The Need:

The need in our region is very real. Observe the following:

 

Physician to Population Ratio *

Ontario
1 Physician
2,111 people

Whitewater-Bromley
1 Physician
7,765 people
* Taken from the Active Physician Registry, December, 1997

 

  • While the focus of individual CHCs does vary to some extent depending on the issue(s) and priority populations being served, every CHC in the province shares the same fundamental principles:
  • To provide accessible health care to those who do not or cannot gain access to appropriate services due to linguistic and cultural barriers, physical disabilities, poverty, isolation, or other special needs.
  • To take a comprehensive approach in responding to health needs. Such an approach considers the individual's physical, social, emotional, and financial situation.
  • To be proactive in maintaining and enhancing individual and community health by focusing on wellness and illness prevention, not just illness treatment.
  • To support the empowerment of individuals and communities to take responsibility for and active control of their own health and health care.

 

Health Status and Related Practices in Renfrew County - [3]

 

  • There are more daily smokers. In 1990, 27% of males and 24% of females in Renfrew County smoked on a daily basis compared to 25% and 21 % province-wide.
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  • Following the 1994 tax cut on tobacco, smoking increased. One year after the tax cut, the percentage of the population who smoked had increased by up to 40% depending on the age/gender group.
  • There are more binge drinkers. In 1990, 43% of current male drinkers in Renfrew County had an episode of binge drinking in the last year, compared to 33% of current male drinkers in the province.
  • There are more overweight people. In 1990, 32% of people in Renfrew County were overweight compared to 24% for the province.
  • Fat consumption is higher. In 1990, 50% of Renfrew County residents consumed very excessive amounts of fat compared to 42% for Ontario.
  • Fewer women are screened for cervical cancer than their provincial counterparts. In 1990, 33% of women in Renfrew County age 16 and over had not had a pap smear test within 2 years as compared to 28% for Ontario.
  • More than one-quarter of at-risk women had not been screened for breast cancer within the last two years. In 1990, 26% of Renfrew County women aged 45 to 64 had not had a mammography test within the last two years. [With new screening centers, this figure has probably changed]
  • The leading cause of death is heart disease. In 1992, 46% of deaths among females and 44% of deaths among males were caused by heart disease compared to 42% and 38% for the province.
  • More Renfrew County women are hospitalized for respiratory disease than Ontario women in general.
  • The proportion of births to teenagers in Renfrew County is increasing. In 1991 6.2% of births were to teenagers. By 1995, this had increased to 7.3% - [4].
  • More children in Renfrew County are being born to single women. Between 1991 and 1995 the percentage of infants born to single women here increased from 15.7% to 21%. - [5]
  • More people rate their health as poor. In 1990, 14% of males and 16% of females in Renfrew County rate their health as fair or poor compared to only 7% and 9% for Ontario.
  • Male suicide rates are higher. From 1986 to 1992, the rate of male suicide has been consistently higher in Renfrew County, compared to Ontario.
  • Mortality for all causes of death remains higher in Renfrew County and District than in Ontario. Moreover, rates of premature death (years of life lost before age 75) continue to be considerably higher in Renfrew County than in Ontario. - [6]
  • Deaths from motor vehicle accidents are much higher. From 1986 to 1992, and compared to Ontario, the mortality rates due to motor vehicle accidents were up to 2.8 times higher for Renfrew County males and up to 3.3 times higher for Renfrew County females than for those province-wide.

Source of Information -

 - [3] The following statistics on Health Related Practices and Health Status are based on OHS data, Morbidity and Mortality Report, Vital Statistics and Workers Compensation Board data cited In A Community Health Profile for Renfrew County p. 7,8.

 - [4] Renfrew County and District Health Unit, Community Status Report, Issue # 6, p. 8.

 - [5] Renfrew County and District Health unit, Community Status Report, Issue # 6, p. 9.

 - [6] Renfrew County and District Health Unit, Community Status Report Issue #6, p. 9.

 

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