About us

On January 1, 2025 Hastings Prince Edward Public Health; Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington Public Health; and the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit merged to form Southeast Public Health (SEPH). SEPH monitors the health of our local population, delivers programs and services within our communities, and helps develop healthy public policies. We provide information and support in many areas to help improve the health and well-being of residents and visitors in Southeastern Ontario.

Our Story

Pair of hands silhouetted against a setting sun hold an illustrated ball of illuminated user icons.

Our story began many years ago with three distinct and successful public health agencies dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of their communities. Each had its own history, deep roots, and trusted relationships that demonstrated the collective value placed on being a trusted presence in the community to protect and promote the health of residents. Through collaboration, shared values, and a commitment to public service, these agencies have come together as one unified organization.

This merger represents more than a structural change – it is a pivotal step toward achieving greater impact. By combining our knowledge, strengths, and resources, we have unlocked new possibilities to address the complex public health challenges facing the communities we serve. We are now a stronger, more resilient organization, equipped to deliver a broad variety of services that touch every stage of life and every corner of our vast region. Our region, our agency, and our people are blossoming together through change in Southeastern Ontario.

How we are funded

Our operations are funded by the Ministry of Health, local Municipal governments, the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, the Public Health Agency of Canada, and Health Canada.

We represent a region of diverse communities marked by urban centres, towns, villages, and rural areas on the eastern edge of Lake Ontario, stretching along the St. Lawrence River. This landscape shapes how our residents live, work, learn, and play. We are guided by the diverse perspectives, cultures, and experiences of those we serve, and we strive to create equitable conditions in our region.

Efforts are underway to redesign materials for Southeast Public Health, which will take time. In the meantime, logos and other advertising material with legacy branding will continue to circulate, as will documents using our legal name South East Health Unit.

Partners and members of the public should continue to engage with their local public health offices as usual until otherwise directed.

Hastings Prince Edward Public Health Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington Public Health Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit