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Three public health units in Ontario are one step closer to merging, forming South East Public Health, which will be one of the province’s largest regional health agencies.
The board of health for Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington (KFLAPH) has voted in favour, while the boards for Hastings Prince Edward (HPEPH) and Leeds, Grenville, and Lanark (LGLDHU) are set to vote later this week. If approved, the new agency will officially launch on January 1, 2025.
This merger follows Ontario’s Strengthening Public Health initiative, announced in August, which offers funding for voluntary mergers. The new agency will serve over 550,000 people in southeastern Ontario. The provincial government will cover all costs for the transition, with no extra expense to municipalities.
KFL&A’s Dr. Piotr Oglaza will lead South East Public Health as Medical Officer of Health and CEO.
Officials say the merger will improve services while keeping local partnerships strong. Public health offices will continue normal operations during the transition.
Written by Emily Chatwood
