Using Collective Impact for intersectoral action in rural Northern Ontario: Two case studies

Timiskaming District in Northern Ontario has a population of 32,394 people across 24 municipalities, two unincorporated areas, and four First Nations. During the time of these case studies, public health services were provided by the Timiskaming Health Unit, one of 34 local public health agencies in Ontario.

To address local public health priorities in this rural region, the Timiskaming Health Unit implemented the Collective Impact framework, establishing governance structures for two initiatives: the Timiskaming Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan (CSWB) and Timiskaming Drug and Alcohol Strategy (TDAS). Acting as the backbone organization, the Health Unit facilitated a common agenda, shared progress measures, and coordinated mutually reinforcing activities.

The 2023 CSWB Plan, co-funded by all 24 municipalities, established a steering committee and three working groups to address safety and well-being goals. TDAS, launched in 2022, engages over 20 organizations and community members through a steering committee and four working groups. Deliverables include public events, navigational resources, social marketing campaigns, capacity building, new health infrastructure, improved collaboration, and advocacy for healthy public policy.

These initiatives demonstrate how local public health units can use the Collective Impact framework to address complex rural public health challenges. By integrating a continuous learning approach, implementation can integrate knowledge to foster collaboration that leads to community engagement and policy change. However, sustainable funding is critical for supporting collaborative governance and mitigating challenges like limited rural data availability.