6th Canadian Fall Prevention Conference 2025

This conference is hosted by Parachute and KITE/UHN

Co-hosts Parachute and KITE/UHN are pleased to invite you to join colleagues from across Canada to the first in-person Canadian Fall Prevention Conference in six years. This event will highlight new research and knowledge, explore the implementation of promising practices, and examine cross-cutting issues to prevent and mitigate the impact of falls and falls-related injuries on diverse populations. 

Supported by CIHR’s Institutes of Aging and Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis, the 2025 Canadian Fall Prevention Conference will bring together healthcare professionals, academics, researchers, government representatives, public health/injury prevention and industry leaders working in fall prevention.

Topics include: 

  • Community-centred fall prevention strategies
  • Equity-focused engagement strategies
  • Two-eyed seeing and indigenizing fall prevention programming
  • Caregiver experiences
  • Policies and systems
  • Exercise programming
  • Aging in place
  • Clinical practices

The conference runs from 8:00 am - 7:30 pm on Wednesday, April 9 and 8:00 am - 3:30 pm on Thursday, April 10. See the full schedule here.

Additional optional programming includes a tour of the Challenging Environment Assessment Laboratory at the KITE Research Institute (free but space is limited); the Walk-BEST Assisted Gait Training Program ($200); and Indigenous Fall Prevention (TBD). 

Registration fees: $699 for the full conference or $299 for a single day. Discounts are available for students and members of the public who are not affiliated with an organization. 

Details
Wednesday, April 9, 2025 - 08:00
Thursday, April 10, 2025 - 08:00
April 9-10, 2025
Cost: 
$199 - 699
Internal/External: 
Community Event
External Link: 
Learn more
Event Type: 
Learning Events
Register here
Location
Bram and Bluma Appel Salon, Toronto Reference Library
789 Yonge St.
Toronto, ON M4W 2G8

ECHO Concussion Spring Sessions

This online learning program is presented by ECHO UHN and fully funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health.

Learn how to diagnose and manage your concussion patients with an interactive online medical education program geared to primary care providers in Ontario.

# NEW TOPICS ADDED:

  • Concussion and Technology: Treatment of Post Concussion Symptoms Related to Screens at Work, School, or Play by Dr. Charles Tator
  • Vision and Vestibular Rehab  – Whether and how by Dr. Samuel Markowitz
  • Medical Legal Aspects of Concussion by Patrick Brown

# About our Program:

  • Each session includes: a short didactic and an interactive case based discussion on de-identified patient cases.
  • Access to an Inter-professional specialist team
  • No cost (ECHO Ontario is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health)
  • Online videoconferencing program
  • Present your de-identified patient cases for recommendations and support
Details
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 - 16:30
External Link: 
Learn more
Register here
Location
Online

2025 ORIHI Virtual Speakers Series | Black Health Equity in Research

This event is presented by the Osler Research Institute for Health Innovation (ORIHI) and the Osler Equity, Inclusion, and Anti-Discrimination Team.

# Overview

Are you interested in research and health equity?

Join an insightful ORIHI virtual speaker series event focused on Black Health Equity in Research. This is a unique opportunity to engage with a group of Black leaders and researchers who have been at the forefront of research and advocacy in this critical area for years. Our panel of experts will share their diverse perspectives and experiences, offering practical guidance on how to design and conduct studies that prioritize Black health equity.

Panelists will discuss how to build studies that are culturally relevant, impactful, and aligned with the goals of reducing health disparities within Black communities.

ORIHI's virtual speaker series was designed to engage the community, share information and foster discussions on various aspects of health care innovation and research. The series featured a lineup of interactive sessions led by experts in the field and provided a platform for participants to learn about the goals and objectives of ORIHI.

 

Details
Tuesday, February 18, 2025 - 12:00
12:00-1:30pm
Cost: 
Free
Internal/External: 
Community Event
External Link: 
Learn more
Event Type: 
Learning Events
Register here
Location
Online

Health Data for All of Us: A Public Dialogue on AI in Health

This hybrid public forum is presented by the Health Data Research Network (HDRN) Canada.   

