SSDHA.nshealth.ca/index.html

Population Health in Action

A population health approach recognizes that any review of the health of the

population needs to extend beyond an assessment of traditional health status

indicators like death, disease and disability. A population health approach

considers issues related to mental and social well-being, quality of life,

life satisfaction, income, employment and working conditions, education, and

other factors known to influence health (often called the 'determinants of

health'). A population health approach acts to improve the health status of

the population as a whole, or specific groups, by taking action to address

the determinants of health.

This deceptively simple story speaks to the complex set of factors or conditions that determine the level of health of every Nova Scotian.

Why is Jason in the hospital?

Because he has a bad infection in his leg.

But why does he have an infection?

Because he has a cut on his leg and it got infected.

But why does he have a cut on his leg?

Because he was playing in the junkyard next to his apartment building and there was some sharp jagged steel there that he fell on.

But why was he playing in a junkyard.

Because his neighborhood is kind of run down. A lot of kids play there and there is no one to supervise them.

But why does he live in that neighbourhood?

Because his parents can’t afford a nice place to live.

But why can’t his parents afford a nicer place to live?

Because his mom is depressed and can’t work.

But why is his mom depressed?

Because she has no family and friends to support her and she worries about money all the time.

But why does she worry about money all the time?

Because her husband is unemployed.

But why is her husband is unemployed?

Because he doesn’t have much education and can’t find a job.

But why…?

Learning Opportunities:

Within Annapolis Valley Health, South Shore Health and Southwest Health, people are available to share their experiences about Population Health Approaches. A train-the-trainer workshop, called 'Population Health 101 is one way that you can learn more about population health. This interactive, informative workshop can also be held in communities. The half to one-day program is a way to increase your knowledge about this important topic, and give you some tools to share information about population health with others. For more information contact Public Health at 543-0850 or phslqssr@ssdha.nshealth.ca

Population Health Conference - Together Towards Health for All

Conference Presentations

Addictions Service OMS Summary Report - PHC Handout

Population Health in Action

To learn more about Population Health click on these links.

Acrobat Reader is required to access these documents. To download Acrobat Reader click on the logo.

Population Health Committee

A committee of dedicated staff from South Shore, South West and the Annapolis Valley District Health Authorities has been working to support a population health approach in the Western area of Nova Scotia. The committee meets on a regular basis to explore ways to educate DHA employees and the public about population health and how its principles can make a positive change in the health of our communities.

Population Health Committee: Vision, Purpose and Objectives

Population Health Tools and Resources

Population Health in Action Workbook

A Population Health Approach: Definitions and Guiding Principles

Population Health Bookmark

A Population Health Implementation Approach for Health Authorities

A Physical Activity Capacity Building Tool - This tool was developed by the South Shore Active Communities Committee; the regional component of the Active Kids Healthy Kids, Nova Scotia’s Physical Activity Strategy for Children, Youth and Families. The purpose of this tool is to encourage community capacity building initiatives that are directed towards increasing physical activity and improving the health and well-being of our communities. It includes information and resources that are available nationally, provincially, regionally and within each county on the South Shore. This document is meant to be an ongoing “work in progress,” to allow for community feedback, revisions and additions as the climate of resources and information sharing progresses.

Success Stories

Questions to assist you in reflecting on the stories

Compiled Stories Document (24 pages with population health bookmark, reflective questions and stories)

Building Food Security in Nova Scotia

The Annapolis Valley Health Promoting School Project

Healthy Beginnings Enhanced Home Visiting Initiative

Women’s Programming in Addiction Services

Planning for a Pandemic

Reducing Injuries in Our Community

Developing a Tobacco Strategy

Influenza Strategy - AVH

Hypoglycemia Strategy