Providing health resources for Pan-Am games

By Paul Mayne

When it comes to the health and welfare of the thousands of athletes descending on Toronto for the Pan Am and Parapan Am Games next month, Western alumnae Karin Hohenadel will need to be on the top of her game.

The Public Health Ontario epidemiologist has been named public health coordinator for the games and will be part of thousands of staff and volunteers ensuring the health and safety of athletes from 40 countries in Toronto July 10-26 for the Pan Am, followed by the Parapan Am Games Aug. 7-15.

Hohenadel, who earned her Master of Science (Epidemiology and Biostatistics) in 2009, will be the link between Pan Am organizers and the public health system, including the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, Public Health Ontario and 36 public health units in the Greater Toronto Area.

“The organizing committee is essentially constructing a mini health-care system,” Hohenadel said. The games will have one central and five satellite facilities, plus locations at each venue, where they will also provide medical services.