Welcome to the UPHN!
The Urban Public Health Network (UPHN) was established in September 2004 by the Chief Medical Officers of Health of the eighteen largest Canadian cities. The purpose of the network is to address public health issues that are common to urban populations and to develop strategies to address these issues.
The network is designed to share best practices, advocate for policy changes and to foster and facilitate research in public health. Examples of topics which are being addressed include emergency preparedness, common standardized indicators for public health activity, the provision of tertiary public health services, immunization capacity, poverty and health.
The network has held ten regular meetings to date as well as special meetings in March 2005 on emergency preparedness and in April 2006 on a public health research agenda. Two current priority areas are the impact of the built environment on the health of the population and the development of a comprehensive approach to a healthier and sustainable food system. Members are working collaboratively with a number of partners to effect changes that will result in healthier communities.
Objectives of the Network
- To share experiences and best practices in delivery and evaluation of public health programs and initiatives in urban centres.
- To create more awareness/profile for urban public health issues.
- To advance policy change by developing a collective voice for urban public health issues.
- To foster collaborative action on issues of mutual interest.
- To provide a forum for other groups/organizations that wish to consult on urban public health issues.
- To foster and facilitate research in public health.
Next Meeting
November 24 to 26, 2010
Vancouver, BC