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Tag: key issue

  • AFHTO reflects on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

    AFHTO reflects on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

    The words are National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on an orange background with feathers to their right. Below it says Before reconcilation must come truth

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Every year, on September 30, we mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and Orange Shirt Day to honour and commemorate survivors and ancestors who were and continue to be impacted by the tragic and painful history of residential schools. The last residential school closed in 1996 and the effects of the system and colonization are still deeply felt in communities today.

    The Orange Shirt represents the stripping away of the freedoms, cultures, and practices experienced by Indigenous children and families and the opportunity to support and honor their healing journey. We keep the reconciliation process alive by commemorating this day.

    AFHTO continues to observe this day of learning, listening, and remembering. Before reconciliation must come truth. We encourage our members to seek understanding about the experiences of Indigenous peoples and recognize that historical and ongoing systemic wrongs have impacts that affects us all.

    Opportunities to learn, support, and show commitment to reconciliation, inclusion, and anti-racism:

    If you have not yet already, enrol in the IPHCC Foundations of Indigenous Cultural Safety (ICS) e-learning modules to learn the importance of adopting culturally safe and appropriate practices when serving Indigenous clients and patients.

    AFHTO acknowledges that we are on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. We also acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit, and the Williams Treaties signed with multiple Mississaugas and Chippewa bands.

  • The Primary Care Collaborative

    The Primary Care Collaborative

    Primary Care Collaborative logos

     

    COVID-19 shows the vital roles primary care providers play every day for community health and wellbeing and health system cooperation in Ontario

     

    Toronto, March 29, 2021 – During COVID-19, we see again and again across Ontario that communities – from people living in large urban centres to smaller cities to towns and rural areas – depend on their local family physicians, family health teams, community health centres, Indigenous primary health care teams, nurse practitioner-led clinics, and other primary care providers in a public health crisis. These providers and organizations are, quite literally, lifelines for the people they serve. The trusted relationships people have with their family doctors, nurse practitioners, healers, mental health professionals and other primary care providers are at the core of local COVID-19 responses, from testing and other direct COVID-19 care, to supports for food security and chronic disease management, to providing credible and culturally safe vaccination information, to knowing how to care for themselves and their loved ones. When the challenges have never been bigger, and the isolation unlike at any other time in our lives, your community providers are there.

    Today, we are announcing we’ve formed the Primary Care Collaborative (PCC), an alliance of comprehensive primary care organizations joined together by common purpose to build on the collaborative work of COVID-19 as we move towards recovery in a time of health system transformation.

    Together, our organizations represent more than 20,000 primary care providers and team members. As Ontario’s primary care providers continue to support their communities through trusted local relationships, partnerships with social services and other providers, and by working with decision makers, we’re committed to ensuring that health system policies and funding acknowledge primary care’s vital role and place in community health and wellbeing. Speaking with one voice, we will advance shared priorities in primary care such as expanded access to teams and better links to home care and mental health supports. The PCC knows that for health care integration and transformation to work for people – for those using the health system and those looking for services to stay well – primary care needs to be the foundation of Ontario’s health system. Robust and well-supported primary care is the heart of all world-class health systems, and people living in Ontario should expect no less. During COVID-19, this is a given. In recovery, when many echo effects of the pandemic will be felt for years to come, it will be of utmost importance.

    QUOTES FROM MEMBERS OF THE PRIMARY CARE COLLABORATIVE

    “The Indigenous Primary Health Care Council appreciates the importance of this collaborative opportunity to strengthen and unify the voice of primary care practitioners across the province. Primary care is the foundation for a high quality, sustainable and integrated system; evidence shows that jurisdictions with high performing primary care place it at the centre of health care delivery. The IPHCC is especially thankful to our partners in the PCC for recognizing that our community-driven Indigenous-governed interprofessional primary care models include Traditional healers and Cultural Service Providers. This is an integral part of promoting a wholistic approach to health and wellbeing for Indigenous people. Great things can happen when the right people come together, and I look forward to advancing our vision for a robust health care system that addresses not just the physical wellbeing of an individual but to the social, emotional, cultural and spiritual wellbeing of the whole community.” Caroline Lidstone-Jones, CEO, Indigenous Primary Health Care Council

