March 2024 Board of Health Meeting - Minutes

Meeting Date
March 2024 Board of Health Meeting
Meeting Document Type
Minutes

Board Members Present:

Renaldo Agostino, Dr. Mark Awuku, Joe Bachetti, Fabio Costante,
Dr. Sardar Khan, Judy Lund, Robert Maich (arrived at 4:33pm), Angelo Marignani

Board Member Regrets:

Fred Francis, Michael Horrobin, Hilda MacDonald, Michael Prue, Rob Shepley Jennifer Yee

Administration Present:

Dr. Mehdi Aloosh, Dr. Ken Blanchette, Kristy McBeth, Eric Nadalin, Dan Sibley, Linda Watson, Konrad Farrugia (recorder)

QUORUM: Confirmed (at 4:33 pm)

  1. Call to Order     
    Board of Health Chair, F. Costante, called the meeting to order at 4:03 pm
    1. Land Acknowledgement – Read by Board Chair, F. Costante
    2. New Board Member Introductions
    3. Quorum – Confirmed (confirmed at 4:33pm)
    4. Declaration of Conflict of Interest – None
      Introduction: New Board of Health Member, Provincial Appointee Dr. Sardar Asif Khan
      Board Chair, F. Costante, introduced and welcomed the WECHU’s newly appointed provincial member, Dr. Sardar Asif Khan, to the Board of Health effective January 1st, 2024, for a term of 3 years.
  2. Approval of Agenda
    Motion:       That the agenda be approved.     
    CARRIED
  3. Approval of Minutes: January 18th, 2024 – J. Lund requested an addition to the minutes under 6.2 ASP 2024. “J. Lund stated that WECHU remains one of the lowest funded Public Health Units per capita in Ontario.”
    Motion:       That the minutes be approved.     
    CARRIED
  4. Consent Agenda
    1. Information Reports (for approval)
      1. Communications Report:
        1. January 2024
        2. February 2024
      2. 2023 Vector Borne Disease Report
      3. Healthy Schools – Health Promotion Program Update
      4. Q4 Board of Health Effectiveness Survey Summary
      5. 2023 Privacy Summary Report
      6. 2023 Annual Service Plan: Annual and 4th Quarter Report
      7. Nutrition Month and Nutrition Programming

        J. Lund said under Information Report 4.1.6 2023 Annual Service Plan: Annual and 4th Quarter Report there is mention of school-aged programs and programs that were deferred until the following year. Specifically, Mental Health, Smoke Free Ontario, and Substance Use. J. Lund asked about the rationale behind deferring these programs. Is this related to the recent reduction in staffing?

        E. Nadalin said these programs were deferred due to gaps in human resources related to staff resignations and recruitment that was going on at the same time. There was also one key deliverable within Mental Health that crossed over with Suicide Prevention that required a data sharing agreement to be signed with another community partner. This agreement was not able to be executed, which impacted other milestones to be met. However, these deliverables have been actioned for 2024.

        Motion:       That the above information be received.
        CARRIED
    2. Correspondence
      1. Dr. Kieran Moore – Thank You Letter to WECHU (for information)
      2. Peterborough – Public Health Strengthening (for information)
      3. Peterborough – Intimate Partner Violence and Public Health Action (for information)
        A. Marignani mentioned that the topic of Intimate Partner Violence was discussed at a City of Windsor board meeting. A. Marignani presented a question to council regarding IPV. As a result of this question there will be upper levels of government assisting with IPV and gender violence. There are two municipalities receiving funds from the Federal government. A. Marignani is hoping that Federal funds will be received locally with the funds supporting the Hiatus House.

        Motion:    That the above correspondence be received.
        CARRIED
  5. Presentations
    1. Annual Report (K. Blanchette/E. Nadalin)
      E. Nadalin presented the 2023 Annual Report. Highlighted topics included the following:
        - Pregnancy & Parenting
        - Healthy Active Living
        - Better Oral Health
        - Substance Use Prevention
        - Safe Food, Water & Homes
        - Disease Prevention
        - Safe Outdoor Living.

      J. Lund asked if rabies cases were increasing, and A. Marignani asked what the approximate number of animal bites are per year.

      K. McBeth said there have been no cases of rabies in humans in Windsor-Essex for many years and the animal bite rate fluctuates depending on weather – nicer weather yields more animal bites. The WECHU has not seen a dramatic increase in animal bites reported. There are also unreported animal bites to consider as well. The number of animal bites in 2023 were 1,092.

      Dr. Awuku said he was impressed to see that there was an online food handler course offered.
      K. McBeth said the food handler course is required for all food premises. Each premise must have at least one food handler certified individual onsite at all times during operation. K. McBeth said that tickets are issued for food handler offenses.

      Dr. Khan asked if there is a target number for oral health screenings.

      E. Nadalin said the WECHU’s requirement is to screen for oral health at different grade levels based on the level of risk. E. Nadalin said oral health screenings are also based on geographical area and previous year assessments.
    2. Nutrition Month (K. Bellemore)
      K. Bellemore presented on Nutrition Month which takes place in March. Dietitians play a crucial role in promoting health, preventing disease, and improving outcomes across a range of health conditions.

