Meeting Date
Meeting Document Type
Minutes
Board Members Present:
Dr. Mark Awuku, Joe Bachetti, Fabio Costante, Fred Francis, Michael Horrobin,
Dr. Sardar Khan, Judy Lund, Hilda MacDonald, Robert Maich, Angelo Marignani, Michael Prue, Rob Shepley
Board Member Regrets:
Renaldo Agostino
Administration Present:
Dr. Mehdi Aloosh, Dr. Ken Blanchette, Kristy McBeth, Eric Nadalin, Dan Sibley, Linda Watson, Konrad Farrugia (recorder)
WECHU Guests:
William Willis (Willis Law)
- Call to Order
Board of Health Chair, F. Costante, called the meeting to order at 4:04 pm- Land Acknowledgement - Read by Board Chair, F. Costante
- Quorum – Confirmed
- Declaration of Conflict of Interest – 1 Conflict Declared
- Board of Health 2024 Elections
Nominations for Chair
WECHU CEO, Dr. K. Blanchette advised that annual Board Elections will take place today for the position of Board Chair, Vice-Chair and Treasurer.
Dr. K. Blanchette asked if there were any nominations for the position of Chair for the Board of Health. One nomination was put forward for Board member Fabio Costante by Joe Bachetti and was seconded by Rob Shepley. F. Costante stands and accepted the nomination for the position of Chair.
K. Blanchette asked for further nominations from the floor (three times). Given that there were no further nominations, nominations for the position of Chair were closed. F. Costante accepted the nomination, was appointed Chair by acclamation. K. Blanchette passed the chair duties to F. Costante.
Nomination for Vice-Chair
Chair F. Costante opened the floor for nominations for the position of Board of Health Vice-Chair. One nomination was put forward for Board member Joe Bachetti by Fabio Costante, and was seconded by Angelo Marignani. J. Bachetti stands and accepted the nomination of Vice-Chair. F. Costante asked for further nominations from the floor (three times). Given that there were no further nominations, nominations for the position of Vice-Chair were closed. J. Bachetti having accepted the nomination, was appointed Vice-Chair by acclamation.
Nominations for Treasurer
Chair F. Costante opened the floor for nominations for the position of Board of Health Treasurer. One nomination was put forward for Board member Michael Horrobin by Hilda MacDonald and was seconded by Fred Francis. M. Horrobin stands and accepted the nomination of Treasurer. F. Costante asked for further nominations from the floor (three times). Given there were no further nominations, nominations for the position of Treasurer were closed. M. Horrobin having accepted the nomination, was appointed Treasurer by acclamation.
Motion: That the nominations for the positions of Chair, Vice-Chair and Treasurer stand
CARRIED - Approval of Agenda
Motion: That the agenda be approved.
CARRIED - Approval of Minutes: November 20th, 2023
Motion: That the minutes be approved.
CARRIED - Consent Agenda
- Information Reports (for approval)
- Monthly SafePoint Site Operations Update:
- November 2023
- December 2023
- Communications Report:
- November 2023
- December 2023
- Canadian Dental Care Plan
F. Francis appreciated the updates regarding SafePoint understanding the application is still on hold. F. Francis asked if the review on Consumption Treatment Sites by the Province has started.
Dr. K. Blanchette confirmed that the review of CTS’s has started as announced by Minister Tibollo.
E. Nadalin said that based on observations of other Ontario media outlets the actual report and investigation by the Ministry of Health is expected to finish up in the next month. E. Nadalin is not sure when the Ministry of Health will take action on the recommendations from their investigation as it relates to mitigation measures.
E. Nadalin said in the meantime a number of mitigation strategies have been put in place to support SafePoint clients. Among these, fentanyl, xylazine, and benzodiazepine test strips have been shared with community partners to share with clients.
Motion: That the above information be approved.
CARRIED
- Monthly SafePoint Site Operations Update:
- Information Reports (for approval)
- Presentations
- Emergence of Nicotine Pouches (M. Aloosh) (for information)
Dr. Aloosh presented on the Emergence of Nicotine Pouches in the Windsor-Essex County area. Nicotine pouches are marketed as a lifestyle type of product. Dr. Aloosh said this product reminded him about how vaping was introduced and marketed when vaping was first introduced. This product is available at convenience stores and gas stations. There is no age restriction on purchasing nicotine pouches. This product is also less expensive than cigarettes. From a health perspective this is important because developing brains are affected by structure and function. Using this product increases the risk of using other drugs. Nicotine pouches are a gateway to combustive tobacco and other drugs.
