April 2023 Board of Health Meeting

Event Date
Related Content

Meeting Documents

Meeting held via video: https://youtube.com/live/wDjoehFSFnA

  1. Call to Order - F. Costante, Chair
    1. Quorum​​
    2. Agenda Approval
    3. Declaration of Conflict of Interest
  2. Introduction - K. Blanchette
    1.  L. Watson, Director of Public Health Programs and Chief Nursing Officer
  3. Acting Medical Officer of Health Update - Dr. S. Nesathurai
  4. Approval of Minutes
    1. Regular Board Meeting: March 23, 2023
  5. Business Arising
    1. Consumption and Treatment Services Site Update (K. Blanchette/E. Nadalin)

    2. Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) Compliance Update for Windsor-Essex County (K. McBeth)

  6. Consent Agenda
    1. INFORMATION REPORTS
      1. WECHU Oral Health Services and Oral Health Month (E. Nadalin)

      2. ISPA Compliance Update for Windsor-Essex County (K. McBeth)

      3. 2023 Strategic Plan Q1 Reporting (K. McBeth)

      4. Annual Service Plan Q1 2023 Reporting (K. McBeth)

      5. Communications (E. Nadalin)

  7. Resolutions/Recommendation Reports
    1. 2023/24 Budget for Programs Funded by the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services (L. Gregg)
    2. 2023 One-time Business Cases (L. Gregg)
  8. New Business
    1. CEO Report (K. Blanchette)
    2. Association of Local Public Health Agencies - AGM June 13, 2023 (K. Blanchette)
  9. Correspondence
    1. Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit - Letter to Hon. Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health, Canada - Support for Bill S-254 An Act to Amend the Food and Drugs Act (warning label on alcoholic beverages) - for information

  10. Committee of the Whole (Closed Session in accordance with Section 239 of the Municipal Act)

  11. Next Meeting:  At the Call of the Chair, or Thursday, May 18, 2023 - 4:00 pm

  12. Adjournment 

March 15, 2023

Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos
Minister of Health, Canada
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6
jean-yves.duclos@parl.gc.ca

Dear Honourable Minister Duclos:

Re: Support for ‘BILL S-254 An Act to amend the Food and Drugs Act (warning label on alcoholic beverages)’

On March 15, 2023, the Board of Health for the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) received information on the 2023 Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol & Health and passed a motion to endorse Bill S-254 – An Act to Amend the Food and Drug Act (Warning Label on Alcoholic Beverages), calling on the federal government of Canada to implement health warning labels on alcohol. 

According to the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) in 2019/20, 20% of adults in Simcoe Muskoka ages 19 years and older reported drinking at a high-risk level (7+ drinks) in the past week. This was significantly higher than the comparable provincial average of 15%. SMDHU’s Board of Health is committed to our mandate under the Ontario Public Health Standards to influence the development and implementation of healthy policies and programs related to alcohol and other drugs to reduce harms associated with substance use.

As such, we ask for your support of Bill S-254 and the implementation of federally mandated labels on all alcohol containers sold in Canada, to better inform Canadians about the health risks of alcohol. This is especially important given that the majority of Canadians are unaware that alcohol is classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a Class 1 carcinogen and is a cause of 7 different types of cancer, including breast and colon.

Bill S-254 aligns with the recent call in Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health for mandatory labelling of all alcoholic beverages with the number of standard drinks in a container, risk levels from Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health, and health warnings. This recommendation by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction is based on their 2022 systematic review of enhanced alcohol container labels, and is supported by other scientific experts in the field, including Evidence-based Recommendations for Labelling Alcohol Products in Canada developed by Canadian Alcohol Policy Evaluation (CAPE) Project researchers. A recent study in Yukon has contributed to the growing evidence base regarding the impact of warning labels; briefly introduced labels on alcohol products in government-owned liquor stores saw sales of labelled alcohol products decrease by 6.6%, while sales of unlabeled alcohol products increased by 6.9%1. The extensive evidence regarding warning labels applied to tobacco products is also informative, having been shown to lead to increased health knowledge and decreased tobacco use (WHO, 2022).

In Canada, similar to tobacco and cannabis products, it is time for the Government of Canada to require warning labels on alcohol. According to a 2020 report on Canadian Substance Use Costs and Harms, alcohol is a drug that cost Canada $16.6 billion and was responsible for more than 18,000 deaths in 2017 alone.

The Senate plays a key role in introducing legislation to serve the best interests of Canadians and we urge you to join Senator Brazeau in supporting Bill S-254.

