Social determinants of health are non-medical factors that affect our health and well-being, such as income, education, housing, food security and disability. Addressing potential barriers is an emerging focus in health care and a priority for the FLA OHT.
The Social Determinants of Health Community of Practice (SDOH CoP), established in 2023, connects providers who support individuals disadvantaged by various conditions and social barriers.
Current challenges
- Many people who could benefit from local social services face barriers to access or navigation.
- In the Frontenac, Lennox and Addington counties, there is a shortage of social service providers focused on social determinants of health.
- Key providers—such as community services workers, support workers, and practical assistance workers—often lack regulatory oversight or formal professional support.
What we are working towards
The Social Determinant of Health Community of Practice is working on these main areas:
- Fostering collaboration between social service and health care providers
- Expanding social service provider access to tools and knowledge
- Making a system for community members that is easier to navigate
- Improving the provider experience
Photo: SDOH CoP's Dr. Melody Wyslobicky presenting at the Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario Conference with Anastassiya Khrokova and Dr. Anna Chavlovski , October 2024.
More about the SDOH Community of Practice
Our Work Together
Meetings are held bi-monthly with a focus on resource sharing and program awareness presentations, with time for Q&As and networking as well.
Building collaborative and trusting relationships across organizations is the foundation of this group.
Presentation topics:
- Mental health services
- Food and housing access
- Community care
- Social prescribing
- Indigenous-focused services
- 2SLGBTQ+ resources
"Every presentation, poster and shared insight strengthens our collective ability to improve outcomes for the people we serve, creating a safe space to go to with any questions, any time."
Anastassiya Khrokova, SDOH CoP Co-lead
Melody Wyslobicky, MD, Evaluation Lead
Evaluation Project
An evaluation project - conducted to assess the effectiveness of the SDOH CoP - was led by Melody, a Queen’s School of Medicine grad and a Family Medicine resident, who has a strong interest in social determinants of health informed care.
Participants completed a survey (Spring 2024) on their Community of Practice experience. Results showed: membership is growing; people join to share knowledge and form connections; other benefits were resource access, sense of support, ability to help clients and view of success.
Community of Practice Voices
"As a primary care provider, I believe that by supporting fellow practitioners who care for people facing social and economic barriers, we’re taking real steps toward addressing the root causes of poor health in our community."
Dr. Anna Chavlovski, Family Physician, CoP member.
“I like the idea of breaking the silos and networking to improve my knowledge of services available in the region. It helps me to better connect client with resources that serve their needs.”
SDOH CoP Member
“Attending SDOH CoP meetings and being a part of its network has had a positive impact on me as a service provider and on my practice. I am the sole staff in a department and being a member of the COP team has brought a sense of connectedness."
SDOH CoP Member
Who's involved?
Primary care providers, home and community care agencies staff, municipalities, community advocates, Indigenous navigators, researchers, and specialists from across the region are working together.