Celebrating a Career in Public Health
After 18 years of dedicated service, Isabel Churcher, our Executive Director of Finance, is retiring this spring. Her knowledge and understanding of both the financial and human aspects of public health have been instrumental in guiding us through many changes.
We had the privilege of interviewing Isabel about her remarkable career, covering her firsthand experiences with the growth of the field, the challenges faced, and the impact of advocacy and innovation. From the planning and construction of our North Bay facility to advancements in oral health services, her journey is one of deep commitments to community well-being.
In this interview, Isabel reflects on her career and offers valuable insight into the pressing health concerns facing Northern Ontario today while looking ahead to the future of public health. We are excited to share her insights and reflections. Join us in celebrating Isabel’s extraordinary journey!
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Service Reflections
Q: Looking back on your 18 years in public health, what are the accomplishments you are most proud of?
A: One of the biggest achievements has been planning and building our North Bay facility on Oak Street West. The journey—from developing the vision, securing funding, and convincing the board—was complex, but it fell into place, and was proven essential during our COVID response. I believe success in public health comes down to relationships, whether it is with finance ministers or key stakeholders. The North Bay and Parry Sound offices are proof that with strong relationships, things get done.
Q: Can you share a memorable moment that stands out in your career?
A: There have been many! But I think the moments that stick with me the most are the times when public health professionals are thrown into unexpected challenges—whether it was working on Smoke-Free Ontario, handling H1N1, or navigating COVID-19. Public health never stops changing, and the work keeps you on your toes.
Evolution of Public Health
Q: How has your role evolved over the years, and what have been some of the biggest challenges?
A: Public health has changed dramatically. When I started, the field was reactive—today, it is much more proactive and structured. Outbreak response has improved significantly; our team is now able to tackle challenges with precision and coordination.
One of the biggest changes has been oral health. Initially, our involvement was limited to school screenings, but today, we have expanded services for seniors, closed major service gaps for adults and children, and advocated for funding.
Technology has also transformed the way we work. Moving to a paper-free system and integrating new accounting software were major milestones.
Current Challenges & Future Outlook
Q: What are the most pressing public health concerns in Northern Ontario right now?
A: The opioid crisis, homelessness, and access to family doctors are urgent issues. While public health isn't directly responsible for primary healthcare, we see the effects of these gaps every day. Emergency rooms are flooded with people who have nowhere else to go. The entire field of care is stretched thin, and public health professionals are constantly trying to get policymakers to understand the broader picture.
Q: How is your organization addressing these issues?
A: We do what public health has always done advocate, adapt, and cover the gaps. But it's becoming more difficult in a decreasing financial environment.
Q: What do you see as the biggest opportunities and challenges for public health moving forward?
A: The challenge lies in communication. Public health’s role in prevention is often forgotten—until something goes wrong. If we stop regulating beaches, pools, and restaurants, it won’t be immediately noticeable, but eventually, outbreaks and health crises will increase. We must ensure the public understands the importance of our work before problems arise, not after.
The Importance of Public Health & Funding
Q: Why is public health crucial to community well-being?
A: Public Health is everywhere in our communities: from inspections of all food preparation sites to pools spas, barbers, hair salons; to schools, daycares, dentist offices. We advocate for the public's safety through legislation like the Smoke Free Ontario Act or Individual School Pupils Act. It keeps people safe, prevents crises, and saves money in the long run.
Q: What message would you like to convey to policymakers about funding?
A: Public health is essential, yet we're constantly being chipped away at. The Ministry guarantees a 1% increase in funding, but that doesn’t go far. Without professionals doing inspections, visiting newborns or ensuring safe water, the system falls apart. Policymakers need to recognize that prevention is far cheaper than dealing with a crisis after the fact.
Advice to Future Public Health Professionals
Q: What advice would you give to your successor and the next generation of professionals?
A: Integrity and ethics are everything. Without them, you lose respect—and without respect, you're nothing, in my opinion. Organizations thrive when each person is valued for what they bring to the table.
Retirement & Future Plans
Q: As you retire, what’s next for you?
A: Public health has been close to my heart, but I’m looking forward to new adventures. I plan to focus on creative work, quilting, painting—and spending more time with my family. Travel is on the horizon, whether it’s exploring Newfoundland, visiting my sisters in the Maritimes, or taking a trailer trip across the country. I’ve always wanted to see the Grand Canyon from a helicopter, though that will have to wait for now.
Q: What legacy do you hope to leave behind?
A: I want my work in policy and procedures to make a lasting difference. Reliable information leads to sound decisions, and in public health, good data saves lives. If I’ve helped create systems that keep things running smoothly, then I’ve done my job well.