Sincerely,

ORIGINAL Signed By:

Ann-Marie Kungl, Board of Health Chair
Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit

AMK:CG:LS:sh

cc:
Members of Parliament for Simcoe and Muskoka
Ontario Boards of Health
Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Ontario
Senator Patrick Brazeau
Loretta Ryan, Executive Director, Association of Local Public Health Agencies, alPHa
Dr. Theresa Tam, Chief Public Health Officer of Canada

Weerasinghe, A., Schoueri-Mychasiw, N., Vallance, K., Stockwell, T., Hammond, D., McGavock, J., Greenfield, T.K., Paradis, C., Hobins, E. Improving Knowledge that Alcohol Can Cause Cancer is Associated with Consumer Support for Alcohol Policies: Findings from a Real-World Alcohol Labelling Study. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 398. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17020398

PREPARED BY:

Planning and Strategic Initiatives Department

DATE:

April 20 2023

SUBJECT:

2023 Strategic Plan Q1 Report


BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The WECHU’s 2022-2025 Refreshed Strategic Plan provides strategic direction to the organization for ongoing COVID-19 response, support recovery from unintended population health consequences of the pandemic and help understand how best to engage and support our community as the COVID-19 pandemic begins to subside. It also has a specific focus on priority populations.

The Good Governance and Management Practices Domain of the Ontario Public Health Standards (2021) requires the Board of Health to provide governance direction to the administration and remain informed about the activities for organizational effectiveness through “evaluation of the organization and strategic planning.”

DISCUSSION

The Planning and Strategic Initiatives Department (PSI) is currently developing the 2023 Q1 Strategic Plan Report in consultation with the Leadership Team. This report will contain a list of current objectives for each priority and provide specific metrics to measure the progress for each of the 12 objectives in the Strategic Plan.

Each quarter, PSI will coordinate with the data custodians for each program and applicable departments to update the progress of the goals and objectives using a colour-coded system.

The first report will be delivered at the end of Q2.

PREPARED BY:

Planning and Strategic Initiatives Department

DATE:

April 20 2023

SUBJECT:

Annual Service Plan Q1 2023 Reporting


BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

In 2018, the Ontario Ministry of Health (MOH) introduced a new Annual Service Plan (ASP) that Health Units are required to submit each year. In order to ensure a single, integrated approach to planning, the Planning and Strategic Initiatives (PSI) department worked with the Information Technology (IT) department to align our planning system with the provincial requirements. 

With the support of PSI, staff members develop and enter their annual work plans which are then reviewed and approved by the leadership team and integrated in the WECHU’s Annual Service Plan for the Ministry.

DISCUSSION

Annual Service Plan (ASP) Submission

WECHU’s 2023 Annual Service Plan was submitted to the MOH on April 3rd, 2023. The plan provides details about planned expenditures and program plans for 2023.

Planning for 2024

The PSI and IT departments have begun to incorporate changes from the 2023 ASP template and reporting requirements, as well as the feedback received from managers and staff, into the planning approach for 2024.  It is anticipated that the next planning cycle will be launched in mid-summer.

PREPARED BY:

Communications Department

DATE:

April 20 2023

SUBJECT:

February 15, 2023 – March 14, 2023, Communications Update


BACKGROUND/PURPOSE:

Provide regular marketing and communication updates to the Board of Health.

SOURCE Feb 15 – Mar 14

Jan 15 – Feb 14

DIFFERENCE

News Releases, Media Advisories and Statements, or Notices Issued

2

8

-6

Media Requests Received

20

34

-14

Wechu.org pageviews

98,631

118,733

-20,102

YouTube Channel Subscribers

1,743

1,731

+12

Email Subscribers

7,537

7,548

-11

Emails Distributed

7

12

-5

Facebook Fans

19,017

18,987

+30

Facebook Posts

73

77

-4

Twitter Followers

8,720

8,704

+16

Twitter Posts

70

76

-6

Instagram Followers

1,527

1,521

+6

Instagram Posts

41

41

--

LinkedIn Followers

1,377

1,340

+37

LinkedIn Posts

27

34

-7

Media Exposure

163

184

-21

Data Notes can be provided upon request

Media Exposure Overview Graph

February 15 2023 - March 14 2023 Media Exposure overview chart

Website Overview Graph

February 15 - March 14 2023 Website Overview

Social Media Overview Graph

February 15 - March 14 2023 Social Media Overview Graph

DISCUSSION

February 15 - March 14 2023 Notable Project thumbnail

The Communications Department supported Environmental Health with their Stay Warm campaign from December 2022 until the end of February 2023. The campaign provides information and tips to safely enjoy the winter months.

Campaign components included radio ads, digital media ads (i.e., Google ads), social media ads and organic posts, and WECHU-owned media (i.e., website banner, on-hold messaging).

