Vital Signs community data, Prince Edward County - Data , Health

Research shows that the social determinants of health (SDOH) can be more important than health care or lifestyle choices in influencing health. SDOH includes factors such as economic stability, access to health care, physical environment, education, food quality and access, and community and social contact.

Health Indicators

Mental Health

Substance Use

Health Risks for Seniors

Birth & Death Rates

Health Trends

Health Indicators

Hastings Prince Edward Health Characteristics

Self-reported health characteristics 2015 to 2024 for the Hastings Prince Edward (HPE) health region.

Note: * use with caution
Beginning in 2023, the coverage of the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) was changed to include adults aged 18 and older.
Source: Statistics Canada, Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS). Table 13-10-0113-01 Health characteristics, two-year period estimates

Perceived good health is considerably lower than the province. The older population could be a factor. The status was rising in 2017/18 but fell starting in 2019/20, possibly influenced by the pandemic.

Perceived good mental health status across all age groups declined starting in 2019/20.
Perceived poor mental health is statistically higher than the provincial average.

Obesity: In adults in HPE and Ontario, rates of obesity have been increasing over time. HPE is 9.4 percentage points higher than the provincial average. There are higher rates of overweight and obesity in adults in rural areas.

Rates of chronic disease

HPE residents fall within several high-risk health categories. When compared with the province, the median age of citizens is higher, as is the prevalence of chronic disease. HPE has a high level of potentially avoidable mortality, which is the combination of both treatable and preventable causes of death when compared to Ontario.

Access to a regular healthcare provider decreased from 92.8% to 80.8% (2016 to 2023), 6.8% less than average for Ontario. Research shows that people who do not have a primary care provider have worse health and higher rates of preventable diseases. (Canadian Institute for Health Information. Better access to primary care key to improving health of Canadians.)

Also see PEC Health Care Services – doctor access.

See Prince Edward Family Health Team Living Well with Chronic Conditions (COPD, CHF, diabetes, asthma, depression (mild-moderate), or attending Cardiac Rehab)

Also see Community Support Resources - Health Services

Mental Health

SDG 3.4: Promote mental health and well-being.
SDG 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.

In 2022, 10.4% of Canadians aged 15 and older had a mental health disability. (Stats Can Survey on Disability 2022) In any given year, 1 in 5 Canadians experiences a mental illness. Canadians in the lowest income group are 3 to 4 times more likely than those in the highest income group to report poor to fair mental health. (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health)

In Prince Edward County, alcohol use, anxiety, depression and stimulant use are among the top reasons for mental health service calls. (ConnexOntario)

Self-reported poor or fair mental health started to spike in 2020. Pandemic-related lockdowns intensified a sense of isolation and disconnection, and people lost their sense of safety as well as certainty about the future, jobs and lives (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health). (Canadian Mental Health Association, “COVID-19 Effects the Mental Health of Vulnerable Populations”) The COVID-19 pandemic had a negative effect on all ages, especially impacting youth mental health.

Mental Health among adolescents

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) 2021 survey found that 59% of students surveyed said the pandemic has made them feel depressed about the future, and 18% had seriously contemplated suicide in the past year.

From 2011 to 2018, the prevalence of diagnosed anxiety disorders among Canadian adolescents increased from 6.0% to 12.9%. Excessive video game and computer use has been linked to depression and anxiety, conditions that can negatively influence academic performance and may lead to social isolation, loneliness, and suicide. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as engaging in regular physical activity, is associated with better mental health. However, only 35.6% of Canadian teens meet the current physical activity recommendation and 30.6% meet the screen time recommendation. (Stats Can Daily 2025.01.15)

The increased need for mental health services is further straining a system that was already overwhelmed. Local mental health support for both children and adults is scarce, with long waitlists and limited services. Addiction treatment requires travel to Kingston for the nearest detox program. PEC OPP have seen a 25% Increase in mental health act incidents in 2023 (over the 9 year average 2014 to 2023). (Police Services Board 2024 Report)

Mental Health of PEC Youth

The Greater Than County Youth Collective PEC youth surveys in 2021 captured the experiences of County youth between the ages of 12-29. Overall, 72 youth participated in the surveys and 19 took part in focus groups. The report compared results from youth surveys in 2017, 2018, and 2021. See the full report.

The most vulnerable subgroups include those who are racialized, low-income, are living with disabilities, and LGBTQSIA+ youth. Barriers to mental health support expressed by PEC youth are:

long wait times for mental health support
the desire for counsellors with lived experience, esp. to support LGBTQ2S+ and BIPOC youth
transportation, especially for those in rural areas and youth with physical disabilities.