      Food and nutrition interact and intersect with almost every department within the WECHU.

      Local Nutrition Month activities include Food Neutrality which focuses on changing the current environment surrounding food and nutrition and addresses barriers to decrease food insecurity and increase food literacy. There is also a newsletter and social media campaign associated.

      The WECHU has partnered with the University of Windsor’s student food pantry to provide sessions on food neutrality and how to nourish the body with a limited budget.

      The WECHU’s Registered Dietitians are committed to:
        - Continuing to advocate for equitable access to food and adequate incomes
        - Improving the physical and social food environments
        - Enhancing the local food system.

      Dr. Khan inquired about the nutrition program’s objective.

      K. Bellemore said the objective is to ensure that everyone in the Windsor-Essex community has equitable access to food. This is accomplished by reviewing the local food system level, the way people nourish themselves by the food decisions they are making and their food literacy level. K. Bellemore said there is no one element but rather the full environment and knowledge needs to be applied throughout the life span.

      K. Bellemore said the Healthy Schools team implements nutrition interventions as well. First and foremost a family needs to be able to afford the food, have the proper equipment for cooking or preparing the food, food storage availability, food and nutrition knowledge, and parents have to be able to approach food with their children in a way that makes nutritious foods more inviting.

      K. Bellemore said the Healthy Schools team goes into schools and discusses how to best access food.

      A. Marignani asked if there is a way to place labels on processed food that illustrates excessive sodium, sugars, etc.

      K. Bellemore said that Health Canada is looking into a labelling system. However, children do not need this awareness until high school due to fear amongst younger children. Until high school age, parents are responsible for discussing food decisions with their children.
    3. Measles (M. Aloosh)
      Dr. Aloosh provided a presentation on Measles. Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, red eye, and rash. The average number of people who will contract measles from one infected person is 12-18. Unvaccinated populations are at greater risk of contracting measles. Common risks include ear infection and pneumonia. Severe risks include respiratory failure, brain inflammation, and death.

      Permanent neurological outcomes include blindness and deafness. Risks during pregnancy include premature labour and spontaneous abortion.

      Measles was eliminated in Canada in 1998. Preventing measles requires two doses of MMR or MMRV vaccines. Other ways to protect yourself and others, besides vaccines includes staying home if sick or exposes. Keeping your distance and wearing masks when travelling, attending large group events, or feeling sick. Hand washing and covering your sneeze and cough with a tissue.

      The WECHU helps to protect the community against measles by communicating with and providing education to school boards, childcare facilities, parents, post-secondary education facilities, and under- vaccinated populations.

      The WECHU also promotes messaging about measles via news releases, media interview, and social media.

      The WECHU’s infectious disease team has developed tools to assist patients in physician offices instead of having to direct patients to the hospital.

      J. Lund said many adults and their young adult children received the MMR vaccine. Is it assumed that these population are still protected against measles.

      Dr. Aloosh said for the general population that is vaccinated (two doses of MMR-V) the risk of acquiring measles is very low. There is a 3% chance of acquiring measles in those that have been vaccinated However, for anyone that has not been vaccinated the risk is very high.
    4. Solar Eclipse (M. Aloosh)
      Dr. Aloosh provided a presentation on the upcoming Solar Eclipse on Monday, April 8th, 2024. The solar eclipse will last about 2.5 hrs with totality lasting 3 minutes in duration.

      Dr. Aloosh explained that looking directly at the sun is dangerous and can cause permanent damage to the retina. Children are at higher risk as their eyes let in more light to the retina than adults.

      Dr. Aloosh provided a few tips to avoid eye damage during a solar eclipse. This included viewing the eclipse only using glasses, viewers, or filters that meet international standard ISO 12312-2.

      An increase in road traffic is expected as people travel to locations in Essex County that fall in the path of totality.

      Lastly, Dr. Aloosh explained that illnesses can spread easily at events – both respiratory and foodborne illnesses. The spread of illness can be prevented by: Staying home, covering coughs and sneezes, and washing hands often.

      For those hosing events and serving food the following food safety practices should be followed: washing hands, surfaces, and kitchen equipment often, keeping hot foods hot and cold foods cold, providing serving utensils for all dishes.

      A. Marignani asked if looking directly at the eclipse without approved solar glasses would allow more ultraviolet rays through to the retina. Dr. Aloosh confirmed yes, and this could cause permanent damage to the retina.

      A. Marignani commented on the solar eclipse traffic safety tips. The messaging to pass on to the public includes not pulling over to the side of the road, paying attention to traffic while on the road, and having awareness of erratic drivers trying to view the eclipse while driving.

      Dr. Aloosh said because this is a unique event people might become distracted while on the road.