The Google Display / Search ad yielded 92,289 impressions (i.e., the number of times the ads were on screen), and 622 link clicks. The social media ad ran on Facebook and yielded a reach of 32,610 (i.e., the number of people who saw the ad at least once), and 158,695 impressions. From Facebook, there were a total of 119 post reactions including 5 comments and 21 shares. It also received 722 unique link clicks, which took users to the Stay Warm webpage.

PREPARED BY:

Oral Health Department

DATE:

April 20 2023

SUBJECT:

WECHU Oral Health Services and Oral Health Month


BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The Ontario Public Health Standards provide direction to Ontario public health units to operate two publicly funded oral health programs under the Oral Health Protocol (2001). The Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) Program is offered for children aged 0-17, from low-income households, and the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP) is available for low-income seniors 65 years and older. Additionally, the Oral Health Protocol mandates Ontario public health units on to implement school based preventative oral health screenings and population-level surveillance of oral health indicators. 

The month of April is Oral Health Month, an ideal time to promote the importance of good personal oral hygiene practices and the role that dental professionals play in maintaining and improving our community’s oral health.

DISCUSSION

WECHU Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) Dental Clinics

From January-December 2022, there were 1,232 children screened at one of the WECHU’s two dental clinics operating in Windsor and Leamington that ultimately enrolled into the publicly funded Healthy Smiles Ontario program. Children identified with an emergency dental condition such as infection or carious lesion that requires immediate clinical treatment, are provided access to emergency coverage for treatment either onsite or for free through a community dental office. Children can also receive preventative treatment such as topical fluoride, pit and fissure sealants, scaling, and some interim stabilization therapies through the WECHU clinics.

Table: 1 - Healthy Smiles Ontario Program - Key Statistics for WECHU Clinics
Healthy Smiles Ontario Program: Key Statistics for WECHU Clinics # of Children & Youth
Children had an urgent dental care issue; eligible for HSO. 671
New children were enrolled in the HSO- preventive services program 561
Children received preventive clinical services (1424 visits/appointments) in our dental clinics 768
Children received clinical procedures done by a dentist or dental hygienists 985

Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP)

The Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program was put in place in 2019 at both the Windsor and Leamington clinic sites. Given the high demand for this free program, partnership agreements with community dental offices were created in 2022 to manage wait times. Through internal clinics and partnership, the WECHU oral health department supported 3,851 clinic visits across all clients enrolled in the OSDCP. This includes 283 “new patient” exams, for an average of 1.1 new patients added to our client roster every working day. New dentures have also been provided to 162 clients at the WECHU over the course of the year.


School Dental Screening, Assessment and Surveillance

With a full staff complement returning from redeployment, the Oral Health Department implemented an ambitious plan to resume school oral health screenings over the last three months of the 2021-2022 academic school year. By prioritizing high and medium risk schools, the most vulnerable students in our region were provided oral health screening and referral in the school setting. Between April and June 2022, 5,573 students from 35 schools were screened. Within this group, 984 students (17.7%) had an urgent dental care need and were referred for treatment and 2,369 children were referred for non-urgent treatment.

In September, dental teams returned to the schools and during the first half of the 2022-2023 academic year, screened 5,081 students from 34 schools. Following the Oral Health Protocol, all JK/SK and Grade 2 students are screened. In addition, schools that are identified as medium risk also receive screenings for all Grade 7 students while schools identified as high risk receive screenings for both Grade 4 and Grade 7 students. In the 2022/2023 school year, the WECHU endeavored to screen all grades at high-risk schools to ensure that children who were not screened due to the pandemic were captured. Out of the 5,081 students screened there were 834 students (16.4%) that had an urgent dental care need and 2,441 children that were referred for preventive treatment.

Table 2 - Key Statistics for School Screening Assessment & Surveillance
Key Statistics for School Screening Assessment & Surveillance Spring 2022
(# of Students)
Fall 2022
(# of Students)
Students Screened 5,573 5,081
Students identified with urgent dental care needs, & thus eligible for Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) 984 (17.7%) 834 (16.4%)
Students offered HSO- preventive treatment services 2,369 2,441

Baby Oral Health Program (BOHP)

The Canadian Dental Association and the Canadian Pediatric Society suggest that a child have a dental visit before their first birthday. The BOHP is designed to support parents of children 0 to 4 years of age by inviting them to bring their children for an oral health screening by a public health dental hygienist, which also includes education for caregivers and children on oral hygiene habits. Caregivers are also encouraged to visit a dentist or make a follow-up appointment at the health unit if they do not have a dental home. Children who present with urgent needs are either enrolled into the Healthy Smiles Ontario program or referred externally for dental treatment.


Key References

 

Ontario. Ministry of Health. (2021). Oral health protocol, 2021. Retrieved from https://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/publichealth/oph_standards/docs/protocols_guidelines/Oral%20Health%20Protocol_2021.pdf

PREPARED BY:

Healthy Schools Department - Immunization

DATE:

April 20, 2023

SUBJECT:

Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) Compliance Update for Windsor and Essex County


BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) R.S.O. 1990, requires all Ontario students to be immunized against nine diseases. Public health units are required under the ISPA to routinely review student immunization records for students in their catchment area to ensure compliance. Students may be exempt from immunizations due to medical or non-medical reasons. These students, although not up to date on their immunizations, will have satisfied the ISPA requirements.

The WECHU assesses compliance with the ISPA and takes a progressive and collaborative enforcement approach. Parent(s)/guardian(s) of students not in compliance with the ISPA are notified in advance and provided information on actions to avoid a school suspension. A suspension order is issued only if proof of immunization or an exemption is not provided to the WECHU by the date specified. Students with incomplete immunization records or without a valid exemption by the deadline are suspended from school until the required immunization information is reported to the WECHU.

DISCUSSION

ISPA Enforcement in Secondary Schools

Immunization records for secondary students in Windsor and Essex County, were reviewed in June 2022:

  • 13,254 students received immunization notices.
  • 7,554 students were mailed suspension orders.
  • 1,519 students were suspended.

Prior to enforcing the ISPA through the suspension process, the WECHU hosted onsite immunization clinics in local secondary schools, regional municipalities, and WECHU offices. Clinic promotion was largely done on social media channels and by engaging youth-serving agencies (e.g., school boards and New Canadians’ Centre of Excellence Inc.).


Implementation of ISPA in Elementary Schools

For the 2022/2023 school year, student compliance with the ISPA was assessed and enforced for elementary students starting in December 2022 (see table below). Most students issued a suspension order on March 20, 2023 have since updated their immunization records with the WECHU and have returned to school.

Table 1. Number of Number of Elementary Students Not in Compliance with ISPA by date
Date Number of Elementary Students Not in Compliance with ISPA
December 5, 2022 12,023 immunization notices were sent to parent(s)/guardian(s) of elementary students who had incomplete immunization records across Windsor and Essex County.
January 30, 2023 6,654 suspension notices were mailed out to students with incomplete immunization records. This was the final notice mailed to students.
March 20, 2023, Suspension Day 1,908 students with incomplete immunization records were suspended from school.
April 5, 2023 54 students continue to be suspended due to incomplete immunization records.

Prior to enforcing the ISPA through the suspension process, the WECHU engaged in activities to help families avoid suspension:

  • Collaborated with health care providers to assess/update student immunization records, arranged for increased vaccine supply, and provided education on provincially-funded immunization schedule.
  • Collaborated with school boards and school administrators to offer onsite school immunization record review clinics and communicated updates through school social media channels.
  • Provided frequent updates to School Board Liaisons.
  • Developed a webpage of resources for school administrators.
  • Hosted immunization clinics for students to get missing vaccines and updated records with the WECHU.
  • Launched a targeted community communication campaign promoting key messages through diverse channels such as: Arabic radio (CINA 102.3 FM) and other media outlets; 2-1-1, and Facebook.
  • Translated resources for schools in French, Arabic, and Spanish.
  • Used RIO (a phone-based language service) to service families in their preferred language.
  • Provided several options for reporting immunization records (e.g., online, phone, fax, in person at the WECHU) along with information on where to get immunized (i.e., their health care provider or via a WECHU clinic).
  • Tailored support to families and school administration provided by public health nurses over the phone and in person.

After the suspension deadline, the WECHU has been engaging in key activities to help get suspended children back to school:

  • Daily calls to affected families to help troubleshoot.
  • Daily communications with school administrators whose schools have affected families.
  • Hosting daily walk-in immunization clinics for students to get missing vaccines and update records.
  • Media advisories to keep the public aware of enforcement progress.

Immunization Compliance and Coverage Rate

As of April 5, 2023, 94% of enrolled students are in compliance with the Immunization of School Pupils Act during the school year 2022-23, meaning they are either immunized for the ISPA-designated diseases or have a recorded exemption. This percentage includes students from all grades except Grade 9 as the WECHU is currently running the compliance process for this grade.

The WECHU also plans to publish an interactive dashboard in April on local temporal trends of immunization coverage rates among 7- and 17-year-olds up until school year 2021-22 and will also compare these rates to provincial rates and national goals for coverage. The WECHU will provide a second update in August 2023 by adding data on 12- year-olds and include coverage rates for the 2022-23 school year.

Board Members Present:

Renaldo Agostino, Joe Bachetti, Fabio Costante, Fred Francis, Judy Lund, Hilda MacDonald, Angelo Marignani, Michael Prue

Board Member Regrets:

Robert Maich, Rob Shepley

Administration Present:

Dr. Ken Blanchette, Lorie Gregg, Dr. Shanker Nesathurai, Kristy McBeth, Dan Sibley, Linda Watson, Konrad Farrugia

Administrative Regrets:

Eric Nadalin


 

  1. Call to Order
    Board of Health Chair, Fabio Costante, called the Regular meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.
    1. Quorum - Confirmed
    2. Agenda Approval
      Motion: That the agenda be approved.
      CARRIED
    3. Declaration of Conflict of Interest
      No conflicts declared. 
  2. Introduction – K. Blanchette
    1. L. Watson, Director of Public Health Programs and Chief Nursing Officer

      Dr. Ken Blanchette introduced Linda Watson to the group. Linda Watson has joined the WECHU as a Director of Public Health Programs and Chief Nursing Officer. L. Watson has a vast array of knowledge and experience working in nursing settings, hospital settings, and as the Chair of Nursing at St. Clair College

  3. Acting Medical Officer of Health Update (Dr. S. Nesathurai)

    Dr. Nesathurai said the public health service manages a comprehensive group of programs. The programs are divided into two groups – Health Promotion and Health Protection. One program that is key to the WECHU’s mission and not always recognized is the Environmental Health department. There are 30 people who work in Environmental Health at the WECHU. The Environmental Health department includes public health inspectors, health promotion specialists, clerical support and two managers.

    There are approximately 3,000 food service venues across Windsor-Essex County. The Environmental Health team inspect all these food service venues which include restaurants, cafeterias, banquet halls, food trucks, grocery stores, etc. It is important to have good inspection of these food premises. Inspection includes an evaluation of the handling, preparation, cooking, storage, refrigeration, serving, and disposal of food items. It is a comprehensive assessment that includes people, processes and the equipment needed to keep a food service enterprise functioning. The service also inspects fairs and festivals. The key aspect regarding inspection is to prevent any foodborne illnesses that may affect hundreds or potentially thousands of people.

    In Windsor-Essex County there are approximately 550 personal service settings that include barbershops, hair salons, nail salons, tattoo parlours. Many of these sites are at-risk for bloodborne disease. Corrective measures and guidance is provided to these settings annually.

    There are also 160 water facilities in Windsor-Essex County. This includes pools, splash pads, and spas. These water-based services are also inspected by the Environmental Health team. Public beaches are also inspected by the WECHU. 

    There are 1,200 seasonal residents of agricultural workers who reside in bunkhouses which require inspection.

    The WECHU also works closely with municipal providers regarding water safety. There are 40 small water drinking systems in the health district. Primarily on Pelee Island. The water providers are also inspected.

    There are many inspections services that are provided. Inspection reports are available online and allow members of the community to make their own assessment based on the information provided. 

    As we move forward, we need to consider how the public health service can improve the lives of people. Health is more than just avoiding illness. Health includes all the items that might allow us to live a better quality of life and the Environmental Health team is advancing the public health mission of the WECHU.

    R. Agostino asked if there is a way to standardize the food handler course for businesses. R. Agostino said a different approach to learning about food handling instead of a standardized test may be more useful (i.e. working in groups). The food handler course does not seem to be the best way to educate staff.

    Dr. Blanchette said the educational aspect of the food handler course is standardized. Dr. Blanchette asked if R. Agostino was inquiring about the delivery method of the course.

    R. Agostino said he was inquiring about the delivery method of the course and the testing. 

    K. McBeth said that the Environmental Health department offers a free online food handler course and in-person option. The course has been translated into a number of languages (English, French, Chinese, Arabic, and Spanish). Large numbers of people were not able to test at the same time during the pandemic. This will be changing soon and testing will resume to allow for the normal pre-pandemic amount of registrants. The food handler course is a provincial requirement.

  4. Approval of Minutes
    1. Regular Board Meeting:  March 23, 2023
      Motion: That the minutes be approved.
      CARRIED
  5. Business Arising
    1. Consumption and Treatment Services Site Update (K. Blanchette)
      Dr. Blanchette said a media event took place at the Consumption and Treatment Services site (SafePoint) on Wednesday, April 19th. The Federal Government approved SafePoint to operate as an Urgent Public Health Needs Site. Hotel Dieu Grace Hospital will run the day-to-day operations at SafePoint. 

      Dr. Blanchette said he called all local MPs and MPPs to also let them know that the Federal Government approved SafePoint to operate as an Urgent Public Health Needs Site and to thank them for their efforts. Dr. Blanchette reminded the MPs and MPPs that focus will now shift to the permanent Provincial application.