Mental Health of Farmers

Farmers in Canada experience higher levels of anxiety, depression, stress, emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and alcohol use compared to the general population. In the 2021 National Survey of Farmer Mental Health, 76% reported moderate to high stress levels. This is largely due to factors beyond their control, such as weather, market prices, trade policies, and crop or animal disease outbreaks. The Farmer Wellness Initiative supports Ontario farmers, farm workers, and their families with free and unlimited mental health counselling.

Also see Community Support Resources - Addictions & Mental Health Support

Substance Use

Problematic Substance Use

Substance use disorder (sometimes called problematic substance use or substance abuse),

The term “substance use disorder” replaces substance abuse (Stats Can)

happens when a person’s use of certain drugs or other substances, including alcohol and tobacco, causes health problems or problems at work, school, or home.

Substance use can lead to a brain injury, particularly in the case of opioids or impairment from alcohol and other drugs. (Brain Injury Canada)

Substance use was on the rise in Canada during COVID-19. Canadians who described their mental health as ‘fair’ or ‘poor’ were more likely to have increased their use of alcohol, cannabis and tobacco during the early stages of the pandemic. Their increased substance use is attributed to feelings of stress and anxiety, loss of routine and social isolation. (Canadian Mental Health Association, “COVID-19 Effects the Mental Health of Vulnerable Populations”)

Problematic substance use in Hastings Prince Edward (HPE)

Problematic substance use in the Hastings Prince Edward Health Region (HPEC) is higher than the Ontario average.

Note: Heavy drinking refers to males who reported having 5 or more drinks, or women who reported having 4 or more drinks, on one occasion, at least once a month in the past year.

Sources:

HPE Public Health Opioid Monitoring
Public Health Ontario Cannabis Harms
Public Health Ontario Alcohol Harms
Public Health Ontario Smoking Status
Statistics Canada. Table 13-10-0113-01 Health characteristics, two-year period estimates

Also see Community Support Resources - Addictions & Mental Health Support

Health Risks for Seniors

Increased Health Risks for Seniors

Also see Community Support Resources - Support Programs for Seniors

Birth & Death Rates

Sources:

Statistics Canada. Statistics Canada. Table 13-10-0389-01 Life expectancy

Statistics Canada. Table 17-10-0140-01 Components of population change by census division

Public Health Ontario. Mortality from Avoidable Causes.

Mortality from Avoidable Causes

Potentially Avoidable Mortalities (PAMs) refer to deaths that could have been prevented through effective and timely health care or public health interventions. The rate in Hastings Prince Edward is well above the Ontario rate.

PAMs may be broken down into:

Preventable deaths – deaths that could be avoided through public health measures (e.g. smoking cessation, injury prevention, vaccinations).

Treatable (amenable) deaths – deaths that could be avoided through timely and effective medical care (e.g. deaths from treatable cancers, diabetes complications, or heart disease).

Prince Edward County Birth Rates by Age of Mother

The trend shows more births among mothers aged 35 and older, and fewer births among younger mothers. Births to teenage mothers are declining. However, families with young mothers remain at increased risk for negative health and social outcomes. (Public Health Agency of Canada)

Health Trends

Health Trends in Canada

Increasing rates of poor mental health

Increasing body mass index among adults

Increasing rates of diabetes

Decreasing body mass index among youth

Decreasingrates of smoking

Decreasing rates of heavy drinking

Increased rates of influenza immunization

Research published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, found that 32.7 per cent of Canadians (10.6 million people) were obese in 2023 — an increase of eight percentage points since 2009. But there was a steeper increase in obesity during the COVID-19 pandemic. And the greatest increase was in young adults between the ages of 18 and 39 years old. (CBC July 14, 2025)

Health: Healthcare Services

Fri, 21 Oct 2022 19:55:41 -0400

Vital Signs Data

Community

Arts Culture Recreation

Economy

Employment / Workforce

Poverty Reduction

Collaborative Impact

Education

Educational Attainment

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Collaborative Impact

Environment

Climate Resilience

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Food Security

About Food Insecurity

Food Programs

Collaborative Impact

Health

Health Characteristics

Healthcare Services

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Household Characteristics

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Transportation Services

Collaborative Impact

Healthcare Services

Updated Dec 6, 2024

Sustainable Development Goal (SDs)
SDG 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

Primary Healthcare

Healthcare Staffing

Long-term and Palliative Care

Mental Health & Addictions Care

Public Health

Primary Healthcare

One of the primary care challenges is that our local system lacks the capacity to support population growth, having been chronically underfunded for years. Despite efforts to be innovative with limited means, primary care— the gateway to our health system— remains under-resourced, which increases pressure on hospitals and the broader healthcare system."

