LHIN Legislation Must Ensure a Strong, Viable NFP Sector: OANHSS

LHIN Legislation Must Ensure a Strong, Viable Not-for-Profit Sector: OANHSS

Ontario Government Release and Backgrounder

Toronto (November 24, 2005) – New legislation introduced today that will govern Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs) is a welcomed step in the healthcare transformation process but as it unfolds, OANHSS will be looking to see that the not-for-profit sector continues to play an active role in meeting the needs of the people they serve.

“We support the government’s goals of system integration and organizational collaboration. In fact, through the scope of services they provide, many not-for-profit organizations are models of integration within their own community,” said Donna Rubin, CEO of the Ontario Association of Non-Profit Homes and Services for Seniors (OANHSS).

Not-for-profit organizations have a long and proud history of serving their communities and delivering added value through:

Re-investment in care – surplus dollars flow back into the organization to expand services and operations

Local accountability – accountable to the public through elected representatives and charitable boards
Strong community support – reflect the values and culture of their communities and supported by tens of thousands of volunteers
Choice – a vibrant not-for-profit sector offers consumers meaningful choices for long term care, services and housing.

“Many in our sector have developed continuums of care offering a range of programs, from support services for seniors living in the community, to seniors’ housing and supportive housing, through to long term care homes for those who require a higher level of care,” noted Rubin.

“As models of integration are developed, we will want to ensure that the new system ensures the continuation of a strong, viable not-for-profit sector, preserves governance at the organizational level, and respects consumer choice,” added Rubin.

Rubin says her organization will continue to work with government to ensure the successful implementation of LHINs.

OANHSS is the provincial association representing not-for-profit providers of long term care, services and housing for seniors. Members include municipal and charitable long term care homes, non-profit nursing homes, seniors’ housing projects and community service agencies. Member organizations operate over 26,000 long term care beds and over 5,000 seniors’ housing units across the province.

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For more information:
Debbie Humphreys
905-851-8821 ext. 233

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Ontario Association of Non-Profit Homes & Services for Seniors
7050 Weston Road, Suite 700, Woodbridge, Ontario L4L 8G7
(P) 905-851-8821
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OANHSS members include not-for-profit providers of long term care, services and housing for seniors in Ontario.
Members include municipal and charitable long term care homes, non-profit nursing homes,
seniors' housing projects and community service agencies.