SIMCOE MUSKOKA — Today, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) has released its 2026–2029 Strategic Plan, marking an important moment of renewal and direction for the organization.

The strategic plan is the first developed under the leadership of SMDHU’s new Medical Officer of Health (Acting appointment pending provincial approval) and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Lisa Simon. The plan sets the course for the organization’s areas of focus over the next four years, positioning the health unit to meet evolving public health needs and to continually enhance its work with communities. The protection of health, prevention of disease, and promotion of well-being for everyone across Simcoe Muskoka remains core to its mandate and mission.

Four new strategic directions; community engagement, equity-driven action, quality and innovation, and a skilled and connected workforce, drive how SMDHU will work together to build strong relationships, reduce health inequities and deliver high-quality, evidence-informed programs and services. This plan is a roadmap for how the health unit will optimize our impact towards its vision of ‘Healthy communities. Healthy people.’

“At its core, the new strategic plan reinforces our commitment to collaboration to improve the health of communities across Simcoe Muskoka,” says Ann-Marie Kungl, SMDHU’s Board of Health Chair. “As a board we are confident that, guided by this plan, the health unit will continue to lead with excellence and accountability, ensuring healthier communities for all.”

To develop the plan, the health unit gathered input from employees, board members, and community partners. It reviewed local data and context, and ensured the priorities being set reflect the feedback received. The health unit’s strategic plan remains true to its principles of collaborating with communities to enable everyone an opportunity to achieve optimal health.

For more information about the health unit, visit smdhu.org.