Barinder Gill, Executive Director

Prince Edward Family Health Team

Know where to go for healthcare

If you don’t have a family doctor or nurse practitioner and need non-emergency medical assistance, Quinte Health Care has provided a list of options.

As of April 2023, there were 4,000 PEC residents without access to primary care. Between April and October 2024, the innovative Health Care Connect Premium (HCCP) program connected 750 PEC residents to a family doctor, with an additional 500 expected within four months.

Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital in Picton provides emergency and primary care. Specialized services are available through Quinte Health (QHC) at its hospitals in Belleville and Quinte West. https://quintehealth.ca/hospital/prince-edward-county-memorial-hospital/

The existing 60-year-old Prince Edward County hospital building – which serves more than 40,000 patient visits a year – is over 60 years old and is too small to accommodate The County’s growing population. A new hospital is planned that will comprise over 95,000 square feet of space and provide 24/7 emergency services, expanded inpatient beds, and leading-edge equipment. See Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation pecmhf.ca

The Prince Edward Family Health Team (PEFHT) has 23 regulated physician positions and team members. They provide integrated, team-based, patient-centred primary care through direct office care and programs and services aimed at meeting the distinct health needs of the PEC community. pefht.ca

Nurse Practitioner-led Community Clinic
The Prince Edward Family Health Team Community Clinic addresses problem-specific primary care to unattached residents of Prince Edward County (those without a primary care provider). See details …

Ambulance Service

Prince Edward County is looking at expanding its ambulance service. Since 2007, there has been a 42% increase in call volume. Overnight calls have gone up 53%. (Quinte News March 2023)

Dental Care for Low-income households

Ontarian children and youth aged 17 and under from low-income households are eligible for free dental care as part of the Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) program. Services include free preventive, routine, and emergency dental services. Find out more about the Healthy Smiles Program at hpePublicHealth.ca/kidsdental

The Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP) is a government-funded dental care program. It provides free, routine dental services for low-income seniors who are 65 years of age or older. Information is available at hpePublicHealth.ca/seniorsdental

Healthcare Staffing

The shortage of healthcare workers is leading to increased pressure and burnout among current staff. Moreover, despite a growing population and a high percentage of seniors, the number of physician spaces allocated to Prince Edward County has declined from 28 in 2013 to just 23 today.

Our aging society is creating a higher demand for healthcare workers – especially among personal care workers if the “aging in place” approaches are successful. In the past, as people got older they often left their homes and communities to receive care in larger communities with available care facilities. Now, however, older people are more interested in remaining in their own rural communities. (Rural Ontario Foresight Papers 2019, Workforce Development in Rural Ontario)

Doctor recruitment
As of Oct/24, 8 physician spaces of 23 need to be filled. County Docs has secured 7 physicians, but ongoing recruitment is vital due to retirements, COVID-related strain, fewer medical students choosing family medicine, and a growing local population. Strategies to reduce barriers for healthcare talent include:

The Doctor Accommodation Network (DAN) provides housing for locums and new physicians, offering vital relief for family doctors.
A state-of-the-art, 96,000-square-foot hospital is set to open in 2027, as well as a nearby medical clinic offering resources and space for doctors.
Starting in fall 2026, new legislative and regulatory changes will, if passed, require all Ontario medical schools to allocate at least 95 per cent of all undergraduate medical school seats to residents of Ontario, with the other five per cent reserved for students from the rest of Canada. (Ontario.ca)

Healthcare workers

Currently in Ontario and Prince Edward County, there is advocacy for more nurse practitioner-led clinics. Nurse practitioners are trained to diagnose, treat and monitor a range of health issues. They’re also able to make referrals to specialists and physicians. According to the Nurse Practitioners’ Association of Ontario, the barrier is lack of government funding. Unlike doctors, nurse practitioners are unable to bill Ontario’s provincial health insurance, or OHIP, for services. (The Star, Nov 15/22, Advocates call for more nurse practitioner-led clinics in Ontario)

Local bursaries support PEC residents looking to advance their healthcare education.
A shuttle provides transportation for Personal Support Worker and Nursing student placements between Loyalist College, the hospital, and McFarland Home.
The redevelopment of HJ McFarland Memorial Home will more than double its size.

