Being socially connected to family, friends and our communities — having a sense of belonging — is important to our well-being. People who are connected are happier. They enjoy better health and use fewer health services. They are more resilient in the face of adversity, and they live longer.
Communities, where people feel connected, have less crime and stronger economic growth. Their children perform better in school. Their citizens are more involved: they are more likely to co-operate to benefit all members of the community and to work together to address the social determinants of health, which leads to greater health equity.
How connected are Ontarians? There are worrying signs that many — particularly younger people — feel less connected than they did in the past. While most Ontarians have friends, they see them much less often. They are also much less likely to volunteer in their communities than they once did and, when they do volunteer, they give less time.
Being connected to other people is essential to our health and well-being, yet a growing number of Ontarians are feeling socially isolated.
On February 26, Dr. David Williams, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, presents his new annual report "Connected Communities: Healthier Together". It highlights the growing problem of social isolation and asks us all to strengthen our social connections and build more connected and healthier communities.
Dr. Williams and contributors to the report like Prof Suzanne Stewart, Director of the Waakebiness-Bryce Institute for Indigenous Health at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, will present key messages and recommendations for strong, resilient communities.
RSVP today as seats are limited.
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Event Program
Welcome
Catherine Fraser, Senior Communications Consultant, Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health
Land Acknowledgement and Opening
Clayton Shirt, Elder, WBIIH
Opening Remarks
David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health
Remarks from:
Suzanne Stewart, Director, WBIIH
Blake Poland, Professor, DLSPH
Social Prescribing Pilot Project
Kate Mulligan, Director of Policy and Communications, Alliance for Healthier Communities
Closing Remarks – Key Messages and Recommendations
David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health
Acknowledgements
Catherine Fraser, Senior Communications Consultation, Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health
Closing
Clayton Shirt, Elder, WBIIH
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/connected-communities-healthier-together-tickets-56373064353 ;
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