Grey-Bruce residents urged to take survey about link between childhood experiences and health

Grey-Bruce residents can help strengthen public health programs and services in Ontario communities by participating in a pilot project aimed at exploring how childhood experiences affect health and well-being later in life.

Grey Bruce Public Health is collaborating with Public Health Ontario (PHO) on a community well-being survey.

Survey results will assist PHO and public health units to better understand the link between early life experiences and adult health, so they can design more effective, evidence-informed programs and services that support healthier communities over the long-term.

“We are happy to support this Public Health Ontario-led project in Grey-Bruce,” says Grey Bruce Public Health physician consultant Dr. Brittany Graham.

“Grey-Bruce is made up of a diverse population with varied childhood experiences. These are the types of stories public health is hoping to learn from as part of this project. When we get a better understanding of the challenges people face early in life, we can break down barriers to health and build systems that support every person, every family, every community.”

Beginning this month, many homes throughout Grey-Bruce will receive a postcard in the mail with a unique passcode and instructions to complete the survey on-line. Households have been randomly selected to receive a postcard, using a Canada Post mailing list, to ensure a fair and representative sample.

The survey is designed to be quick and confidential, taking about 20 minutes to complete.

All responses will be confidential and used solely for research and public-health planning. The survey will remain open until Feb. 27.

Grey-Bruce residents who do not receive a postcard in the mail can still complete the survey by visiting publichealthontario.ca/childhoodsurvey.

Everyone who completes a survey will be entered into a draw for a chance to win one of 10 $100 gift cards.

“At Public Health Ontario, our work is grounded in evidence that reflects the realities of people’s lives," says Michael Sherar, president and chief executive officer. "By participating in this survey, Grey-Bruce residents are helping to build a clearer picture of how childhood experiences influence adult health. This knowledge will inform more effective, equitable public health programs that support individuals and families now and for years to come."

For more information, visit www.publichealthontario.ca/childhoodsurvey.