1. 1 The Role of Public Health in Addressing Mental Health and Social Inequities Steve Jreige Evaluation Consultant, Atlantic Region

2. 2 Outline Snapshot of Atlantic Region Regional work on Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Highlights of the Mental Health Scan Role of public health in identifying and mitigating determinants of health

3. 3 Atlantic Regional Snapshot Historically, a high level of social support and community belonging High levels of self-reported “good” or “excellent” health Declining rural populations –Out-migration to larger cities within the region and to western provinces Highest levels of chronic diseases and risk factors in the country

4. 4 Previous Regional Work Shifting Sands (March 1999) Bibliography on Indicators for Determinants of Health (2000) Making the Case for Social and Economic Inclusion (2000) The Tides of Change (2003) From Babies to Boardrooms (2005) www.atlantic.phac.gc.ca

5. 5 An Environmental Scan of Mental Health and Mental Illness in Atlantic Canada, Martha Muzychka WHY: To continue our work on SDOH To advance public awareness and direct future work To identify gaps and make recommendations To maintain a focus on health inequality

6. 6 HOW: Literature Review Epidemiological Review Key Informant Interviews An Environmental Scan of Mental Health and Mental Illness in Atlantic Canada

7. 7 Mental Health Scan Highlights Literature Review: Environment (housing and geographic isolation) Workplace stress Stress from food insecurity and poverty Unequal access to mental health services Social isolation and exclusion Inadequate community supports Absence of coordination and integration of mental health service delivery

8. 8 Epidemiological Review: No single Atlantic-wide profile Rates of mental health disorders in Atlantic Canada comparable to national rates Sense of community belonging key to good self-reported health Mental Health Scan Highlights

9. 9 Key Informants: Aging population Support for concurrent disorders Limited resources and increasing demands for other services Mental health issues for seniors Staff recruitment and retention Impact of Afghanistan mission Mental Health Scan Highlights

10. 10 Atlantic Region Strong sense of community seems to buffer adverse SDOH, but that is now in danger of disappearing –Out-migration Complicating factors –Loss of jobs –Aging population –Returning soldiers from Afghanistan –Smaller families

11. 11 Addressing Mental Health and Social Inequities Natural role for public health practitioners to bring community knowledge to service delivery and take a lead in bringing services back to the community to address inequalities in access Move from focus on specific illnesses toward cooperation and collaboration

12. Thank You Public Health Agency of Canada, Atlantic Region www.atlantic.phac.gc.ca