    “The Alliance for Healthier Communities’ member centres provide community-based comprehensive primary health care across Ontario, and they are essential to addressing barriers to health and wellbeing that marginalized populations face. Health equity – that is, the idea that everyone deserves a chance to live their healthiest life, but that many people face barriers to doing so – is only achievable where trusted relationships can be built in and by the community. The Alliance is committed to working with our partners in the PCC to ensure the cornerstone of our health system – primary care – can continue to step up for the people in Ontario who face barriers. We have seen throughout the pandemic that we are stronger when we work together, and we look forward to continuing to work collaboratively to build a better future.” Sarah Hobbs, CEO, Alliance for Healthier Communities

    “The Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic Association is proud to be working with this strong group of primary care association leaders. Often a person’s first point of contact with the health care system, primary care is integral for the health and wellbeing of not only patients, but also the communities in which they live. NPLCs have focused on whole person care since our inception, with nurse practitioner leadership at all levels of the organization. By coming together, this collaborative will provide a united voice for primary care and will allow for us to advocate for health care initiatives across the province.” Jennifer Clement, Past-President, Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic Association

    “Across the world, cost-effective and high-performing health systems share a common characteristic – they are based on a foundation of comprehensive primary care, which is supported through a team. Primary care is the first point of contact into the health system; jurisdictions that commit to robust investments in primary care are able to move quicker into achieving the Quintuple Aim, ensuring there is a lens towards equitable and accessible care, close to home. AFHTO is pleased to be working with our comprehensive primary care partners to ensure there is a unified voice for primary care, especially as we move towards the daunting task of post-pandemic recovery. We know that this work can only be achieved if we truly work together and we look forward to our ongoing collaboration.” Kavita Mehta, CEO, Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario

    “Ontarians turn to primary care more often than any other part of the health system. Providing high-quality care is truly a team sport. The Ontario College of Family Physicians is pleased to be working together with our primary care partners to create a unified voice – as family physicians, nurse practitioners, interprofessional healthcare providers and team-based primary care. This collaboration will only strengthen our ability to achieve comprehensive, continuous, coordinated and equitable health care for all patients and families across Ontario as envisioned by the Patient’s Medical Home.” Leanne Clarke, CEO, Ontario College of Family Physicians

    “Primary care is foundational to a high performing healthcare system, and the sector is stronger when it is united. This is why the Ontario Medical Association Section on General & Family Practice (SGFP) is so pleased to be part of this newly formed Primary Care Collaborative (PCC) with our partners that also support comprehensive primary care. SGFP represents the 15,000 family doctors in Ontario in advocacy and negotiations and is dedicated to building a united vision for a more integrated, equitable and unified sector. We know that there are many challenges ahead for the healthcare system, and this past year has underscored that incredible things can happen when strong leaders come together in shared purpose. By working collaboratively during much of this pandemic, the PCC has been successful in collectively advocating for and advancing solutions that have made a positive impact on the sector and the health and wellbeing of Ontarians. SGFP is looking forward to continuing to work with PCC to bring out the best in care for Ontarians and to support primary care to thrive in our province.” Dr. David Schieck, Ontario Medical Association, Section on General & Family Practice

    Return to: Primary Care Collaborative Updates

     

    Media contact for interview requests, comments or inquiries:

    Paula Myers,

    Manager, Membership and Communications

    Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario

    Email: paula.myers@afhto.ca

    Phone: (647) 234-8605 extension 1200

     

  • Overview of the 2021 Ontario Government Budget

    2021 Ontario Budget – Ontario’s Action Plan: Protecting People’s Health and Our Economy
    An overview of the Ontario government’s budget

    March 25, 2021

    Overview
    Yesterday, March 24, the government released the 2021 Ontario Budget entitled “Ontario’s Action Plan: Protecting People’s Health and Our Economy.” This budget builds on the investments announced last March in “Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19” and on the 2020 budget that was introduced last November. It has two major areas of focus:

    • Protecting People’s Health: An allocation of $16.3B to protect people’s health, including more than $1B to support the administration, distribution, and roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine and $2.3B in 2021-22 for a comprehensive testing strategy.
    • Protecting Our Economy: An investment of $23.3B to support families, workers, and small businesses impacted by the public health measures put in place to manage the spread of the virus.

    The $16.3B for health care and $23.3B for the economy, makes total direct support $39.6B. An additional $11.3B was announced to improve cash flow for people and businesses. This makes the total supports committed by the government to be $51B over four years.