Dr. Aloosh said what the WECHU is proposing is a resolution to help advocate for fighting against Zonnic nicotine pouches. Dr. Aloosh said absorbing one nicotine pouch, 4mg of nicotine, is equivalent to smoking two cigarettes.
E. Nadalin noted that Imperial tobacco is the manufacturer of Zonnic nicotine pouches.
J. Lund said after reviewing the resolution there is mention of taking immediate action to embed restrictions on the sale, display, and promotion of nicotine pouches. J. Lund said that if this resolution is to be aligned under the Smoke-free Ontario Act is there anything that can be done about the flavouring of the product.
E. Nadalin said this product should be absorbed under the same regulations of the Smoke free Ontario act as tobacco and vaping products. This Act already includes references to tobacco and vapour product flavouring. Currently, a young child could enter a gas station and purchase nicotine pouches. The Federal Minister of Health Canada has been cited on record stating that the Federal Government was duped into believing that this product was for cessation purposes.
J. Lund asked if flavoured vaping is covered under the Smoke-free Ontario Act. E. Nadalin confirmed that flavoured vaping is covered under the SFO Act.
J. Lund has asked to make an amendment to the proposed resolution to include flavoured vaping language.
A. Marignani said this is a nicotine delivery system. Tobacco producers will always be looking at the next option to deliver nicotine. - ASP 2024 (K. McBeth, E. Nadalin, L. Watson)
The Ministry of Health requires that the development of the Annual Service Plan must be based on the Ontario Public Health Standards (OPHS) and related legislation. All 34 Ontario Health Units must abide by these standards and the Annual Service Plans are tied to our Budgetary and Strategic Plans. The development of program plans is based on local priority populations and local public health needs. We develop these plans to ensure we remain flexible and locally responsive from a public health needs perspective.
K. McBeth, E. Nadalin, and L. Watson presented the Annual Service Plan for 2024. The presentation covered the following Program Standards:
Chronic Disease Prevention and Well-Being
Healthy Growth and Development
Food Safety
Safe Water
Healthy Environments
Infectious and Communicable Diseases Prevention and Control
Immunization
School Health
Substance Use and Injury Prevention
This presentation does not include Corporate plans, however, all WECHU Corporate Service departments have plans that are developed on an annual basis. This work is driven by the Foundational Standards in the OPHS.
Operational Changes in 2024
Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention
Reduction of client-based and overall nutrition support.
Tobacco and vaping cessation services reduced to support highest priority clients only.
Healthy Growth and Development
Elimination of the preconception health program
Modifications and reductions in health promotion activities
Safe Water
Possible reduction support for recreational water inspections (seasonal)
Healthy Environments
Elimination of climate change programming supports.
Infectious and Communicable Disease Prevention and Control
Reduction in the amount of public outreach initiatives for Tuberculosis
Modifications and reductions in health promotion activities with respect to Infectious Diseases
Elimination of municipal collaborations aimed at zoonotic diseases.
Immunizations
Narrow focus to vaccine administration for highest risk groups as mandated by Ministry of Health
End onsite and mobile clinics for influenza and COVID-19 for general population and focus on supporting local health care providers.
COVID-19 vaccine administration for vulnerable priority populations will continue as a required program by Ministry of Health (new mandatory program in the 2024 ASP)
School Health
Decreased the total number of moderate needs schools receiving direct service by school nurses to ensure ongoing supports to highest priority schools.
School Health - Oral Health
Eliminate preventative health promotion programming.
Cancel the student vision screening clinics in schools.
Substance Use and Injury Prevention
Decreased support for health promotion programming targeting Suicide Prevention, Alcohol, and Cannabis Use
Chair, F. Costante noted the excellent work presented by the health unit staff and for being transparent about the challenges the health unit is facing given the recent changes at the WECHU.
J. Bachetti thanked administration for the ASP presentation. J. Bachetti said that with regards to active transportation CWATS (County Wide Active Transportation System) is showing its investment in the community.
J. Bachetti said with respect to immunization he has seen many individuals with blood clots. Some in the community have been wondering if these blood clots are related to COVID vaccines. What type of messaging should the community expect regarding these types of questions?
Dr. Aloosh said there are multiple layers for vaccine safety in Canada – one of them is production. Once vaccines are introduced to the market there is a reporting process. Adverse effects reports are sent to Health Canada and assessments are made to determine if any adverse effects are related to vaccination. If anything is identified it is then flagged and relayed to public health. Dr. Aloosh said vaccines are safe and the community should continue to be vaccinated accordingly.
