The average lifespan of Canadians has increased by more than 30 years since the early 1900s, and 25 of those years are attributable to advances in public health. Here’s a short list of just some of the things for which public health is responsible in your community, every day:
• Control of infectious diseases
• Healthier environments
• Immunization
• Motor-vehicle safety
• Safer and healthier food
• Family planning and healthier mothers and babies
• Safer workplaces
All of these initiatives are undertaken with relatively small investments and provide all of us with enormous returns. For example, every $1 invested in:
• Immunizing children with the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine saves $16 in health care costs
• Car and booster seats saves $40 in avoided medical costs
• Workplace healthy and safety programs returns up to $6 in avoided illnesses, injuries and fatalities
• Introducing cleaner vehicles and fuels to reduce air pollution, saves $4 in avoided health problems
• Fluoridated drinking water results in $38 saved in dental care
• Tobacco prevention programs saves up to $20 in future health care costs
• Mental health and addictions saves $7 in health costs and $30 in lost productivity and social costs
• Early childhood development and health care saves up to $9 in future spending on health, social and justice services
Public health activities also reduce pressures on the healthcare system. We have seen decreased suffering and costs due to illness, and the improvement of our society and economy because, relative to many other nations, we have a healthy population.
Founded in 1910, the Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA) is the independent voice for public health in Canada with links to the international community. As the only Canadian non-governmental organization focused exclusively on public health, CPHA is uniquely positioned to advise decision-makers about public health system reform and to guide initiatives to help safeguard the personal and community health of Canadians and people around the world.
CPHA is a national, independent, not-for-profit, voluntary association. CPHA’s members believe in universal and equitable access to the basic conditions which are necessary to achieve health for all.
COMPANY NAME HQ
404-1525 Carling Ave
Ottawa, ON K1Z 8R9
Phone 613-725-3769
Fax 613-725-9826
Website https://www.cpha.ca/
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