Thank you for your interest in joining OPHA. Our Board and staff are committed to providing a valuable experience for both new and long-standing members. Whether you are just entering the field or you have been active in public health for years, membership in the OPHA lets others know where you stand – committed to enhancing public health in Ontario.
OPHA is more than a service provider to public and community health professionals – we represent their collective voice. We believe that we can accomplish more together than we can alone and that a strong, engaged membership base increases our ability to find new, creative, and collaborative ways to address prevailing needs and make a greater impact in the public health environment. The expertise of our workgroups, board committees, constituent societies, and members, gives us a solid foundation to achieve the goals of our new plan. For example, drawing on the expertise and efforts of our workgroups, OPHA made its voice heard to government on a wide range of issues, including healthy child development; poverty reduction; obesity prevention; control of alcohol sales; reproductive health; the built environment and many more. In keeping with the strategic plan, we will keep members better informed of new developments, strengthen our ability to influence public policy, solidify and expand our partnerships and professional development offerings.
Therefore, we encourage you not just to become an OPHA member, but to become an active member to realize the true benefits of belonging to our organization. If you have any questions or encounter any difficulties, please email membership@opha.on.ca or call us at 416.367.3313. We look forward to working with you to advance OPHA’s vision of being a dynamic and innovative force, enhancing and reshaping public health!
Join OPHA
First time members or members who want to switch categories, apply below!
OPHA Membership Categories
OPHA offers different categories of individual and organizational memberships. Choose the one that best suits you.
Regular Members – Starting $165
A Regular OPHA membership is our most popular category. This category is available to public health professionals and others who are committed to OPHA’s mission.
CPHA & OPHA Conjoint Membership
Conjoint membership is available to those who wish to join both the Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA) and OPHA at a discounted rate. Apply through CPHA’s website!
Individual Constituent Society Member – $120
This membership category offers a reduced fee for those who are also a member of one of OPHA’s Constituent Societies which are listed below:
- Alliance for Healthier Communities (AHC)
- Association of Supervisors of Public Health Inspectors of Ontario (ASPHIO)
- Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspector -Ontario Branch (CIPHI-O)
- Community Health Nurses’ Initiatives Group (RNAO)
- Ontario Association of Public Health Nursing Leaders (OAPHNL)
- Ontario Public Health Libraries Association (OPHLA)
Student Members – Starting $90
A Student Membership is for you if you are enrolled full-time at an institute of higher learning. OPHA offers various professional development opportunities to build new relationships, increase your marketability, and make an impact in the workforce.
Unemployed Members – Starting $100
An Unemployed Member is an individual who is a graduate of a recognized public or community health program or is seeking employment in public and community health.
Retired Members – Starting $100
A Retired Membership is for those who are no longer employed in the workforce or seeking paid employment.
The OPHA also has two categories specifically for our Constituent Societies and Organizations:
Constituent Society
A society, association, or similar voluntary organization of community or public health professionals can be granted membership in the OPHA by our Board of Directors, if it has objectives that are compatible with those of OPHA, is constitutionally autonomous, financially self-sustaining, and has been constituted and active for a minimum of 1 year.
Each Constituent Society that applies for OPHA membership can identify up to 5 individuals to become OPHA members. These members will act as Constituent Society representatives, and one will act as a designate for the Board. This designate is entitled to one vote on all decision items presented at the Board of Directors. Constituent Society Members are entitled to two vote privileges at the OPHA Annual General Meeting (*Board designate and one other).
Please email membership@opha.on.ca if interested in applying for a Constituent Society Membership.
Organizational Members
A not-for-profit or for-profit organization or public health agency may join the OPHA as an Organizational Member. The organization must have objectives that are compatible with those of OPHA and must have been constituted and active for a minimum of one year.
An Organizational Member can identify 5 members of their organization to become OPHA members. This representation is not transferrable within the year that membership is renewed or first registered. An Organizational Member is entitled to run as a Member-at-Large. All Organizational members in good standing are entitled to one vote on all decision items presented at the OPHA Annual General Meeting.
Please email membership@opha.on.ca if interested in applying for an Organizational Membership.
*Please note that our membership year is from April 1 to March 31. All memberships will expire March 31. As OPHA membership is on a yearly basis, all membership privileges are canceled and ineffective as of April 1, of the current year. Non-payment of fees will result in termination of membership.
The OPHA also has two categories for Lifetime and Honorary members:
Lifetime Members
A Lifetime Membership is conferred on any OPHA Member by the Board who has rendered long and meritorious service to OPHA. Only one Life Member may be conferred each year. A Lifetime Member does not pay an annual OPHA membership fee, and is entitled to vote at all meetings of the Members of the OPHA and to hold office in the OPHA.
Honorary Members
OPHA’s Board of Directors may confer an Honourary membership for the lifetime of any person who may have rendered distinguished service and or made an extraordinary contribution to Public Health in Ontario. Only one Honourary Member may be conferred each year.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact membership@opha.on.ca or call 416.367.3313