      Counsellor Marignani said that he visited SafePoint and it gave him a sense of confidence that what is happening at SafePoint is part of the solution. Patrick Kolowicz, from Hotel Dieu Grace Hospital, provided Counsellor Marignani with a tour of the site. Also, there was a pothole that was identified as a tripping hazard near the entrance of the facility that will be filled immediately.

    2. Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA Compliance Update for Windsor-Essex County (K. McBeth)
      K. McBeth said that when this initiative started there were approximately 25,000 students (elementary and secondary) who were non-compliant (vaccinations and/or vaccination records not up to date). As of today there are less than 20 individuals who are non-compliant. Most of these individuals are no longer in the Windsor-Essex County district. The compliance rate as of April 5th, 2023 is 94%. This is one of the highest compliance rates the WECHU has ever achieved.

      K. McBeth said a new immunization coverage dashboard was launched today. The information focuses on coverage rates among 7 and 17 year olds in Windsor-Essex County for both ISPA required and non ISPA vaccines. The epidemiology team at the WECHU did an amazing job creating the dashboard. Windsor-Essex County meets and in some cases exceeds national vaccine goals where they exist and also meets and exceeds all provincial averages.

  6. Consent Agenda
    1. INFORMATION REPORTS
      1. WECHU Oral Health Services and Oral Health Month (E. Nadalin)
      2. 2023 Strategic Plan Q1 Reporting (K. McBeth)
      3. Annual Service Plan Q1 2023 Reporting (K. McBeth)
      4. Communications (E. Nadalin)
        Motion: That the information be received.
        CARRIED
  7. Resolutions/Recommendation Reports
    1. 2023/24 Budget for Program Funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (L. Gregg)
      L. Gregg presented the 2023-24 budget for the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services, specifically the Healthy Babies Healthy Children program and the Nurse Practitioner program. Combined this budget supports 25.75 FTEs and the totality of this funding is $2,894, 841. This budget is predominantly spent on salaries and benefits with a nominal operating budget of $116, 212. This budget is funded by the MCCSS. There is no cost sharing component for the municipalities. The WECHU is putting a recommendation forward to have this budget approved by the Board of Health prior to submission to the Ministry of Health and Long-term Care. 
      This year the program managers have provided certain metrics that will be monitored for the coming year.  
      Counsellor Francis asked about the Salaries and Benefits net increase of $10,580 and why the MOH would not cover this amount.

      L. Gregg said in the past there has not been an augment in this budget. This makes it very challenging on a year-by-year basis. There is always a need to look within the program to cover any augments or increases in salaries. L. Gregg said she is always looking for more funding for this program from the MOH but historically the WECHU has not been successful in this regard.

      L. Gregg said at the end of the year if there are variances in salaries due to unanticipated leaves or individuals posting into other programs not funded by this specific Ministry, funds can be redistributed from one line to another to cover additional costs.
      Motion:     That the budget be approved.
      CARRIED

    2. 2023 One-time Business Cases (L. Gregg)
      L. Gregg said in January of 2023 the WECHU brought forward the mandatory program budget. Included in this budget were requests associated with COVID-19. This included the vaccination  and the case and contact management aspect of COVID-19. As part of the Annual Service Plan process the WECHU is allowed to submit several one-time 100% funded business cases to the MOH for various items. Enclosed in the recommendations report are requests put forward to the MOH in addition to the COVDI-19 requests that were previously brought forward.

      Counsellor Francis asked if the Information Technology request is for hardware or software.

      L. Gregg said that the IT request is for hardware, specifically servers. L. Gregg said the IT department will identify what data needs to be cleansed and destroyed when disposing of and/or donating servers. 

      Counsellor Francis asked if the Consulting Fee of $120,000 listed under Information Technology has already been tendered.

      L. Gregg confirmed that a consultant is already onboard and there was a tender issued to select a consultant.

      Counsellor Francis asked if WECHU is sub-contracting the leasehold improvements at the University of Windsor for a project manager or is this under one firm. If under one firm, would the firm not be responsible for hiring a project manager. 

      L. Gregg said the leasehold improvements are being completed by a general contractor hired by the University of Windsor.

      L. Gregg said the project manager fee is for WECHU to have a project manager on hand who advocates for WECHU. L. Gregg confirmed that a tender process was issued to select the WECHU project manager as well.
      Motion:    That the Board of Health approve the additional one-time business cases to be funded at a rate of 100% by the Ministry of Health.
      CARRIED

  8. New Business
    1. CEO Report (K. Blanchette)

      Dr. Blanchette said an event was hosted at WECHU with Senator Sharon Bury. Senator Bury is the first Senator representing Windsor-Essex County in the last 40 years. The meeting was arranged by Irek Kusmierczyk, Member of Parliament. The conversation was primarily about 
       oral health within Windsor-Essex County. However, there were also discussions about  population health, health and poverty for children withing the community. Senator Bury has a few key initiatives that she is looking to instill with respect to nutrition in schools. If there is an opportunity to pilot programs and receive additional funding the WECHU will seek to do so.

    2. Association of Local Public Health Agencies – AGM June 13, 2023 (K. Blanchette)
      Dr. Blanchette said the next Annual General Meeting for the Association of Local Public Health Agencies will take place on June 13, 2023. If any board member wishes to attend this meeting in person please reach out to L. Damphouse for registration and travel arrangements.

  9. Correspondence
    1. Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit – Letter to Hon. Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health, Canada -
      Support for Bill S-254 An Act to Amend the Food and Drugs Act (warning label on alcoholic beverages) – for information
      Motion:    That the Board received correspondence 9.1 for information.
      CARRIED
  10. Committee of the Whole (CLOSED SESSION, in accordance with Section 239 of the Municipal Act)
    The Board moved into Committee of the Whole at 4:42 pm
    The Board moved out of Committee of the Whole at 5:00 pm
  11. Next Meeting: At the Call of the Chair or Thursday, May 18, 2023 @ 4:00 pm
  12. Adjournment
    Motion: That the meeting be adjourned.
    CARRIED

    The meeting adjourned at 5:01 p.m.

RECORDING SECRETARY: K. Farrugia

SUBMITTED BY: K. Blanchette

APPROVED BY: WECHU Board of Health – May 18, 2023

ISSUE/PURPOSE

The Board of Health is required to approval the one-time business cases included in the 2022 Annual Service Plan and Budget Submission (ASP) as submitted on April 3, 2023.

BACKGROUND

On April 3, 2023, the ASP was submitted to the Ministry of Health (MOH).  The ASP included budget information approved by the Board of Health on January 18, 2023.  More specifically:

  • 2023 Mandatory Program Budget;
  • 2023 Ontario Seniors Dental Care Budget;
  • 2023 One-time Business Cases in support of COVID-19, more specifically the COVID-19 general program and the COVID-19 vaccination program.

In addition, the ASP included requests for one-time business cases funded at a rate of 100% by the MOH.  More specifically:

Items requested as part of the ASP and associated costs
Item Amount
Vaccine Program Replacement & Contingency Plan Storage Requirements $ 52,042
Public Health Inspector Practicum Program 40,000
Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program – Furniture and Equipment fit-out 489,165
Information technology, Furniture and Equipment Replacement 1,192,620
New Windsor Office Location – Leasehold improvements 1,519,181
Total $3,293,008

A description of the business cases are as follows:

Vaccine Program Replacement & Contingency Plan Storage Requirements:  This business case is to fund the replacement of two (2) double-door vaccine fridges nearing end of useful life, and the acquisition of one (1) double-door vaccine fridge to be located at a third-party location to support contingency plan storage requirements.

Public Health Inspector Practicum Program:  This business case supports the salaries of four (4) public health inspector practicum students.  Public health inspector practicum students support the general operations of the Environmental Health department while gaining the well-rounded experience required to complete their certification. 

Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program – Furniture and Equipment fit-out:  This business case supports the fit out of operatories, client reception areas and other furniture requirements for the Windsor Office Redevelopment Project.  More specifically, this business case includes:

Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program – Furniture and Equipment fit-out items and associated costs
Item Cost
Oral health mechanical room equipment fit out 44,779
PPE donning and dental lab 407
Oral health sterilization bay 38,613
Oral health storage equipment 2,442
Furniture and equipment (7 operatories) 332,353
2 Reception/Lobby workstations 21,828
Lobby and waiting area furniture 18,673
2 clerical workstations (sub-waiting area) 9,718
Design fee 20,352
Total 489,165

Information Technology, Furniture and Equipment Replacement:  This business case supports the replacement of the information technology infrastructure for the Windsor Office Redevelopment Project and additional furniture and equipment requirements to fit out other spaces.  A particular emphasis was placed on the replacement of the information technology infrastructure as it will be end-of-life in 2024.  This business case also includes third party consulting costs to support design and procurement requirements, capacity which does not exist within the WECHU Administration. More specifically, this business case includes:

Information Technology, Furniture and Equipment Replacement items and associated costs
Item Cost
Information technology network systems 396,253
Information technology – audio visual equipment 95,146
Furniture and equipment (office spaces and client facing areas) 581,221
Consulting fees 120,000
Total 1,192,620

 

