Health Equity
Fairness for Everyone
Every person should have an equal opportunity to achieve their optimal health regardless of social, economic and environmental conditions
This is known as health equity. Equity means we work towards making sure people get the supports, services and resources that are best for them. This is different than equality which is providing the same thing for everyone.
Where you live, work, play, learn and grow affects your health
Only about 25 per cent of the reason why you're sick is because of your access to quality health care. Around 75 per cent of your health is due to other factors in your life, including your gender, race, employment conditions, the quality of the air you breathe, or how much green space there is in your neighbourhood.
The differences in these factors lead to different health outcomes in groups of people. These patterns relate to the systems of power and the ways institutions and processes are organized. These systems and processes are made by people, and can be changed.
It's important for us to make changes and remove barriers so that everyone has the opportunity to be as healthy as possible.
Contact
Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- 905-688-8248 ext. 7336
- Toll-free: 1-888-505-6074
- Email Health Equity
Health Equity Strategic Plan
This is the first report for the Health Equity Strategic Plan. It includes a summary of the background research, details of the goals, objectives and activities of the plan, along with a timeline.
Population and Demographics
Find out how Niagara would look if it was a village of 100 people.
Indigenous Engagement
Creating Our Way Forward: Recommendations for Improving Niagara Region Public Health and Emergency Services' Indigenous Engagement 2019 was written by Kelly Fran Davis in collaboration with local Indigenous organizations.
The report looks at gaps in current programs and services, explores how to improve collaboration between local Indigenous organizations and local health organizations, and provides actionable recommendations on how to implement the calls to action of Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
- Indigenous history in Niagara
The Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe are the local Indigenous Peoples of Niagara region. The oldest known treaty between Europeans and the local Indigenous peoples included the land we now call Niagara.
In 1613, the Dutch and the Haudenosaunee created an agreement known as the Two Row Wampum, with two purple rows surrounded by three white rows. One purple row represents the ship of the Dutch. The other purple row is the Haudenosaunee canoe. Each row is travelling down the river of life side by side, neither attempting to steer the other's vessel. The three white rows represent three principles to solidify the treaty: friendship and peace between the two people in an agreement that will last forever.
-
Local Indigenous organization websites
Learn about the different Indigenous organizations in Niagara and check out the programs and services they offer. You can also sign up for their newsletters and attend local events.
- Niagara Regional Native Centre
- Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre
- Niagara Chapter Native Women
- Niagara Region Metis Council
- Indigenous Diabetes Health Circle
- De Dwa Da Dehs Nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre based in Hamilton, but is increasing its outreach services in Niagara
- Indigenous Health Network is part of the HNHB LHIN working with health and social service providers to address the health needs and issues of local Indigenous communities
-
Indigenous history docuseries
The Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre produced a docuseries highlighting Indigenous history in Niagara. Together, they're less than an hour long
- Part 1 focuses on how life was prior to contact with settlers and the Indigenous contributions to the War of 1812
- Part 2 looks at the tragedies of the residential school system, the 60s Scoop, and the Millennial Scoop, and their impacts on Indigenous peoples and communities in the present
- Part 3 discusses racism in Canada today and how the community is healing with all the trauma they have experienced
© Niagara Region - 1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold, ON, L2V 4T7 - Phone: 905-980-6000, Toll-free: 1-800-263-7215
