RRFSS E-News: Fall 2019

Health Unit Spotlight: York Region

York Region Public Health has been part of RRFSS since 2001. Over the years RRFSS has provided local data to assess: • perceived credibility of health unit • media campaign awareness • mental health • social cohesion • prescription pain medication awareness • screen time in children • knowledge of local public health inspection disclosure program, and more... RRFSS data helps guide public health programs, services and health promotion campaigns at many health units, including York Region. York Region has also used RRFSS to inform program reviews, report on health equity in York Region and progress towards Strategic Plan performance measures. Through participation in RRFSS module creation and review committees, workgroups, and advisory committees, York Region has partnered with other health units to collaboratively guide RRFSS over time. York Region plans to continue to collect RRFSS data in 2020 and beyond.

Having a ‘RUFF’ time with the changes coming to public health?

RRFSS can help... -RRFSS sample can be collected for any geographic boundaries – down to the 6-digit postal code -RRFSS can help by providing rapid data which can be changed and results disseminated 3 times per year -RRFSS data collection contracts have been made more flexible by reducing the termination clause to only one month -RRFSS has over 300 modules to choose questions from such as cannabis, opioid use and e-cigarettes -RRFSS members can create new modules at any time on any subject including topics that are specific to a single health unit area.

RRFSS and the Population Health Assessment and Surveillance (PHAS) Protocol

RRFSS provides flexibility and responsiveness not available in other population health surveys. RRFSS members can create questions to address new and emerging health-related data needs. RRFSS data can answer questions related to local health behaviours and issues when other data does not exist. RRFSS can be a key source of local data for many PHAS protocols including health services seeking behaviours, elements of behaviour change, and factors related to the social environment, natural & built environment, and socio-political aspects of environmental change.