Health Professionals Update - Vol. 18, No. 18
From:
Kathryn Marsilio, MPH, MD, CCFP, FRCPC
Associate Medical Officer of Health
In this issue:
- Prenatal, pregnancy and postpartum wraparound services for all families
- Referrals for family health services in Peel region
- New: Substance use webpage for health professionals
Key messages:
- The early years set the foundation for building and maintaining optimal physical, mental, and social health.
- Peel Public Health's (PPHs) comprehensive family health services provide free and enhanced wraparound supports for pregnancy, infant care, and early childhood health and development.
- Services are open to all families regardless of immigration status.
- Health Professionals in Peel region are encouraged to refer families to PPHs comprehensive family health services, no OHIP card is required.
- The NEW substance use resources webpage for health professionals is a go-to source for evidence-based tools to address smoking, vaping, cannabis, and alcohol use in Peel and support healthier client outcomes.
Prenatal, pregnancy and postpartum wraparound services for all families
Peel Public Health Nurse inquiries
Telephone support is available for families to speak directly with a Public Health Nurse (PHN) and includes translation and interpreter services and information about:
- Healthy pregnancy
- Baby feeding
- Perinatal depression and anxiety
- Growth and development for children 6 years and under
- Active living for children
- Sleep
- Child feeding
- Home safety
- Toilet learning
- Child behaviour
- Community programs
Outreach materials, including posters and tear-off pads are available through the inquiries line.
Family health services offered by Peel Region
Baby Feeding Support Services
PHNs support all families in their infant feeding choices without judgement. Services are tailored to individual needs and provided in a sensitive, caring and timely manner postpartum. Services include:
- Health education.
- Technical hands-on support through home visits.
- Technical hands-on support through in-person clinic appointments via referral only at 2 locations:
- Brampton Baby Feeding Support Clinic: 10 Peel Centre Dr, Brampton.
- Meadowvale Baby Feeding Support Clinic: 6975 Meadowvale Town Centre Circle, Mississauga.
- Telephone counselling.
Peer-to-peer telephone support, in various languages, is also available through the Breastfeeding Companions Program. PHNs also support families with nutrition information, safety education and vaccination guidance.
Healthy Babies Healthy Children (HBHC) Program
HBHC is a free, evidence-based home visiting program to support eligible higher-risk families or families with complex needs from pregnancy through 6 years of age. This service is designed to complement your practice by providing families with individualized care planning, personalized health guidance, parenting support, and connections to community services. HBHC also promotes maternal mental health, recognizing its critical role in supporting parent-child bonding, responsive caregiving, and optimal child development. By helping caregivers manage stress and access timely mental health supports, the program fosters healthier family dynamics and stronger developmental outcomes for children.
Referrals for family health services in Peel region
Families are more likely to accept support when the recommendation comes from a trusted health professional. No OHIP card is required. Physicians are encouraged to refer families who:
- Have concerns about parenting, parent-child bonding, or child health and development.
- Have a history of or are currently experiencing physical and/or mental health issues that may impact pregnancy or parenting.
- Are facing challenges such as low income, food insecurity, or limited social support.
PHNs will assess families and determine program suitability based on individual and family needs. Referral pathways include:
- Call 905-799-7700 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) to speak directly with a PHN.
- Email peelhealth@peelregion.ca to connect with a PHN.
Referral Options:
- With client consent, health professionals can refer directly via phone.
- Self-referral is also encouraged for clients and families. Visit Peel Public Health nurse inquiries for referral information
NEW: Substance use webpage for health professionals
The substance use resources webpage for health professionals is designed to equip you with evidence-based tools and resources to address substance use with your clients to help improve their health. From clinical guidance tools to support services, this webpage is your go-to hub for enhancing patient care and promoting better health outcomes. Some resources include:
Smoking and vaping
Cannabis
Alcohol
Join us in creating a healthier Peel - explore the Substance use resources for health professionals webpage today!
Contact us
The Health Professionals Update (HPU) is distributed to physician offices in Peel region via fax or email. Share this update with other health professionals in your clinic.
More information:
- Review past HPUs
- Subscribe to HPU emails
- For questions about this update, email healthprofessionals@peelregion.ca