      A. Marignani asked how the public could acquire solar eclipse glasses.

      E. Nadalin said there is a direct link on www.wechu.org to ISO certified glasses.
  6. Business Arising
  7. Resolutions/Recommendation Reports
    1. Immunzation of School Pupils Act (ISPA) – Re-consideration of Amendment for Required Reporting by Health Care Providers (K. McBeth) (for approval)
      K. McBeth said this resolution is coming forward as a request from the Board of Health at the last board meeting on January 18th, 2024. This resolution will lobby the Provincial government to dedicate resources to develop a system for directly reporting and transferring vaccination records electronically to the WECHU from health care providers.
      Motion: That the Board of Health approve the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) – Re-consideration of Amendment for Required Reporting by Health Care Providers resolution.
      Moved by A. Marignani
      Seconded by R. Agostino 
      CARRIED
    2. Food Insecurity Compromises Infant Health (L. Watson) (for approval)
      L. Watson discussed the Food Insecurity Compromises Infant Health resolution. Families facing food insecurity translate to infants with food insecurity which impacts growth and cognitive development. This is a two-part resolution – the first part advocates for sustainable solutions to household food insecurity in Windsor-Essex and equitable access to infant formula and in-person breastfeeding support. The second part is to endorse a call to action by the Ontario dietician’s public health group for program amendments to support infants and children with a medical diagnosis requiring strict avoidance of standard soy and milk proteins.

      Motion: That the Board of Health approve the Food Insecurity Compromises Infant Health resolution.
      Moved by J. Lund
      Seconded by Dr. Khan 
      CARRIED
    3. Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services Budget (K. Blanchette) (for approval)
      Dr. Blanchette explained that the WECHU’s traditional mandatory budget runs from January-December each year. However, there is a program within the organization that receives funding from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. The fiscal year for the MCCSS budget runs from April-March.
      This budget has remained at the same level for several years.
      Motion: That the Board of Health approve the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services Budget.
      Moved by R. Agostino
      Seconded by Dr. Khan 
      CARRIED
  8. New Business
    1. CEO Report/Dr. Aloosh (K. Blanchette)
      Dr. Blanchette will be sending out notice to the Board of Health regarding the alPHa (Association of Local Public Health Agencies) conference in June 2024 for any board member wishing to attend.
    2. JBEC Terms of Reference (K. Blanchette/F. Costante)
      Dr. Blanchette explained that prior to the Board of Health meeting a JBEC (Joint Board Extension Committee) meeting takes place which is almost identical to the Board of Health meeting. In the interest of working more efficiently, Dr. Blanchette proposed that the JBEC Terms of Reference be amended to note that JBEC meetings are not mandatory before every Board of Health meeting with the entire Leadership Team and Executive Board of Health Members. An agenda review meeting will always take place prior to each board meeting with the Board Chair, CEO, and Board Secretary. JBEC meetings will be called when necessary.

      Motion:    That the Board of Health approve the change in frequency of JBEC meetings and updated language in the JBEC Terms of Reference.
      Moved by A. Marignani
      Seconded by J. Lund
      CARRIED
    3. Audit Committee (K. Blanchette)
      Dr. Blanchette said the Audit Committee meets a few times per year with two to three meetings taking place prior to the May and June Board of Health meetings. The Audit Committee Terms of Reference state that four Board of Health members are eligible to sit on the Audit Committee. If four Board Members are not on the Audit Committee the WECHU will have to recruit external members of the community. Dr. Blanchette is recommending that four Board of Health members sit on the Audit Committee given the increased number of board members. Currently, Board of Health members J. Lund and R. Maich are on the Audit Committee. Both are eligible to stand for another year, if desired, leaving two vacancies on the Audit Committee. Both J. Lund and R. Maich opted to remain on the Audit Committee.

      Self-Nominations for the Audit Committee

      Chair F. Costante opened the floor for self-nominations for two remaining Audit Committee positions. A self-nomination was put forward by Dr. Mark Awuku. A self-nomination was put forward by Renaldo Agostino.

      J. Lund asked if the Board of Health Treasurer would automatically be part of the Audit Committee.

      Dr. Blanchette said it was always assumed that the Board of Health Treasurer would automatically be part of the Audit Committee, however, this is not the case per the Audit Committee Terms of Reference.

      J. Lund said that M. Horrobin may be interested in being part of the Audit Committee and perhaps this should be considered in his absence. The election could be deferred.

      F. Costante said there are two interested candidates at this meeting. However, M. Horrobin could be made aware and if M. Horrobin is interested and there is less interest amongst one of the two candidates from this meeting M. Horrobin could sit on the Audit Committee.

      Dr. Awuku stated that he would resign from his position on the Audit Committee if M. Horrobin is interested.

      Motion:    That the Board of Health approve the self-nominations of Dr. Mark Awuku and Renaldo Agostino as members of the Audit Committee.
      CARRIED
  9. Committee of the Whole (Closed Session in accordance with Section 239 of the Municipal Act)
    The Board moved into Committee of the Whole at 5:13 pm
    The Board moved out of Committee of the Whole at 5:17 pm
  10. Next Meeting: At the Call of the Chair or Thursday, May 16th, 2024

  11. Adjournment     
    Motion:               That the meeting be adjourned.     
    CARRIED

    The meeting adjourned at 5:18 p.m.

RECORDING SECRETARY: K. Farrugia

SUBMITTED BY: K. Blanchette

APPROVED BY: WECHU Board of Health - May 16, 2024