The Centre for Health Promotion (CHP), uses a life stages
approach and is responsible for implementing policies and programs that enhance
the conditions within which healthy development takes place. Through action
founded on the principles of population and public health, the Centre addresses
the determinants of health and facilitates successful movement through the
life stages. The Centre acts through programs addressing healthy child development,
families, aging and lifestyles, public information and education, as well as issues related to rural health and support of
the voluntary sector.
The Centre is composed of:
The Office of the Voluntary Sector (OVS) is a focal point for voluntary sector issues within the federal health portfolio and a centre for promoting government-voluntary sector dialogue and collaboration on policies and programs aimed at improving the health of Canadians.
Our role is to provide leadership and expertise on voluntary sector issues within the Public Health Agency of Canada and Health Canada. We also work closely with national voluntary organizations (NVOs) to build their capacity to contribute to innovative health policy, promotion and protection activities.
The Healthy Communities Division is a centre of excellence for the issues
of physical activity, mental health, family violence, rural health and injury
prevention. As well, the Division is developing expertise and leadership with
regards to community capacity building within the Centre. Through work with
partners and stakeholders to develop policy frameworks and national action
plans, the Division's objective is to improve the health of Canadians.
Activities include identification of emerging issues; development, testing and evaluation of best practices in prevention, and promotion; building community capacity; partnering and networking with a wide range of external organizations; department-wide strategic leadership and coordination to improve the health of citizens in rural and isolated areas of Canada and, dissemination of information to the public and health professionals. The Division is also the federal lead for the Family Violence Initiative, which promotes public awareness of the risk factors of family violence and the need for public systems to respond; and supports data collection, research and evaluation efforts to identify effective interventions.
Through its work on physical activity, this Division is also very involved in the Pan-Canadian Healthy Living Strategy.
The Division of Childhood and Adolescence provides leadership to the Branch
and Department in the development of policy, research and programs related
to childhood and adolescence. It develops and maintains partnerships and networks
with a wide range of domestic and international organizations, other federal
departments and provincial/territorial governments about issues pertaining
to childhood and adolescence life stage.
The Division is responsible for implementing the National Children's Agenda and the Centres of Excellence for Children's Well-Being. The Division also provides national leadership on delivery and integrity of three important community-based programs for children: Community Action Program for Children (CAPC); Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP); and Aboriginal Head Start (AHS), as well the Division delivers the Strategic Projects fund which focusses on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAS/FAE).
Additionally, the Division provides a departmental coordination function on children's issues, such as children's rights (World Fit For Children), and National Child Day.
The Division of Aging and Seniors provides federal leadership and serves as the centre of expertise and focal point for information in areas pertaining to healthy aging and seniors. Activities involve policy development; research and education; encouraging means of improving the health of seniors; partnering and networking with a wide range of partners; communication and information dissemination; and providing operational support to the National Advisory Council on Aging. In executing all of its roles and responsibilities, the Division promotes the meaningful participation of seniors in federal decisions and activities that affect them.
The Health Surveillance and Epidemiology Division is the centre of expertise for issues of surveillance and research in pregnancy, the health and well-being of infants, children and youth. The Division consists of three sections: Maternal and Infant Health Section - Perinatal Program; Child Injury - Injury Surveillance Program; and Child Maltreatment - Child Maltreatment Program. Each of these programs are carried out in partnership with other Divisions within the department, other federal departments, provincial/territorial governments, the Canadian Institute for Health Information, national health professional associations, consumer and advocacy group and university-based researchers.