How much does someone’s income or education affect their health? When does someone’s ethno-racial status influence their health? The Wellesley Institute has been commissioned by the new National Collaborating Centre for Determinants of Health to look at how people’s income, education and occupation [SES], or their ethno-racial status [ERS], shapes their health.  In particular, the project looks at how SES and ERS influences children’s health, youth’s sexual health, and adults’ mental health (and chances of becoming drug addicted). It is also looking at how SES and ethno-racial status affect people’s chances of having insecure housing, work or food, and how this affects their health.  

The study will survey actions that Public Health and community providers in Canada and in other countries are taking to reduce the health inequalities that SES and ethno-racial status are creating in these areas.

Research Director Pauline O’Connor and a Wellesley Institute research team are gathering evidence over the summer from international research literature, and from Public Health practitioners across Canada. Once the evidence is gathered, the Wellesley Institute will bring a group of experts together in late Fall to discuss ways that Canadian Public Health practitioners can reduce health inequalities through Public Health programs and policies and other services. Watch the website for the reports!

The National Collaborating Centre for Determinants of Health is one of six new centres created by the Public Health Agency of Canada to improve Canadians’ health by builing the knowledge base and skills of  public health workers and policy-makers.