In the News
Dr. Julia O’Sullivan partners with First Nations communities across Canada to strengthen early childhood literacy
By Alisa Kim The window of opportunity for literacy is narrow, closing for most by the age of 10 years. Early literacy is not only critical for academic success but confers socioeconomic benefits. “If you can’t read and write well by the time you go to grade four, you...
A vision realized: trainee leads pilot project to deliver eye care to Indigenous children in Toronto
By Alisa Kim, IHPME A study by the Canadian National Institute for the Blind found one-third of Indigenous Canadians have not had an eye exam within the last two years. Moreover, research has shown Indigenous children experience high levels of astigmatism, an irregularity in the shape of the cornea...
Outreach and Access Program Expands to Runnymede and Westview Centennial High Schools
by Françoise Makanda, DLSPH DLSPH’s Outreach and Access Program continues to have an impact on more Toronto high schools. It completed its first semester at Westview Centennial. “It feels great that the program continues to expand and that we’re continuing to develop relationships and reaching more schools, more students, and...
A Blueprint for Black Food Sovereignty in Toronto
By Heidi Singer DLSPH faculty helped make history last month with the launch of North America’s first Black Food Sovereignty Program – an attempt to address food insecurity by creating a Black-run food pipeline from field to table. The Toronto Black Food Sovereignty Plan, the result of a unique partnership between...
DLSPH Open: Welcome to the Winter Term!
Dear DLSPH Community, Welcome back to our School! I hope everyone had a restorative break, and I wish you and your loved ones a safe, healthy 2022 Winter Term. While we can’t be together in person, I take great comfort reminding myself that this wave will pass – hopefully soon—and...
Cannabis Research Blocked by Policy Hinders Public Health
by Françoise Makanda at The Dalla Lana School of Public Health Are edibles better than vaping cannabis? Is vaping cannabis better than smoking marijuana? Even the experts don't know—yet. Since the legalization of cannabis in Canada, researchers have been very focused on these questions. “You need full documentation on each...
Professors Greg Marchildon and Sharon Straus appointed to the Order of Canada
By Alisa Kim, IHPME Congratulations to IHPME Professors Greg Marchildon and Sharon Straus, who were appointed to the Order of Canada. One of the country’s highest civilian honours, the Order of Canada recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. Appointments are made by the Governor-General...
Partnering with Faith Communities to Promote Vaccines — What Works?
Across Canada, public health officials are trying new partnerships and approaches to encourage vaccine confidence. DLSPH researchers hope to learn whether these efforts help. By Heidi Singer DLSPH researchers are beginning to study how Canadian public health officials and religious leaders are collaborating to build vaccine confidence in communities and...
Kuan Liu: The Power of Data in Public Health
Kuan Liu is a recent PhD in Biostatistics graduate. She is passionate about the role of biostatistics in clinical and public health research and the potential for using accessible data to inform public health efforts and promote public health measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. “As public health students, I think...
Farhana Safa: Connecting the Individual with Community Health
Farhana Safa graduated with a Master of Science in Community Health in November. The Bangladeshi-born graduate has always taken a keen interest in addictions and mental health issues within clinical care and research. “In 2018, my husband and I immigrated to Canada, and I was applying to programs with a...