Health Profile Reveals Unique Grand Erie Trends
A community health profile provides an overview of health trends and needs across Brantford and the counties of Brant, Haldimand, and Norfolk. These regions officially joined to form Grand Erie Public Health in January.
This report is the first comprehensive health status assessment for the new unit, highlighting both similarities with provincial trends and distinct local patterns, based on an abridged version reviewed by the board of health last month.
Data Limitations and Purpose
The report notes that some of the latest data dates back to 2021, and for certain indicators, sample sizes were small or data was incomplete. Despite these limitations, the report aims to support evidence-based decisions related to program harmonization, service delivery, and strategic planning, ensuring public health efforts match community needs.
Mental Health and Self-Harm
Self-reported mental health aligns with provincial trends, but the region shows a higher rate of hospital visits for self-harm — 87 versus 67 per 100,000 residents.
“This warrants further investigation into how mental health needs are being identified and addressed in the region,” the report stated.
Injury and Mortality Rates
Between 2017 and 2021, data indicates that residents of Grand Erie have a higher likelihood of dying from injuries compared to people in other provinces.
Sexually Transmitted Infections and Dental Emergencies
- STI infection rates in Grand Erie are notably lower than provincial averages.
- Conversely, dental emergencies are significantly higher within the region.
These contrasting trends emphasize the region's unique health challenges compared to broader provincial statistics.
“The community health profile will help guide strategic planning and alignment of public health priorities,” the report concluded.
Author's summary: Grand Erie's health profile reveals distinct local challenges such as increased dental emergencies and self-harm hospital visits, despite overall trends similar to the province.