    AFHTO is disappointed that there were no funding announcements made to support primary care or team-based primary care. Post-pandemic recovery cannot happen without investments in the community and within primary care, and the sector needs help to improve the health and well-being of all Ontarians.

    There were also no investments in paid sicks days for people who can’t afford to stay home when sick. There were some mental health and vulnerable populations supports although they were not significant, and none flow directly to primary care.

    We will continue to work with our partners and to advocate for the importance of primary care in the pandemic response and the integral role the sector plays in supporting the most vulnerable populations. We thank you for all the work you do, day in and day out, to support your patients and your communities.   

    Here is an overview of the budget:

    Protecting People’s Health

    • Defeating COVID-19
      • $1B for a province-wide vaccination plan.
      • $2.3B for testing and contact tracing.
      • $1.4B for PPE, including more than 315 million masks and 1.2 billion gloves.
      • An additional $5.1B has been invested in hospitals since the pandemic began, including $1.8B announced for 2021-22 to continue providing care for COVID-19, to address surgical backlog, and to address current patient needs.
      • $3.7 million in 2021–22 to help remove transportation barriers for persons with disabilities and older adults with limited mobility to travel to their vaccination appointments.
      •  $50 million to support community‐led vaccination efforts in First Nations and urban Indigenous communities.
      • Ontario has invested over $100 million in IPAC funding and, building on this investment, is investing $50 million in 2021–22 to ensure IPAC resources and expertise are available across the health system, including hospitals and public health units.
    • Fixing long-term care
      • $933M over four years, for a total of $2.6B, to support building 30,000 new long-term care beds.
      • $246M over the next four years to improve living conditions in existing homes, including providing air conditioning.
      • $4.9B over four years to increase average direct daily care to four hours a day and to hire more than 27,000 providers, including PSWs and nurses.
      • Expanding the Community Paramedicine for Long-term Care Program by investing $160M over three years to support 33 communities.
    • Caring for People
      • An additional $175M for 2021-22 for people struggling with mental health and addiction problems. This is a part of the already announced $3.8B over 10 years.
      • There will be an additional $2.1M over three years to support victims of crime, such as domestic violence and human trafficking.
      • $12.5M over three years to enhance mental health services available to OPP staff.
      • Four new mobile mental health clinics across the province.
      • $8.4M over three years in a crisis call diversion program to provide supports, which may include diversion to appropriate mental health services. Mental health workers will be embedded in OPP communications centres.
      • $1.6M over two years to support the Anti-Racism and Anti-Hate Group program.

    Protecting Our Economy

    • Supporting workers and families
      • Ontario Jobs Training Tax Credit for 2021 of up to $2,000 per recipient for a total of roughly $260M.
      • Supporting parents with a child benefit through a third round of payments, totaling $1.8B since last March. The payment will be $400 per child and $500 for each child with special needs.
      • To support parents with childcare and getting back to work, a 20% enhancement of the CARE tax credit is proposed for 2021.
      • A Seniors’ Home Safety Tax Credit for 2021 to provide an estimated $30M in support for about 27,000 seniors.
    • Supporting jobs:
      • A second round of the Ontario Small Business Support Grant payments, from which approximately 120,000 small businesses will benefit from an additional $1.7B in relief.
      • $400M over three years to the tourism, hospitality, and culture industries.
      • Ontario is investing $2.8 billion in broadband, bringing the province’s total investment to nearly $4 billion over six years, beginning in 2019-20.
      • Temporarily enhancing the Regional Opportunities Investment Tax Credit with an additional $61M.
    • Supporting communities:
      • To support faith-based and cultural organizations, Ontario will be making up to $50M available for grants to eligible organizations.
      • To support Ontario’s municipalities, the government is providing almost $1B in additional financial relief in 2021 to help preserve public services and support economic recovery.

    You can find full details of the “Ontario’s Action Plan: Protecting People’s Health and Our Economy” online, including the province’s economic and fiscal outlook, and borrowing and debt management.

     

  • Social prescribing: The next step for equitable healthcare

    Healthy Debate opinion piece by Kate Mulligan and Kavita Mehta

    The data are in: people living with racism, low incomes and crowded housing are most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The attention it has drawn to these inequities has healthcare providers re-examining their practices with respect to virtual care, active outreach and health equity.

