About Us

Best Start is a key program of Health Nexus and funded by the Government of Ontario.

We are a provincial resource centre that supports service providers to implement effective health promotion programs for expectant and new parents (including both mom and dad), newborns and young children.

Our Story

Best Start began in 1992 as a unique demonstration project. Funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, the District of Algoma and the City of Barrie were selected to develop and implement interventions to promote the health of women and families, before, during and after pregnancy. From 1992 - 1998 both sites implemented 100s of innovative programs.

Following this demonstration period, the Ministry funded the Resource Centre to build on the lessons learned during the demonstration period and provide support to communities across the province. In 2000/01 our mandate expanded to include early child development and we officially became know as Best Start: Ontario's Maternal, Newborn and Early Child Development Resource Centre.

Our association with Health Nexus (formerly OPC) began when the demonstration project support was housed here. Today we're an integral part and major program of Health Nexus. Health Nexus is Ontario's longest standing health promotion organization. We help individuals, groups and communities use health promotion strategies to achieve health and well-being. In addition to Best Start, the other primary program areas include the Health Promotion Hub and the Secretariat for the Ontario Health Promotion Resource System. Health Nexus is guided by a clear mission and values and governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. See the Health Nexus 2006-2007 annual report for more information.