Personal Protective Equipment in Home and Community Care Settings

April 10, 2020, Toronto – Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) and our over 220 members support over a million vulnerable people across the province and we are proud of all our frontline workers during this incredibly stressful time. Our sector’s main concern during this time of pandemic is the safety of our clients and frontline workers.

We have tabled with government the need to keep our sector top of mind and the need to prioritize the allocation of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to allow workers to provide safe care during the COVID-19 outbreak. We are aware of the government’s actions to obtain resources and appreciate all their efforts. However, the current situation at one of our member agencies, Participation House Markham, is a distressing example of the immense challenges facing the province right now in ensuring an adequate supply of PPE across the health system.

The province must act now to ensure the safety of staff and residents of Participation House Markham and other home and community care providers in Ontario. As community spread is now the main transmission vehicle in Ontario, the provincial allocation of PPE must reflect this.

The home and community care sector encompasses a multitude of services and service providers, including congregate settings such assisted living, transitional care homes, as well as home care and community based programs like Meals on Wheels; services that normally can help keep people healthy and out of the hospital. But our sector can only help keep hospital admissions from mounting with support and, particularly during this time of pandemic, access to PPE supplies. We are all trying our best to do our part, but we cannot succeed without the tools we desperately need.

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OCSA Joins Communities Across Ontario to Celebrate March For Meals 2025

By Karla Sealy • March 1, 2025

ONTARIO, March 1, 2025 - This March, the Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) is proud to stand with communities across Ontario in support of March for Meals, an annual campaign highlighting the essential role of Meals on Wheels programs. Delivered in 181 communities across the province, these programs provide nutritious meals, social connection, and safety checks for vulnerable seniors and adults with disabilities. Meals on Wheels Ontario, with the support of belairdirect, encourages Ontarians to show their support for March for Meals and the local Meals on Wheels programs that serve their communities. Together, these programs deliver over 3 million meals annually and provide vital assistance to nearly 70,000 Ontarians. As the demand for nutritious and affordable meals grows, so too do the challenges faced by local programs—including underfunding and volunteer shortages. Now more than ever, community support is essential to ensuring these programs continue to provide a lifeline to those who need it most. “Meals on Wheels programs are a cornerstone of home and community care in Ontario, ensuring that seniors and adults with disabilities have access to healthy meals, social connection, and safety checks,” says Deborah Simon, CEO of OCSA. “However, these programs face growing demand and funding challenges. March for Meals is an opportunity for all Ontarians to rally around these essential services and support their sustainability so that no one is left behind.” During the month of March, community-based Meals on Wheels programs across the province will host special events, engage local officials, and encourage community participation to raise awareness and support for these critical services. OCSA invites Ontarians to learn more about the impact of Meals on Wheels and explore ways to get involved. For more information on March for Meals and how you can support your local Meals on Wheels program, visit Meals on Wheels Ontario . About OCSA The Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) champions a strong, sustainable home and community care sector in Ontario. The association represents over 220 not-for-profit organizations that deliver high-quality services that help seniors, people with disabilities, and those with complex care needs remain independent in their homes and communities. These proactive and cost-effective services prevent unnecessary hospitalizations, emergency room visits and premature institutionalization. For more information visit www.ocsa.on.ca or @OCSATweets For media inquiries please contact: Karla Sealy (she/her) Manager of Communications 416-256-3010/1-800-267-6272, ext 242 karla.sealy@ocsa.on.ca