Long-term and Palliative Care

The H. J. McFarland Memorial Home is an accredited, non-profit, long-term-care facility operated by the Corporation of the County of Prince Edward and the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. The 84-bed facility will be replaced by a 160-bed facility. www.thecounty.ca/residents/services/h-j-mcfarland-memorial-home/about-h-j-mcfarland-home

» Home & Community Care Support Services, Ontario

Community Paramedicine for Long-term Care

This initiative, delivered by Hastings-Quinte Paramedic Services, helps more seniors on long-term care waitlists stay safe while living in the comfort of their own homes for longer. Through the program, non-emergency home visits and online service 24 /7 hours a day makes specially trained paramedics available for in-home testing, among other services.

Hospice Prince Edward
https://www.hospiceprinceedward.ca
Residential hospice combines the benefits of 24-hour professional care with the comfort and warmth of a home setting. Hospice serves the needs of the individual receiving palliative care and their loved ones with peace, privacy and dignity.

Mental Health & Addictions Care

New 988 Hotline
Canada has initiated the 988 phone service for people dealing with a mental health crisis or contemplating suicide. People needing immediate real time support can call or text the 3 digit number to be connected with a trained professional. The service is free of charge and is available on a 7/24 basis.

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Hastings and Prince Edward
cmhahpe.ca

Crisis line: 613-969-7400, EXT. 2753
A community-based agency providing a range of client-centred services and supports.

Integrated Mobile Police and Crisis Team (IMPACT)
Mental health crisis workers assist OPP officers on mental health calls.

Information, Support, and Referrals for mental health or substance use concerns
hpepublichealth.ca/getting-help

Supplies and resources for safer drug use
Naloxone kits, needle exchange sites, and safe disposal of sharps.
hpepublichealth.ca/safer-drug-use/

Children’s Mental Health Services Hastings and Prince Edward Counties
www.cmhs-hpe.on.ca 24/7 crisis line available at 613-966-3100.

Services are provided both in-person and virtually depending on the need. Community-based mental health services for children and youth having any one of a range of disorders.

Public Health

Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) hpepublichealth.ca
Serves the counties of Hastings and Prince Edward from four regional offices. They monitor the health of our local population, deliver programs and services within our communities and help to develop healthy public policies.

Effective January 1, 2025, the Board of Health for Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) will merge with Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Public Health (KFLAPH) and Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit (LGLDHU) to form South East Public Health.

Hastings Prince Edward Ontario Health Team (HPE-OHT)
Hastings Prince Edward region is one of eight new Ontario Health Teams announced by the provincial government in September 2021. The teams have been developed as a new way to organize and deliver care. The Hastings Prince Edward Ontario Health Team (HPE-OHT) is expected to remove barriers across 46 local health care providers, physicians and community organizations striving to meet the health and wellness needs of people no matter which door they enter or where care is provided, across both counties. This is the first step in a multi-year transformation. (County Live, September 19, 2021)

Vital Signs community data, Prince Edward County - Data , Health

Health Characteristics

Vital Signs Data

Health Characteristics

​Hastings Prince Edward Health Characteristics

​Hastings Prince Edward Health Characteristics

​Mental Health

​Problematic Substance Use

Problematic substance use in Hastings Prince Edward (HPE)

Problematic substance use in Hastings Prince Edward (HPE)

Increased Health Risks for Seniors

​Birth & Death Rates

​Prince Edward County Birth Rates by Age of Mother

Health Trends in Canada

Increasing rates of poor mental health

Increasing body mass index among adults

Increasing rates of diabetes

Decreasing body mass index among youth

Decreasingrates of smoking

Decreasing rates of heavy drinking

Increased rates of influenza immunization

Health: Healthcare Services

Vital Signs Data

Healthcare Services

Healthcare Services

​Primary Healthcare

​Primary Healthcare

​Healthcare Staffing

​Long-term and Palliative Care

​Mental Health & Addictions Care

​Public Health

Hastings Prince Edward Health Characteristics

Hastings Prince Edward Health Characteristics

Mental Health

Problematic Substance Use

Birth & Death Rates

Prince Edward County Birth Rates by Age of Mother

Primary Healthcare

Primary Healthcare

Healthcare Staffing

Long-term and Palliative Care

Mental Health & Addictions Care

Public Health