Health Equity

Everyone deserves the chance to feel healthy and happy. At Southwestern Public Health (SWPH), we work to close health gaps in our community. By understanding how income, housing, and education affect health, we can create real change together.

Why is housing so important for your health?

Having a safe, affordable place to live is key to feeling secure and healthy. Poor housing can lead to:

• Stress and anxiety

• Problems caused by mold or other harmful substances

• Limited options for living a healthy lifestyle

Did you know? About 1 in 10 households in our region live in homes that are too expensive, unsafe, or inadequate. If this sounds like your situation, help is available.

How does income impact your health?

How much money you have affects how healthy you can be. It influences your ability to:

• Live in a safe home

• Spend time in parks and other green spaces

• Afford healthy food

• Access health services

Fact: In 2015, about 1 in 8 people in our region lived with low income. Financial challenges can lead to issues like heart disease and asthma. 

Why is belonging important for health?

Feeling like you belong matters. It helps you feel connected and valued, which improves mental and physical health. Strong community ties lead to:

• Better mental health and sleep

• More physical activity

• Lower smoking rates

A risk to watch for: Social isolation, feeling alone or disconnected, can harm your health as much as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. When people feel they belong, they are more likely to help others, building stronger communities for everyone.

How does education connect to health?

Education is a key to good health. It helps people live longer and avoid illnesses. People with more education are less likely to face health risks like obesity.

The challenge: In 2016, about 1 in 7 people in our region didn’t have a high school diploma.

How does a living wage relate to public health? 

Income status is one of the key determinants of health and health inequities, which are factors that have an influence on our individual health and the health of the population. According to Health Canada, Canadians who have higher incomes are often healthier than those who have lower incomes.

When people and families are paid below a living wage, they are more likely to face often impossible financial decisions such as deciding between paying utility bills or buying food. The result of these stressors can negatively impact the physical and mental health and well-being of individuals and communities.

Living wage plays an important role for individuals and families to have the means to live a healthy life and reduce the physical and emotional stress related to living in poverty. Living wage also presents an opportunity to talk about the importance of adequate income for everyone, regardless of work status.

What steps can you take to get help?

Here are some trusted resources to explore:

• 211 Ontario – Find services and programs in your area.

• ConnexOntario – Access mental health and addiction services.

• SouthWest Health Line – Discover local health resources.

Want to learn more?

Explore these resources for more details:

• Healthy Public Policy

• The Canadian Index of Wellbeing

• The Belonging Guide: Exploring the Importance of Belonging to Good Health - Community Health and Wellbeing, Alliance for Healthier Communities

• The role of sense of community belonging on unmet health care needs in Ontario, Canada: findings from the 2012 Canadian community health survey