Health Data for All of Us: A Public Dialogue on AI in Health is HDRN Canada's third annual hybrid public forum, bringing together researchers, community groups, members of the public and policymakers to engage with topics related to health data access and use in Canada. Join us for an engaging dialogue around the emerging ethical, equity and privacy challenges in the context of artificial intelligence and health.

This year's keynote panel is moderated by Micheal Harvey, BC’s Information and Privacy Commissioner and features Dr. Muhammad Mamdani, VP of Data Science and Advanced Analytics at Unity Health Toronto, Dr. Marta Maslej, Staff Scientist with the Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, and Charlotte Munro, HDRN Canada Public Advisory Council member. They will explore key clinical, equity and patient engagement considerations in AI, with ample time for audience engagement. 

The final plenary, AI In Health Care & the First Nations Principles of OCAP, will be an interactive group discussion featuring Skylee-Storm Hogan-Stacey, Julie McIntosh and Savannah LaBelle, from the First Nations Information Governance Centre Data Sovereignty Research Collaborative.

  • Online attendance: FREE
  • In-person attendance:
    • individual/community group/student: $11.30
    • researcher/public sector: $56.50
    • private sector: $226.00

PLEASE NOTE: If you would like to request a fee waiver, or if you are affiliated with HDRN Canada, please connect with us at events@hdrn.ca to register for this event.

 

Details
Tuesday, April 29, 2025 - 08:00
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Cost: 
Free (virtual) or varies (in-person)
Internal/External: 
Community Event
External Link: 
Learn more
Event Type: 
Learning Events
Register
Location
Hybrid Event - Online / Ottawa Marriott Hotel
100 Kent Street
Ottawa, ON K1P 5R7

Tirer parti des atouts et du leadership de la communauté pour la santé des Noirs : Déclaration de l’Alliance pour le Mois de l’histoire des Noirs

Date: 
Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Ce mois de février marque le début du Mois de l’histoire des Noirs. Nous célébrons et reconnaissons la richesse culturelle, les connaissances, les modes de vie, les philosophies de vie et les voies de guérison des Noirs. Ce mois est une occasion de s’engager dans un examen de conscience et de s’opposer à la marginalisation et à l’oppression en découvrant, en partageant et en apprenant l’histoire des personnes noires au Canada. Ce mois-ci, il est important d’examiner en profondeur et de reconnaître l’histoire de l’esclavage, du racisme systémique et de la discrimination raciale, du racisme envers les Noirs et de la violence coloniale systémique qui se poursuit encore aujourd’hui, y compris dans les institutions canadiennes de justice, d’éducation et de santé. C’est l’occasion de se joindre aux Nations unies et à la communauté internationale, qui ont récemment proclamé la deuxième Décennie internationale des personnes d’ascendance africaine qui renouvelle l’appel à la reconnaissance, à la justice et au développement. Au Canada, le gouvernement fédéral a exprimé son soutien; il faudra à l’avenir s’assurer que les dirigeants du pays, à tous les paliers, respectent leurs engagements envers les personnes et les communautés noires.

Avant le Mois de l’histoire des Noirs, nous avons discuté avec le Dr Akeem Stewart, responsable provincial en matière de santé et de bien-être des Noirs et qui fait partie du Comité de la santé des Noirs, qui est composé de membres de l’Alliance. Nous avons pu aborder certains progrès, succès et défis relatifs à la santé des Noirs en Ontario. 

Le Dr Stewart a mentionné des innovations cliniques visant à améliorer les résultats en matière de santé des Noirs, par exemple par un effort de collaboration entre les fournisseurs pour élaborer des approches culturellement adaptées aux directives relatives au soin et au traitement de l’hypertension. Il a également mentionné le travail accompli avec la Black Physicians' Association of Ontario (BPAO) pour mettre en place des programmes éducatifs dans les organisations de santé communautaire de l’Ontario. Cela vise à favoriser l’épanouissement de la prochaine génération de dirigeants noirs en santé.

Le Dr Stewart a également souligné le travail effectué pour établir le lien entre les services cliniques, non cliniques et culturels dans le but de promouvoir la santé des Noirs, en tenant compte du contexte culturel propre à chaque individu. Il a évoqué le cas d’une personne âgée d’origine caribéenne, prédiabétique, à qui l’on recommande d’adopter un « régime méditerranéen ».

