York Region Public Health saw a boost in demand for its services last year as a result of changing health trends, including ongoing mental health-related challenges, increasing numbers of reportable infectious diseases, and evolving environmental health-related concerns.
Combined with a growing population, these trends have increased the demand for public health services, a news release stated.
Public Health offers 36 programs and services aimed at enhancing community health and addressing health inequities, in collaboration with the community and health sectors.
Operational highlights in 2024 include:
- Distributing 486,000 vaccine doses through community health-care providers and public-health clinics;
- Delivering dental screenings to 39,599 students during the 2023-24 school year;
- Conducting 21,568 food premise inspections;
- Providing 11,287 sexual health clinic appointments;
- Treating 107,770 street and environmentally sensitive catch basins with larvicide to prevent the spread of mosquitoes carrying West Nile disease.
“Regional council remains committed to supporting efforts focused on community health and well-being,” York Region Chairman and CEO Eric Jolliffe said in a news release. “Continued dedication, innovative approaches and strong partnerships are key to addressing the evolving needs of our growing communities.”
In 2025, York Region Public Health remains committed to addressing the needs of residents and communities by enhancing immunization clinic capacity, maintaining readiness for infectious disease surges and ensuring everyone has fair opportunities to be healthy.
“Public Health plays a vital role across the region, from providing vaccines preventing the spread of infectious diseases to educating restaurants and personal service settings on how to provide safe services to the public,” said Vaughan Regional Councillor Gino Rosati, chair of community and health services. “Ensuring the health and safety of our residents is crucial as we continue to build thriving communities.”
Legislated by the Health Protection and Promotion Act, Public Health is governed by regional council in its role as board of health and operates mandated programs with a cost-share requirement of 75 per cent provincial funding and 25 per cent regional funding.
Regional council has supported supplemental funding, contributing closer to 46 per cent in 2024, and continues to advocate for more consistent and sustained funding to meet growing resident needs.
