September 19, 2019 Meeting Summary

Board of Health Meeting Summary – September 19, 2019

Summary

Budget

The Ministry of Health has notified us that the provincial grant will be the same for 2019 as in 2018, with the addition of funding for the Seniors Dental Program. One time grants have been provided to purchase 2 new vaccine fridges, fund a student public health inspector practicum, and additional funding for the needle exchange program.

Work is underway to develop the 2020 Public Health Budget which will be brought to the Finance, Audit, Property and Risk Management Committee for their review prior to the November Board meeting. Letters have been sent to obligated municipalities with the estimated 2020 levy amounts based on the change in the provincial/municipal funding ratio announced by Minister Elliott for 2020.

Program Update

This fall, the Health Unit will be conducting a community program to raise awareness about the possible impact of significant exposure to radon gas in homes, and the importance of testing and remediation. According to a Health Canada survey, 19% of the homes in the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark region had levels of radon that over time could increase the risk of lung cancer.

The Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit, in partnership with active school travel stakeholders, was successful in receiving $60,000 over one year from Green Communities Canada. The objectives of the “North Grenville Way” project are to work with the North Grenville community to raise awareness for active school travel, develop an active school travel community charter, and conduct a professional assessment of walk zones in hopes of increasing opportunities for sustainable active school travel.

Planning is underway for the 2019–20 influenza season with our health care providers, hospital, and long-term care and retirement home partners. The flu vaccine supply will be a little later than in previous years. We hope to have vaccine out to our local health care providers by early October for high risk individuals. The general population supply will be readily available by early November.

All children in senior kindergarten will be assessed for any vision problems in the 2019–2020 school year. Health Unit Staff will provide 3 screening tests done at every school, which takes about 10 minutes per child. Each child will get a results letter with next steps to be taken depending on the screening outcome. Free annual eye exams are available for children and youth up to 19 years of age with a valid OHIP card by an Optometrist.

The Health Unit has entered into partnership with the Municipality of North Grenville to provide well water sample bottle pick up and drop off at their municipal office as of August 6, 2019. This improves access to well water testing which ideally occurs three times a year.