« Les personnes doivent essayer un régime qu’elles n’ont jamais envisagé. On ne peut pas faire suivre un régime méditerranéen à une grand-mère caribéenne qui a grandi en mangeant du riz et des pois. Il existe des options d’aliments qui reflètent leur culture; ainsi, il est possible d’adapter les soins aux cultures et de les rendre culturellement affirmatifs ». Il souligne les avancées récentes dans ce domaine, en proposant des recommandations et des directives plus globales en matière d’alimentation qui tiennent compte des besoins culturels particuliers. Il avance qu’on peut ainsi renforcer la confiance dans le système de santé. 

Ce mois-ci, l’histoire, la culture et la vie des Noirs représentent leur santé et leur bien-être, ainsi que tout ce qu’ils sont et pourraient devenir. L’histoire des Noirs, de leurs vies et de leurs expériences est la base de l’appel à l’action contre le racisme envers les Noirs et le racisme systémique, de l’engagement continu en faveur d’approches et de politiques anti-oppression, notamment des programmes de formation antiraciste à venir pour le personnel de la santé, une initiative menée par des membres de l’Alliance comme le CSC LAMP.

Alors que les assauts ici et à l’étranger se multiplient contre les principes, les politiques et les programmes favorisant la diversité, l’équité et l’inclusion, nous persisterons à promouvoir les vérités, les mesures et la justice nécessaires pour combattre l’oppression et le racisme systémique. L’Alliance et ses membres s’engagent à promouvoir la santé des personnes noires et l’équité en matière de santé pour les communautés noires et racialisées de l’Ontario. Elle continuera de plaider en faveur d’approches centrées sur l’équité, adaptées au contexte local et respectueuses de leur culture pour améliorer la santé et le bien-être des Noirs.

Selon le Dr Stewart, évoquer la santé et le bien-être des personnes de race noire durant le Mois de l’histoire des Noirs est une opportunité de renforcer la solidarité. Il a ajouté : « Regardez les diverses communautés qui se sont dressées ces deux dernières années. Ne devraient-elles pas être représentées aux tables de décision? Cela nous évite, en tant que leaders, de nous déconnecter de la réalité du terrain. » C’est une invitation à la solidarité entre les dirigeants de la communauté et les chefs de file d’initiatives, afin qu’ils puissent prendre place ensemble à ces tables pour aller de l’avant.

Building on community strengths and leadership for Black health: Alliance’s Black History Month statement

Date: 
Wednesday, February 5, 2025

As Black History Month begins, we acknowledge and celebrate Black culture, knowledge, ways of being, healing, philosophies of life. This month is an open invitation to reflect and push back on oppression and erasure through marking, telling, sharing and learning about Black histories in Canada. It’s a month to take hard looks and acknowledge the history of slavery, systemic racism and racial discrimination, anti-Black racism and systemic colonial violence that continues today, including in Canada’s institutions of justice, education and health. It’s a chance to stand strong with the United Nations and international community, which recently declared the Second International Decade for People of African Descent. Here in Canada, the federal government has stated its support – the future will be about keeping Canada’s leaders at all levels accountable on their commitments to Black people and communities.

Dr. Akeem Stewart is Provincial Lead Black Health and Wellness, part of the Black Health Committee, which is made up of Alliance members. We spoke with Dr. Stewart last week in advance of Black History Month. We were able to discuss some of the progress, successes and challenges facing Black health in Ontario. Dr. Stewart spoke of clinical innovations for improving Black health outcomes, such as through a collaborative effort across providers on culturally affirming approaches to Hypertensive Care and Treatment. He also talked about work done with the Black Physicians’ Association of Ontario (BPAO) to have education programs up and running in community health organizations across Ontario, to help support the development of the next generation of Black health leaders.

Dr. Stewart also highlighted work being done to help bridge clinical with the non-clinical and the cultural to affirm Black health, in ways tailored to a person’s specific cultural background. Here, he references the case of a pre-diabetic older Caribbean-Canadian person being given the advice to change to a “Mediterranean diet.”

