Grant: Operating Grant: Knowledge to Action

In 2008, The World Health Organization Commission on Social Determinants of Health identified health inequity as the most remediable health crisis of the 21st century, and called for evidence and action in all countries, across all levels of government, and in all sectors to address social determinants of population health. This Knowledge to Action grant will enable intersectoral stakeholders in Toronto to respond to the WHO call to action, and to set a global example as a city that is integrating research and community knowledge to reduce health inequities. Our team comprises highly experienced health and human service planners and internationally recognized health equity researchers. With CIHR funding, we will adapt, implement, and evaluate the WHO Urban HEART to reduce health inequities in Toronto. Urban HEART (Urban Health Equity Assessment and Response Tool is a novel KT tool that links evidence-based health equity assessment directly to evidence-based health equity interventions. (This link, which creates actionable evidence is badly needed to move from measuring health inequities to reducing them). The need for actionable evidence to guide intersectoral action on health equity is a CIHR priority. It is also a priority in Toronto. An evidence-based approach will help us to understand where, why, and how our diverse efforts are (or are not) reducing health inequities. Toronto`s demographic profile, particularly our high levels of immigration and ethno-cultural-racial diversity, may represent the future for many cities in post-industrial countries. Our experiences in managing sociocultural integration and protecting health and social equity across diverse groups can be an important guide for other cities. CIHR investment in this process will help stakeholders in Canada and around the world better understand pathways to health equity.