    However, many are not sure what to do next. In addition to structural and policy changes, patients and healthcare practitioners need a straightforward, practice-based solution to help them take immediate action that can address health and social needs in real time. They need supportive structures that enable them to use both COVID-19 testing and routine healthcare visits as opportunities to collect vital sociodemographic data and to screen and refer people for access to food, housing, income supports, culturally safe supports and community connection. They need social prescribing, a way to integrate health care with community and social services to support people’s immediate social needs.

    Read the full article here.

    Relevant Links:

  • AFHTO partners with Ontario Psychological Association and others to improve access to psychological services for front lines during COVID-19

    Ontario Psychological Association Partners with the Ontario College of Family Physicians, Nurse Practitioners’ Association of Ontario and the Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario to improve access to psychological services for front lines during COVID-19

    Ontario Psychological Association News release

    (Toronto, ON) May 12th, 2020 – In response to Ontario’s growing mental health crisis, hundreds of licensed psychologists have been mobilized to assist our province’s front-line workers in any industry as they battle the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The Ontario Psychological Association continues to monitor the mental health needs emerging in Ontario with regards to COVID-19. Our partnership with leading digital health companies including Strata Health and Think Research will enable us to improve navigation, resource matching, and access to virtual care. We are hopeful that with future investments, we will be able to scale up supports to vulnerable populations such as those experiencing homelessness and seniors who have been forced to isolate.

    “This has been a trying time for everyone, especially our front-line workers. We are in this together and stand united with those who are under immense stress and pressure. As psychologists, we understand the biological, cognitive, emotional, and social impacts that this global crisis has caused. We are working with our partners to provide assistance to our communities,”
    Dr. Diana Velikonja, President of the Ontario Psychological Association.
     
    “We are so pleased to be part of such a great initiative. The Disaster Response Network ensures accessibility of essential mental health services for our frontline workers, vulnerable populations, and provides assistance in communities during this pandemic’.
        Dawn Tymianski, CEO, Nurse Practitioners’ Association of Ontario

    “COVID-19 has created a lot of anxiety and stress for everyone and our teams are seeing an increased need for mental health support for not only their patients but for themselves as well.  The support being provided by the OPA is critical and the importance of having this support, especially for those who are vulnerable and at risk, is essential in ensuring we have a healthy and resilient population who feel connected and supported during the pandemic. We thank the OPA for this very important initiative and are appreciative of our partnership.”
        Kavita Mehta, CEO, Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario
     
    “The OCFP welcomes this collaboration with OPA, AFHTO and NPAO to provide needed mental health support for frontline workers. We know that the health impact of COVID-19 goes beyond the virus itself. It has meant interruptions in care for other chronic conditions and increased mental health struggles — especially among those working on the frontlines of this pandemic. The OPA’s program is meeting an important need for those who are providing care and we are proud to help support them through this program”.
        Leanne Clarke, CEO, Ontario College of Family Physicians

    To learn more, contact Mr. Richard Morrison, CEO of OPA at Richard@psych.on.ca.

    Read the full release here.

  • Prescriptions are for more than just drugs

    Prescriptions are for more than just drugs. Ontario Health Teams should use ‘social prescribing’ to improve our health and wellbeing.

    Healthy Debate opinion piece by Kate Mulligan and Kavita Mehta

    Most of the conversation about ending hallway health care in Ontario has focused on the back door of the hospital – moving people out of hospital and back into communities. But what if we could focus on the front door and prevent hospitalization in the first place? And what if we could do this by strengthening partnerships between health and social services, which are known to impact determinants of health? This is a top ten recommendation of both the Premier’s Council on Improving Healthcare and Ending Hallway Medicine and the primary care virtual community’s list of high impact action items for healthcare transformation.

    With the new rollout of the Ontario Health Teams (OHTs), there is an opportunity to do this by weaving social prescribing into the tapestry of our healthcare system. Social prescribing is model of care coordination at the crossroads between health care and social services. Social prescribing helps people get connected to social and community services for their “non-health issues,” from social isolation and loneliness to physical activity, food security and housing. In the process, it frees up valuable clinician time and resources by addressing social needs and moving people’s care a step upstream.

    Read the full article here.

  • AFHTO 2018 Conference: want to win $500 towards a Westjet flight or vacation?

    Register for the AFHTO 2018 Conference before Oct. 1!

