About Public Health Ontario
The creation of Ontario’s first public health agency, was a major achievement of Dr. Basrur during her term as Ontario’s chief medical officer of health.
On March 4, 2008, in one of Dr. Basrur’s last public appearances, George Smitherman (former Ontario Minister of Health and Long-Term Care), announced that the offices of the Public Health Ontario would be named the Sheela Basrur Centre (SBC).
In the wake of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak, PHO was formed as a Crown corporation dedicated to protecting and promoting the health of all Ontarians and reducing inequities in health.
As a hub organization, PHO links public health practitioners, front-line health workers and researchers to the best scientific intelligence and knowledge from around the world.
PHO provides expert scientific and technical support relating to infection prevention and control; surveillance and epidemiology; health promotion, chronic disease and injury prevention; environmental and occupational health and emergency preparedness.
PHO operates the public health laboratories. PHO’s work also includes research, professional development and knowledge services. PHO’s main clients are local and public health units, government and health care providers and institutions. PHO is an arm’s-length agency funded by the Ontario Government through the Ministry of Health and Long –Term Care.
The Sheela Basrur Centre operates within Public Health Ontario and is funded by the generous support of sponsors and donors.
Our activities include:
- training and outreach programs
- fundraising events
- sponsor relations
- supporting the SBC advisory council
- promoting the Centre