April 2018 Board Meeting - Minutes

P. Wong provided background information on radon in the Windsor-Essex County region. A three-year study on radon in Windsor-Essex has concluded. The study began in 2015. Approximately 3,000 long-term radon test kits were distributed in Windsor-Essex during this period. The 2017/2018 radon study data will soon be received and analyzed by the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit.

Dr. Ahmed discussed the need for good oral health in our community. Oral health data representing children in JK, SK, and Grade 2 was presented. Promoting the need for increased oral health screening in the community needs to continue. Overall oral health in Windsor-Essex ranks poorly when compared to the rest of the province. Improving access to oral health services in the community for both children and senior residents is essential.

1. Information Report – Radon
2. Information Report - Risk Management
3. Information Report - Quarterly Planning Update
4. Information Report - Seasonal Housing
   It was moved
   That the Media Coverage Summary Report be received - CARRIED

1. Reserves

   At the last board meeting the Board of Health asked Administration to find out if other health units in the province had reserve funds. L. Gregg drafted a report and provided a few recommendations. The proposed motion seeks to request from the province that they consider revisiting the timelines for approval of grants to public health units. Should the province comply with this request a policy would be created outlining the reporting structure of reserve funds.

   It was moved
   That the resolution be supported. - CARRIED

   Whereas the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit is funded through grants from the Province of Ontario and required contributions from the Obligated Municipalities, and

   Whereas the Province of Ontario does not permit for unspent grants to be carried forward to the next fiscal year irrespective of the timing of approvals, and

   Whereas the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit presently does not have reserves and reserve funds that could be drawn upon to address the challenges associated with late funding approvals from the Province of Ontario as well as emergent public health needs, and

   Now therefore be it resolved that the Windsor-Essex County Board of Health direct Administration to send an appeal to the Province of Ontario requesting that they consider revisiting the timelines for approval of grants to public health units as approvals in recent years have hindered public health units to implement public health initiatives with approved funds. In addition, the appeal should request for the Province of Ontario to revisit its position on contribution of unspent grant funding into a reserve, recognizing that the Province of Ontario would need to provide appropriate policy and reporting structure over such reserve funds.

   FURTHER THAT the Board direct Administration to write a report, including a proposed policy and reporting framework, and present their request for the establishment of Reserves and Reserve Funds to the Administrations of the Obligated Municipalities for feedback and support, and

   FURTHER THAT the Board direct Administration to present a report to the Councils of the Obligated Municipalities for the establishment of Reserves and Reserve Funds for their consideration and approval.

2. Oral Health

   The Board of Health discussed amending Administration’s recommended board motion as presented in the Oral Health Recommendation Report.

   Whereas Oral health is an essential part of overall health, and

   Whereas the Ontario Public Health Standards require the assessment, surveillance and reporting of Oral Health data to community partners including municipalities, and

   Whereas municipalities are in the position to create healthy public policies and bylaws that impact resident’s health and overall wellbeing, and

   Whereas the Oral health of residents in Windsor-Essex is much worse than Ontario and comparable communities and continues to worsen, and

   Now therefore be it resolved that the Windsor-Essex County Board of Health receive the Oral Health Report (2018) and supports the accompanying recommendations for:

   - Windsor-Essex municipalities to continue to or introduce community water fluoridation as a key prevention strategy for dental caries.
   - Ongoing support for oral health education and awareness in the community.
   - Improved access to oral health services within Windsor-Essex.
   - Advocacy efforts for improved funding and expansion for public dental programs such as Healthy Smiles Ontario.

   FURTHER THAT the Windsor-Essex County Board of Health share the Oral Health Report (2018) and this resolution with municipal and community partners, stakeholders, the general public and identified target groups, and

   FURTHER THAT the Windsor-Essex County Board of Health request through delegation to present the Oral Health report, its findings and recommendations at the whole of City of Windsor Council and the County of Essex Council in May/June of 2018, and

   FURTHER THAT the Oral Health Report (2018) and this resolution be shared with all other health units in the province of Ontario, the Minister of Health and Long Term Care, the Ontario Dental Association and local members of parliament.]

   After much discussion,

   It was moved

   That the City of Windsor reintroduce fluoridation in the water system; and further that the County municipalities reintroduce fluoridation in the water system.

   CARRIED

K. McBeth mentioned that this year alPHa (Association of Local Public Health Agencies) has included boards of health in the alPHa Fitness Challenge. The recommendation by Administration is to complete the challenge on the day of the next board meeting in May. Thirty minutes of physical activity is required in advance or after the meeting. However, if board members cannot participate on the day of the meeting they may complete thirty minutes of physical activity on any day in May prior to the board meeting. Board members are required to let the Health Unit know that they have completed the challenge.