    Relationship Design with Starfield in Mind

    October 24 & 25, 2018 – Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto, Ontario

      Summer’s almost over so it’s time to make the most of that back-to-school energy and register for AFHTO’s 2018 Conference. Come see over 800 of your colleagues from across the province as they learn and network over two incredibly productive and rewarding days, exploring topics in these six core themes, tailored to primary health care:

    • Mental health and addictions
    • Healthy relationships, healthy teams
    • Expanding your reach
    • The “How to” stream
    • Why hasn’t this expanded: scalable pilot programs
    • The future of the regional approach to healthcare

    Register at the early bird rate and save $75 on registration.

    Get a chance to win $500 towards a Westjet flight or vacation!
    “Tulum Ruins 6. Beach” by Robert Pittman is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0
    “Tulum Ruins 6. Beach” by Robert Pittman is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0
    At the Heroes vs. Villains Halloween Dinner the prize for Best Persona is $500 towards a Westjet flight or vacation! And while full cosplay is welcome, it’s your overall character that matters. Your peers will help pick the winner, so with the right backstory and a cool name, your superhero T-shirt just might take you over the top! Capes will be available for a nominal fee for those who are traveling/ don’t have the opportunity to pack a costume. We’ll also donate any returned items to the Starlight Children’s Foundation. And don’t miss out on the chance to meet and discuss topics relevant to your roles, teams and patients in sessions like:

    We’re currently seeking certification for continuing education credits.

    We look forward to seeing you at the AFHTO 2018 Conference!

     

  • AFHTO Bright Lights Awards: just over a week left to nominate your team or colleague! New education grant!

    • Are you proud of what your team has accomplished?

    • Do you want your colleagues to be recognized for the amazing work they do?

    • Do you think it would be great to see your initiative spread across the province?

    If you’ve said yes to any of the above, submit a Bright Lights nomination! They’ve started to pour in so don’t be left out- send in your nominations and supporting documents before the deadline, Friday, July 20.

    NEW- The “how to” category winner will also receive an education grant.

    This means 4 of the 7 categories now have education grants to help you strengthen your team’s development. Small, rural and Northern teams are encouraged to apply. You can watch this 2016 webinar or view the slides if you’ve never submitted a nomination before. And don’t forget, there will be special recognition for underrepresented teams. To complete your nomination:

    Register for the Bright Lights awards ceremony at this year’s AFHTO conference to see who the awards recipients are or to pick up your award! We announce the winners at the ceremony on October 24, 2018 and not before! If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us and we’ll be happy to assist.

  • AFHTO 2018 Conference: Presentation notifications sent out

    Thank you to everyone who submitted an abstract for concurrent session and poster presentations at the AFHTO 2018 Conference. The working groups have now reviewed all submissions and a notification e-mail has been sent to each contact person. If you are part of a group that has prepared an abstract, please ensure your group contact has received an e-mail including the words “AFHTO 2018 Conference” in the subject on June 6-7th, 2018. If your contact person has NOT received this notification, please contact info@afhto.ca before Monday, June 11, 2018. The notification e-mail is your assurance that your abstract has been reviewed by a working group for presentation at the conference and a decision made. The program with all concurrent session descriptions will be announced when registration opens in late June 2018.

    We look forward to seeing you at the AFHTO 2018 Conference! Relationship Design with Starfield in Mind October 24 & 25, 2018 Westin Harbour Castle, One Harbour Square, Toronto

  • 2018 Election Advocacy Tools: Every Community. Every Patient.

    Ontario’s 42nd provincial election occurred on June 7, 2018, and a majority progressive conservative government was elected. Meeting with the MPP who has been (re)elected in your riding is always a great idea. A meeting is to increase awareness around the importance and value of FHTs and NPLCs, and to advocate for expansions and investments. There are also many new MPPs who may not be familiar with team-based care models. MPPs are most interested in meeting with the people they represent and/or who serve their constituents, so we encourage you reach out. The advocacy tools from the campaign are helpful for MPP meetings:

      Election Questionnaires AFHTO sent questions about interprofessional team-based care to all four parties during the 2018 election to hear their positions on it, and to see if they were committed to continuing to invest in and expand this care to reach all Ontarians. One party responded: New Democratic Party    From the webinar on April 26: “Preparing for Ontario’s 2018 Election” The slide deck is here. The presentation can be heard here: