nithianandan, Kingston Health Sciences Centre; Natasha Salt, Kingston Health Sciences Centre; Dana Finnegan-Yee, Kingston Health Sciences Centre; Lisa Hope, Kingston Health Sciences Centre

• Description: As we move beyond the pandemic, the South East Infection and Prevention and Control (IPAC) Hub & Spoke (SE IPAC Hub) team continues to support IPAC Leads within congregate living settings across three public health regions. On-site supports are supplemented with virtual options which provide a better opportunity to educate, collaborate and mentor through the use of engagement tools. Through their use, we aim to foster trust, create strong partnerships and grow the IPAC Community within our supported regions to strengthen public health.

Updating the Evidence: A Review on the Measurement and Reporting of Determinants of Health

Presenters:

• Amy Faulkner, Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit

• Dr. Mehdi Aloosh, Windsor-Essex County Health Unit

• Non-Presenting Author: Beata Pach, Public Health Ontario

• Description: We undertook a scoping review to investigate the evidence on the relative contribution of determinants of health (DOH) to population health. This work can inform public health practices and policies. 6,142 unique citations were retrieved from five databases. Identified documents were double-blind screened by independent researchers. Full-text screening and grey literature searching are ongoing. Results of this scoping review can inform further studies on how to build estimates of the relative contribution of DoH for the Canadian population. There is a need to validate and routinely update evidence to inform policy and practice.

COVID-19 Immunization Among Individuals with Opioid Use Disorder in Ontario, Canada: A Population-Based Cohort Study

Presenter:

• Melina Hanna, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto 

• Description: This session will present findings from a population-based study on COVID-19 vaccination rates among individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) in Ontario. Results reveal significantly lower vaccination uptake in this population compared to the general public, highlighting critical gaps in accessibility. Attendees will gain insights into the systemic and social barriers faced by marginalized groups in achieving equitable healthcare access. The session will also discuss potential interventions, such as integrating vaccination efforts within addiction treatment programs, to address these disparities and improve public health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Development of a New Provincial Interactive Report for Substance Use and Harms

Presenter:

• Jeremy Herring, Public Health Ontario

• Non-Presenting Author: Lori McKinnon, Public Health Ontario

• Description: As part of Public Health Ontario's efforts to streamline the delivery of data and information, we have developed the new Substance Use and Harms Tool. This new tool integrates existing substance use and harms data already reported on PHO's website and provides users with a single source where all related data is integrated, allowing for easy comparisons across indicators. Data will be updated quarterly and will expand to include additional substances related harms, harm reduction, and substance use indicators in the future.

Waste Not, Want Not: Evaluating Wastewater Surveillance in York Region

Presenters:

• Vixey Fang, York Region Public Health

• Carina Bee, York Region Public Health

• Non-Presenting Authors: Mark Payne, York Region Public Works; Asim Qasim, York Region Public Works; Scott Cholewa, York Region Public Health; Linke Yu, York Region Public Health

• Description: The wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) program at York Region Public Health (YRPH) was initially developed for COVID-19 and further used as a sustainable surveillance tool for respiratory diseases like influenza and RSV. Through mixed-method evaluation, including correlation analyses and staff surveys, the study assessed WBE's validity, early warning value, and operational impact. Results highlighted the WBE program's acceptability, usefulness, and potential for expansion to new disease targets. YRPH aims to strengthen early warning systems, emergency preparedness, and public health collaborations to ensure innovative and timely approaches to infectious disease surveillance.

History of childhood maltreatment, prenatal cortisol levels, and executive functioning: a cross-sectional study using data from the Healthy Foundations Study 

Presenter:

• Eileen Wang, Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

• Non-Presenting Authors: Vanessa De Rubeis, PhD, Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Divya Joshi, PhD, Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Nicole Catherine, PhD, Children's Health Policy Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Harriet MacMillan, MD, Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada,  Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Health; Krysta Andrews, PhD, Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Andrea Gonzalez, PhD, Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

• Description: The primary objective of this study was to characterize the associations between history of childhood maltreatment and 1) prenatal hair cortisol and 2) executive functioning among young, pregnant individuals enrolled in the Healthy Foundations Study. A greater understanding of stress dysregulation and executive functioning challenges are relevant in the context of preventive interventions as they may impede treatment effectiveness and provide additional modifiable targets for treatment within, or complementary to the NFP program.

Leveraging Local Evidence to Develop a Perinatal Depression Screening Policy Within a Northern and Rural Public Health Context

Presenters:

• Erika J Moreno, Timiskaming Health Unit

• Non-Presenting Authors: Celine Butler, Timiskaming Health Unit; Stephanie Commisso, Thunder Bay District Health Unit; Erin Cowan, Timiskaming Health Unit

• Description: The link between perinatal (pregnancy and up to a year postpartum) depression and the detrimental far-reaching implications for the mother and infant is well established in the literature. However, perinatal depression screening practices are inconsistent across Canada. This study highlighted the value of leveraging local evidence to bridge gaps in the perinatal depression screening literature to advance policy development.

Bridging Research and Practice: Ten Evidence-Informed Practices to Enhance Emergency Preparedness Exercises for Public Health Agencies 

Presenter:

• Andrea Chaplin, PhD, Public Health Ontario

• Non-Presenting Authors: Sarah Muir, Public Health Ontario; Heather Hanson, Public Health Ontario, Dr. Yasmin Khan, Public Health Ontario

• Description: This poster presentation focuses on evidence-informed practices for designing, delivery and evaluating emergency preparedness exercises in public health. Emergency preparedness exercises simulate complex emergencies to enhance training, improve plans and test response capacities. This process can help strengthen preparedness and resilience at all levels of the health system. Drawing on findings from a rapid review of literature, we highlight ten key strategies to optimize exercises - focusing on scenario development, participant selection, facilitator training, evaluation, and improvement pathways. This poster presentation will provide practical guidance for public health agencies to support the design and delivery of emergency preparedness exercises.

The Impact of Family Interactions on Child and Adolescent Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic and in the Recovery Period 

Presenter:

• Olivia Carere, BHSc, SickKids Research Institute

• Non-Presenting Authors: Kimberley Tsujimoto, PhD, SickKids Research Institute; Dr. Evdokia Anagnostou, Holland Bloorview Research Institute; Dr. Catherine S. Birken, Division of Pediatric Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children; Dr. Alice Charach, Department of Psychiatry, Hospital for Sick Children; Katherine Tombeau Cost, PhD, Department of Psychiatry, Hospital for Sick Children; Elizabeth Kelley, PhD, Departments of Psychology and Psychiatry, Queens University; Dr. Suneeta Monga, Department of Psychiatry, Hospital for Sick Children; Dr. Rob Nicolson, Department of Psychiatry, University of Western Ontario; Dr. Elisabetta Trinai, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University; Dr. Julia Frei, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University; Jennifer Crosbie, PhD, C. Psych. Department of Psychiatry, Hospital for Sick Children; Dr. Daphne J. Korczak, Department of Psychiatry, Hospital for Sick Children

• Description: This session explores the contributions of family functioning to child and youth mental health during times of emergency, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and into later periods of recovery. Drawing on longitudinal data from diverse community and clinical settings, it highlights key family relational factors that influence internalizing and externalizing symptoms among child and youth. Attendees will gain practical insights to guide targeted and scalable public health strategies, designed to foster child and youth mental health resilience and effectively support families and communities during future periods of societal stress and instability.

Evaluating the Reach of the Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox, and Addington Public Health Unit's Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Clinic

Presenter:

• Carmela Rapino, KFL&A Public Health and Queen's University

• Non-Presenting Authors: Dr. Emma Nagy, KFL&A Public Health; Dr. Sahar Saeed, Queen's University, Department of Public Health Sciences; Miriam Kamotho, KFL&A Public Health; Nicole Szumlanski, KFL&A Public Health

• Description: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a revolutionary tool for preventing Human Immunodeficiency Virus however, evidence on PrEP utilization in less urbanized regions of Canada remains limited. Our study is the first to describe a PrEP cohort outside a metropolitan area as we evaluated the reach of the Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox, and Addington Public Health Unit PrEP Clinic. We descriptively summarized PrEP clients based on sociodemographic characteristics, risk levels, sexually transmitted and blood borne infection history, discontinuation rates, and reasons for discontinuation. Through active consultation with a multidisciplinary team, we have developed evidence-informed recommendations to improve practices and optimize HIV prevention.