2025-29 Strategic Plan | Southwestern Public Health

Our Vision

Healthy people in vibrant communities.

Our Mission

We lead the way in protecting and promoting the health of all people in our communities, resulting in better health.

Our Values

Accountable: We act responsibly and lead with integrity
Collaborative: We partner for action to serve our communities
Equitable: We champion access, inclusion, and opportunities for all
Evidence-informed: We make decisions based on accurate, reliable data and information
Strategic: We prepare today for tomorrow’s challenges and opportunities

Strategic priorities: Our areas of focus

Over the next five years, we’ll focus on three key areas that reflect where we’re needed most and can have the greatest impact.

1. Population Health

Goal: Improve health outcomes in Oxford County, Elgin County, and the City of St. Thomas

Priority 1

Existing and emerging infectious diseases: Reducing cases and impact

Priority 2

Mental health and substance use: Focusing on prevention

Priority 3

Health equity: Addressing barriers and avoidable, unjust differences

2. Service Excellence

Goal: Enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of programs and services

Priority 1

Partnerships: Collaborating for action

Priority 2

Innovation and improvement: Strengthening quality programs and services

Increasing efficiencies of programs and services

3. Organizational Resilience

Goal: Be engaged, skilled and adaptable

Priority 1

Leaderful culture: Fostering a continuous learning mindset

Priority 2

Readiness: Preparing for the future

Priority 3

Healthy workplace: Creating an environment for staff to thrive

Understanding our strategic priorities

Learn more about our three strategic priorities and how they guide our work.

Southwestern Public Health is dedicated to improving population health with a focused, equity-driven approach.

Over the next five years, our efforts will centre on three key areas: existing and emerging infectious diseases, mental health and substance use, and health equity.

To address infectious diseases like influenza and syphilis, Southwestern Public Health will strengthen prevention-based programs and develop preparedness plans for new and emerging diseases.

In the area of mental health and substance use, the focus will be on prevention. This includes creating supportive environments, helping youth build a sense of belonging, delaying the age of initiation of substance use, and reducing the risk of substance-related harms.

Health equity is central to all efforts. Southwestern Public Health will identify and address systemic barriers that lead to unequal health outcomes across population groups. This includes improving access to services for children and youth, seniors, and individuals with low income.

Southwestern Public Health is dedicated to delivering high-quality public health programs and services with a focus on strengthening key partnerships and fostering continuous improvement and innovation.

Strong partnerships are central to amplifying impact. By collaborating with community agencies and partners in healthcare, education, and government, resources can be shared, duplication reduced, and a greater impact on health achieved. Clear communication and well-defined roles and responsibilities will ensure collaborations are aligned and effective.

Innovation and continuous improvement help ensure programs and services remain effective and use resources responsibly. Southwestern Public Health will strengthen data quality practices, improve client experiences, and leverage innovative approaches and technologies to find efficiencies and bolster effectiveness.

These priorities will enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of programs and services, improving population health.

Southwestern Public Health is dedicated to strengthening organizational resilience to seamlessly adapt, lead, and deliver essential services, especially during times of disruption and change.

Over the next five years, our efforts will focus on three priorities: leaderful culture, organizational readiness, and workplace health.

A leaderful culture recognizes and supports leadership at all levels. The goal is to foster a workplace where everyone—regardless of their role—embraces continuous learning, sets clear development goals, and engages in meaningful feedback to grow and lead with confidence.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of being prepared. To meet future challenges, Southwestern Public Health will aim for fiscal stability and proactively plan for potential threats, including extreme weather, cyber security risks, and emerging infectious diseases.

A healthy workplace is essential for resilience. We will focus on enhancing staff engagement, ensuring workplace safety, and sustaining a skilled and supported public health workforce.