New Windsor Office Location – Leasehold improvements: This business case supports certain of the leasehold improvements to be completed from April 2023 to March of 2024.  This business case includes third-party consulting costs to support overall project management, capacity which does not exist within the WECHU Administration. More specifically, this business case includes:

New Windsor Office Location – Leasehold improvements items and associated costs
Item Cost
Interior partitions and lead lining (dental operatories) 101,760
Interior acoustic sliding doors 39,178
Lab-grade cabinets (vaccine distribution, environmental health lab) 76,320
Interior finishes (ceilings, walls, floors) 164,852
HVAC 565,786
Generator 247,552
Network distribution drops and wiring for audio visual systems 273,734
Project manager fee 150,000
Total 1,519,181

PROPOSED MOTION

Whereas, the Board of Health for the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit has approved the 2023 Budget which included budget information for Mandatory programs funded by the MOH and the Obligated Municipalities on a cost shared basis, the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program funded at a rate of 100% by the MOH, as well as preliminary information on one-time business cases funded at a rate of 100% by the MOH relating to COVID-19 (general and vaccination), and

Whereas, the WECHU submitted its Annual Service Plan and Budget Submission to the MOH on April 3, 2023, inclusive of the aforementioned budget approvals as well as additional requests for one-time 100% funded business cases from the MOH, and

Now therefore be it resolved that the Windsor-Essex County Board of Health approve the following additional one-time business cases to be funded at a rate of 100% by the MOH:

Items requested as part of the ASP and associated costs
Item Amount
Vaccine Program Replacement & Contingency Plan Storage Requirements $ 52,042
Public Health Inspector Practicum Program 40,000
Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program – Furniture and Equipment fit-out 489,165
Information technology, Furniture and Equipment Replacement 1,192,620
New Windsor Office Location – Leasehold improvements 1,519,181
  $3,293,008

ISSUE/PURPOSE

The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) administers the Healthy Babies Healthy Children Program and the Pre-natal and Post-natal Nurse Practitioner Program (collectively referred to as the Programs).  These Programs are funded entirely by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS).  The operating budget for the fiscal year April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024, requires approval by the Board of Health prior to submission to the MCCSS.

BACKGROUND

For fiscal 2023/24, these Programs support twenty-five and three quarters (25.75) FTEs comprised of one (1.0) manager FTE, one-quarter (0.25) director FTE, sixteen (16.0) public health nursing FTEs, one (1.0) nurse practitioner FTEs, four (4) family home visitor FTEs, one (1.0) social worker FTE, two and one-half (2.5) support staff FTEs.

The 2023/24 operating budget is detailed below:
Item April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024 April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023 Change
Salaries and benefits 2,778,629 2,768,049 10,580
Other operating expenditures:
  Travel 45,000 50,000 (5,000)
  Professional development 12,770 13,400 (630)
  Program supplies 42,642 48,392 (5,750)
  Purchased services 15,800 15,000 800
Total operating expenditures 116,212 126,792 (10,580)
Total budget 2,894,841 2,894,841 -

Significant changes in the operating budget include the following:

  • Net increase in Salaries and Benefits $10,580 representing salary increases as required by applicable employment agreements, net of uncompensated absences.
  • Reduction in Mileage of $5,000 – The 2023/24 fiscal year reflects the average of mileage costs in the 2022/23 fiscal year.
  • Reduction in Program Supplies of $5,750 – The fiscal 2023/24 budget contemplates expenditures being incurred on account of supplies to support programs ($15,792), information technology equipment replacement ($10,836), phone operating costs ($3,600), information technology licensing ($12,864).
For the 2023/24 fiscal year, program metrics are forecasted as follows:
Indicators MCCSS Forecasting for April 1st, 2023, thru March 31st, 2024 MCCSS Forecasting for April 1st, 2022, thru March 31st, 2023
# of Families Served (Total of 2 or more visits): HBHC 500 400
# of Individuals Confirmed with Risk (Total): HBHC 325 325
# of Individuals Screened (total-Early Childhood): HBHC 180 180
# of Individuals Screened (Total-Postpartum): HBHC 3600 3800
# of Individuals Screened (Total-Prenatal): HBHC 100 100
# of Individuals who Received an In-depth Assessment: HBHC (nurse going into homes to confirm risk) 450 330

PROPOSED MOTION

Whereas, The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit receives grants from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services to fund the Healthy Babies Healthy Children and Pre-natal and Post-natal Nurse Practitioner Programs,

Whereas, the total budgeted expenditures for the Programs for the period April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024 is $2,894,941, and

Now therefore be it resolved that the Windsor-Essex County Board of Health approve the operating budget as presented by Administration for the period April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024