Health promotion activities in Ontario Community Health Centres: a descriptive report

Background Community Health Centres (CHCs) in Ontario, Canada have been delivering health promotion programming as part of their model of comprehensive primary health care to communities for decades. The purpose of this paper is to describe how health promotion programming is delivered within the context of Ontario CHCs. Methods This report used both quantitative and qualitative methods. Electronic medical record data were used to describe the variety of health promotion programming offered, as well as target populations, funding sources, and evaluation. Six focus groups were conducted with 72 health promotion staff and managers across 42 CHCs between February and March of 2023 to provide greater context on how health promotion is delivered. Results In 2021-2022, 2452 programs were reported amongst 69 CHCs, with the top three priorities for programming being social support, food security and education, and physical activity. The most prevalent target populations reported were the general community (24%) and children and youth (15%). Focus group data revealed that priorities are identified through a variety of approaches to ensure programs are relevant, address the needs of their communities, and promote health equity. Programs provided by CHCs leverage community volunteers to support program development and delivery, reduce barriers to participating, and link participants to other programs and services offered by the CHC. Conclusion Health promotion as an upstream approach can relieve pressure on the healthcare system, reduce disease prevalence and health inequities all while being cost-effective. Greater investments in health promotion are needed if we want to support and sustain our healthcare systems.