“They have to try a diet that's something that they never even had an idea of. You can't try to put a Caribbean grandmother on a Mediterranean diet when they've grown up with rice and peas. There are different alternatives that still do speak to their culture. It gives the opportunity for culturally adaptive care and culturally affirming care.” He references the progress made in this regard recently with wider dietary advice and guidelines that meet culturally specific needs, and importantly how this can build trust in the health system.

Black history, Black culture and Black lives represent Black health and wellness this month, and all that is, and can be. Black history and the history of Black lives and experiences are the foundation of the call to action against anti-Black racism, against system racism, and for continued commitments to anti-oppression approaches and policies, including upcoming anti-racism training programs for health care workers, work being led by Alliance members like LAMP CHC. 

As attacks here and abroad intensify against diversity, equity and inclusion principles, policies and programs, we will continue to defend the truths, the actions and the justice needed to address oppression and systemic racism. The Alliance and its members are committed to Black health, health equity for Black and racialized populations in Ontario, and we will continue to advocate for equity-focused, locally tailored and culturally affirming approaches to Black health and wellbeing.

For Dr. Stewart, discussing Black health and wellness during Black History Month is an opportunity to build solidarity: 

“Look at all the different communities that have risen up over the last couple of years,” he said. “At tables of leadership, community should be present, right? That stops us, as the leaders, from losing the connection with what is practical at ground level. This is a call for solidarity among community leadership and leadership of initiatives, to be able to sit at those leadership tables together to push forward.”

HPV Affects Everyone – how can we build alliances to tackle it together?

This webinar is hosted by the International Papillomavirus Society (IPVS) in recognition of International HPV Awareness Day (IHAD)

# GET READY FOR INTERNATIONAL HPV AWARENESS DAY!

Hosted by the International Papillomavirus Society (IPVS), the International HPV Awareness Day (IHAD) Live Panel Event on March 4th has become a highlight of IHAD for stakeholders around the world. It offers an opportunity for clinicians, healthcare professionals, implementation specialists and patient advocates to engage with an expert panel for an interactive discussion of key challenges and opportunities around HPV awareness and related disease prevention. 

This year our panel of experts is exploring the potential for inclusive approaches to HPV awareness and alliance-building between communities, as a key strategy to reduce the impact of HPV-related cancer.

# Key topics for discussion:

  • Challenges and benefits of an inclusive approach towards HPV awareness
  • How engaging with diverse communities could help to address common misperceptions and misinformation around HPV
  • Engaging men in HPV dialogue and advocacy
  • Balancing inclusive strategies with a focus on communities most at need
Details
Tuesday, March 4, 2025 - 10:00
4:00 - 5:00 pm
Cost: 
Free
Internal/External: 
Community Event
External Link: 
More tools for HPV Awareness Day 2025
Event Type: 
Learning Events
Register here
Location
Online

Social Environments for Health Webinar Series: Part Three - Health Equity Focused Social Prescribing

This webinar is presented by Public Health Ontario.

# About the presentation 

The third and final in our PHO webinar series on Social Environments for Health, this webinar will explore health equity focused social prescribing. Social prescribing is an approach that brings together the social and medical models of health by referring patients to local, non-clinical services that meet their interests, goals and gifts. Social prescribing integrates social support and care across the health system, helping people to reconnect to their communities.

 Natasha Beaudin, Social Prescribing Lead for the Alliance for Healthier Communities (Alliance), will introduce the concept of health equity focused social prescribing, discuss how the Alliance is championing the social prescribing movement in Ontario, and share some initial results from the work. Ali Hedge from the Harrow Health Centre Family Health Team will share how they use Social Prescribing in their practice.

Note:  For the best live experience, please ensure you are using a current version of Zoom (6.1.0 or higher) in Chrome or another modern browser to support interactive features.

#  By the end of this session, participants will be able to 

  • Describe the impacts of social environments on health.
  • Explain the role of social prescribing and how it can contribute to building healthy social environments.
  • Identify opportunities to build healthy social environments at the local level.