K. McBeth said first and foremost, if someone has a concern regarding a vaccine and their health, they should contact their healthcare provider. The system around adverse effects only works when there is reporting. There is a lot of misinformation regarding vaccines post-pandemic. The focus needs to be on the research from the experts in Canada. K. McBeth said the first available vaccine is always the right one.
M. Horrobin asked if during the cold snap there was actually someone available 24/7 to respond to the public’s concerns.
K. McBeth said the on-call 24/7 service provided by the health unit is for very specific public health related issues such as outbreaks or a health care provider that requires rabies vaccine. Therefore, the health unit would not receive calls about cold temperatures, instead a call regarding a cold snap would be redirected to municipal supports.
M. Horrobin asked how the health unit is going to monitor potential risks for work that will no longer be supported by the health unit.
K. McBeth said everything the health unit does is mandated by the Ontario Public Health Standards. There will certainly be impact to monitoring and evaluating but will depend on the program. For example: beach water testing – if we do not have enough resources to test every week this is something we can report back to the Ministry of Health.
Dr. Awuku asked about Healthy Growth and Development and how high-risk individuals are identified.
L. Watson said a review for high-risk individuals is conducted via postal code. However, basing a decision on what groups are considered high risk depends on the issue. For example, those with low income are at greater risk for food insecurity. Statistics and epidemiological evidence direct where assistance is needed.
Dr. Awuku said we are always hearing publicly that students will be suspended if they do not have their vaccines. Is there an EMR type system for immunization that links vaccinations given to students?
K. McBeth said she would love to see a provincial wide health care provider reporting system for immunization. At the current time, under the ISPA (Immunization of School Pupils Act), immunizations are required to be reported to the health unit by parents/guardians. Most of the time, suspension due to non-compliance is an outcome of lack of reporting.
F. Costante asked if there has been any advocacy to the Ministry of Health regarding a provincial wide immunization reporting system.
K. McBeth said this board has advocated for a system in the past.
F. Costante asked K. McBeth to develop a report or letter to the Ministry of Health advocating for a province-wide immunization system.
J. Lund said the presentation and report was great. Public health has a broad and significant mandate.
J. Lund is concerned about service deliverability given the reduction in resources at the WECHU. Public Health received only a 1% increase in budget vs. the 3% increase in the acute care system. The Windsor-Essex community has a high level of chronic disease. During COVID the numbers in Windsor-Essex were higher than the rest of the province. We live in a very challenging area, greater than the rest of the province. J. Lund stated that WECHU remains one of the lowest funded Public Health Unit per capita in Ontario. This always needs to be considered.
Motion: That the 2024 Annual Service Plan be accepted as presented.
Moved by R. Shepley
Seconded by M. Horrobin
CARRIED
- Emergence of Nicotine Pouches (M. Aloosh) (for information)
- Business Arising
- Committee of the Whole (Closed Session in accordance with Section 239 of the Municipal Act)
The Board moved into Committee of the Whole at 5:24 pm
The Board moved out of Committee of the Whole at 6:21 pm - Resolutions/Recommendation Reports
- Emergence of Nicotine Pouches (for approval)
See 6.1
Motion: That the Board of Health approve the Emergence of Nicotine Pouches Resolution
Moved by F. Francis
Seconded by R. Shepley
CARRIED
- Emergence of Nicotine Pouches (for approval)
- New Business
- CEO Report/Dr. Aloosh (K. Blanchette)
Dr. Blanchette said that he was requested to represent the OHT (Ontario Health Team) at ROMA (Rural Ontario Municipal Association) advocating for primary care on behalf of the citizens of Windsor-Essex.
Dr. Aloosh said he has been involved in Canadian Guidelines for post-COVID Conditions this is an initiative led by Health Canada and McMaster University. The hope is to develop prevention guidelines for policy makers and clinicians to help guide informed health decisions post-COVID-19. Ultimately, trying to prevent the development of a superbug.
- CEO Report/Dr. Aloosh (K. Blanchette)
- Next Meeting: At the Call of the Chair or Thursday, March 21st, 2024 @ 4:00 pm
-
Adjournment
Motion: That the meeting be adjourned.
CARRIEDThe meeting adjourned at 5:13 p.m.
RECORDING SECRETARY: K. Farrugia
SUBMITTED BY: K. Blanchette
APPROVED BY: WECHU Board of Health