#  About the presenters: Natasha Beaudin and Ali Hedge

 Natasha Beaudin, Social Prescribing Project Lead, Alliance for Healthier Communities, has worked in the community health sector for over twenty years. She is currently the Social Prescribing Project Lead at the Alliance for Healthier Communities. She previously worked as a health promoter at Centretown Community Health Centre in Ottawa. Her portfolio included food security, smoking cessation, stress reduction, and physical activity and led the social prescribing project at the centre. She also chaired the Health Promotion Network of Eastern Ontario (HPNEO) for five years. Her passions are health equity, the social determinants of health, and health promotion. Outside of work, she loves gardening, cross country skiing and playing with her kids.

Ali Hedge, MSW, Social Prescription Link Worker, Harrow Health Centre, Family Health Team, is a Social Prescription Link Worker at the Harrow Health Centre. She is passionate about helping patients connect with local resources, social activities, basic needs and mental health supports to improve their overall well-being. Ali is a registered Social Worker with both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from the University of Windsor. Before joining Harrow Health Centre, she worked in various non-profits, supporting individuals facing poverty and housing crises through counselling and community navigation. Outside of work, you’ll find Ali enjoying a good book or exploring the outdoors with her 6-year-old daughter and 9-year-old black lab

# Intended Audience

People who work in health promotion, chronic disease prevention and the healthy environments in settings such as public health, community health and at the municipal level.

 

Details
Wednesday, February 5, 2025 - 10:00
10:00 - 11:00 am
Cost: 
Free
Internal/External: 
Community Event
Event Type: 
Learning Events
Register here
Location
Online

Microboards – Building Supports

This Webinar is presented by the Halton Adult FASD and Hamilton FASD Support Group

Discover the power of Microboards; how to develop a network of people to support a person with complex needs, reduce the stress of parents & caregivers and support them for future planning. Karen Bell, Executive Director of Microboards of Ontario, will share more information & Kathleen and her husband currently utilize Microboards to support their family. She will share her experiences.

Details
Wednesday, February 5, 2025 - 00:00
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM EST
Cost: 
Free
Internal/External: 
Community Event
External Link: 
Hamilton FASD Parents & Caregivers Support Group
Event Type: 
Learning Events
Register here
Location
Online

FASD Lifetime Planning Series

Nexus Health and FASD Ontario are very excited to announce the new FASD lifetime planning series made up of 3 virtual trainings.

Part 1: Financial Planning Across the Lifespan of Your Loved One with FASD This virtual training addresses the key financial essentials for those impacted by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Topics include:

  • The importance of financial planningx
  • Benefits of the Disability Tax Credit
  • Saving for the future with Registered Disability Savings Plans
  • Safeguarding social assistance benefits
  • Overview of estate planning consideration to ensure your loved one is cared for

This session is designed to provide valuable information for families and individuals navigating the unique financial challenges associated with FASD. This virtual training has been reviewed for accuracy by CanFASD.  

Part 2: Wills and Estate Planning for Individuals with FASD Planning for the future of a loved one with FASD can be overwhelming. This presentation, led by estate planning expert Natalie Sanna, provides practical and essential guidance for families and caregivers. Discover key topics such as:

  • Powers of Attorney and the legal requirements for capacity.
  • Informal trusteeships versus court-appointed guardianships.
  • Managing assets like Registered Disability Savings Plans (RDSPs) and Henson Trusts.
  • Strategies for ensuring long-term financial security and decision-making support.

This session offers actionable insights and answers to common questions, helping you navigate the complexities of estate planning with confidence. Perfect for caregivers, advocates, and professionals supporting individuals with FASD. Don't miss this opportunity to plan for peace of mind.  

Part 3: Creating a Circle of Care for Your Loved One with FASD Discover how personal support networks can transform lives by fostering connection, collaboration, and community. In this insightful presentation, Rebecca Pauls from PLAN (Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network) shares practical strategies for creating sustainable support systems that empower individuals with disabilities and their families. Key topics include:

  • Identifying and leveraging gifts, relationships, and community connections.
  • Building flexible, collaborative networks that adapt to changing needs.
  • Addressing challenges like isolation, risky behavior, and the transition of care after parents pass away.
  • The role of facilitators and community connectors in supporting lasting relationships.

Whether you're a family member, support worker, or community advocate, this presentation offers actionable ideas to help ensure no one faces life’s challenges alone.

Details
Online Videos
Cost: 
Free
Internal/External: 
Community Event
Event Type: 
Learning Events
Watch it here
Location
Online