Annual Report 2010 Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health Working to improve the health of communities and individuals in Wellington, Dufferin, and Guelph through promotion, protection, and prevention.
Annual Report 2010 Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health TABLE OF CONTENTS Message from the Medical Officer of Health 2 Message from the Board of Health Chair 3 Introduction 4 Chronic Diseases and Injury 5 A: Chronic Disease Prevention 5 B: Prevention of Injury and Substance Misuse 6 Family Health 7 A: Reproductive Health 7 B: Child Health 8 C: Oral Health 10 Infectious Diseases 11 A: Infectious Diseases Prevention and Control 11 B: Rabies Prevention and Control 12 C: Tuberculosis Prevention and Control 12 D: Sexual Health, Sexually Transmitted Infections, and Blood-Borne Infections (including HIV) 13 E: Vaccine Preventable Diseases 13 Environmental Health 14 A: Health Protection 14 B: Safe Water 15 C: Health Hazard Prevention and Management 15 Emergency Preparedness 16 A: Emergency Preparedness 16 2010 Financial Statements 17 1
Our Vision is to make this a community where individuals can achieve their highest level of health. MESSAGE FROM THE MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH, DR. NICOLA MERCER It is with pleasure that I present the Wellington- Dufferin-Guelph Public Health 2010 Annual Report. The programs and services described in this report clearly outline how we work to improve the health of individuals and local communities through promotion, protection, and prevention activities. WDG Public Health serves a community of 254,861 people living in the County of Wellington, the County of Dufferin, and the City of Guelph. Our Vision is to make this a community where individuals can achieve their highest level of health. Ensuring the health of our population is a responsibility that could not be attained without strong partnerships. 2 Large scale events such as H1N1, emphasize the importance of public health in our communities. Outside of public health emergencies, WDG Public Health focuses on promoting healthy lifestyles, protecting the public, and preventing disease in our community in the areas of chronic diseases, injuries, family health, infectious diseases and environmental health. Health promotion is accomplished through community development, community-based interventions, and support of healthy public policies that impact the health and well-being of populations. WDG Public Health continuously assesses the determinants of health, health status, and incidence of disease and injury in our communities to establish a clear picture of local needs. We work with our communities and partners to identify needs, to assess progress in meeting those needs, and to help inform our decision-making. Programs and services are tailored to address the unique needs of our local communities. In order to ensure optimum capacity to meet goals, public health competencies are strengthened through ongoing staff development and skill building. Collaboration is key to success, now and in the future. Ensuring the health of our population is a responsibility that could not be attained without strong partnerships. WDG Public Health actively participates in local partnerships and collaborations to create the conditions necessary for effective change. Through collaboration with community partners, we enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of interventions, resulting in the best population health outcomes. Through evidence-informed practice we seek the best solutions to the most burdensome health problems, and the best ways to implement these solutions with the resources available to us and bring about desired changes. Embracing evidence-informed practice as a priority, WDG Public Health has established a Health Analytics Team to conduct research, program evaluation, surveillance, and population health assessment. Looking ahead, WDG Public Health will continue to assess local needs, ensure we have the capacity to address these needs, to participate in and strengthen partnerships, and to assess the impact and effectiveness of programs and services. Dr. Nicola Mercer Medical Officer of Health Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health
WDG Public Health s primary focus is on the health and well-being of our communities. MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD CHAIR, LYNDA DAVENPORT I am pleased to present this year s Annual Report and to highlight the accomplishments of Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health. In 2010, WDG Public Health re-focused by undertaking organization-wide planning and restructuring to better align with the Ontario Public Health Standards. The strategic planning that took place in 2010 will guide WDG Public Health s strategic directions and program priorities forward to 2016. Identified strategic directions are community and partner relationships, evidence-informed practices, workforce quality and capacity, functional infrastructure, and a healthy workplace. As evidenced by the programs and services described in this report, WDG Public Health values a community-centred focus. Our primary focus is on the health and well-being of our communities. We weigh the impact of our choices and decisions in relation to community requirements, and we use creativity and flexibility in responding to identified community needs. We build and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with external stakeholders and partners. We also value professionalism, respect, accountability, and a balanced approach. We are proud of our accomplishments in 2010. One of the highlights was the launch of the new Healthy Smiles Ontario program in October 2010. This program provides preventive and early treatment services to eligible children and youth aged 0 to 17 years. Additionally, WDG Public Health was recognized by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care in 2010 for progress in adopting best practices and successfully implementing the small-drinking-water systems program. In 2010 tobacco enforcement officers visited all 242 tobacco vendors and Annual Report 2010 provided them with an educational kit to help them comply with the Smoke-free Ontario Act. As evidenced by the programs and services described in this report, WDG Public Health values a community-centred focus. WDG Public Health relies extensively on partnerships to best serve our communities. In 2010, we worked with local school boards to develop nutrition committees in preparation for the new food and beverage policies beginning in fall 2011. We also worked with partners to host youth summits to engage youth to target health issues of importance to them. The youth engagement partnership also implemented a program in which youth participated in education and training then used their acquired knowledge and skills to develop health awareness campaigns. All of the achievements outlined in this report are possible only through the dedication and work of our staff and through strong partnerships and collaborations. On behalf of the Board, we would like to thank Dr. Mercer and her team for their continued commitment to the health and safety of our communities. Lynda Davenport Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Board of Health Chair, 2010 3
Introduction The work of WDG Public Health is guided by the Ontario Public Health Standards (OPHS). These standards outline goals, outcomes, and requirements for each of the key public health areas: chronic diseases and injuries, family health, infectious diseases, environmental health, and emergency preparedness. There are numerous programs, services and activities that address each standard. The 2010 Annual Report for Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health highlights our work in each of these areas. WDG Public Health relies on surveillance and population health assessment activities to anticipate and identify population health needs and to prevent and mitigate emerging threats to the health of the public. Our practice is guided by evidence. Community-based planning and delivery of public health programs and services are based on the findings of research and program evaluation. 4 Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health
CHRONIC DISEASES AND INJURY WDG Public Health collaborates with partners and uses health promotion strategies to achieve identified outcomes for chronic disease and injury prevention. The goal of chronic disease health promotion is to reduce the burden of preventable chronic diseases in the population. WDG works to address health inequities that contribute to chronic disease through a wide variety of programs and services. A few of these initiatives are highlighted in this section. The goal of injury prevention is to reduce the frequency, severity, and impact of preventable injury and of substance misuse. Some examples of initiatives that increase the capacity of priority populations to prevent injuries and substance misuse are highlighted in this section. A: Chronic Disease Prevention HEALTHY COMMUNITIES PARTNERSHIP The Healthy Communities Partnership was launched in 2010, with the goal of developing healthy public policy for chronic disease and injury prevention. Key to the success of this partnership is working collaboratively with community agencies and partners. In late 2010 and early 2011, consultations were held with over 100 community partners in Wellington County, Dufferin County, and the City of Guelph to identify priorities and make suggestions for future action. Partners at these consultations included elected officials, municipal and county staff, and representatives from the schoolboards, healthcare organizations and local non-governmental organizations. This information will allow us to move forward with a comprehensive community picture and an operational plan to support policy-related work. PREPARING FOR FOOD AND BEVERAGE POLICIES IN SCHOOLS The Ministry of Education has set out nutrition standards for food and beverages sold in publicly funded elementary and secondary schools in Ontario (PPM 150). To prepare for the launch of PPM 150 in September 2011, Annual Report 2010 WDG Public Health has worked extensively with both the Upper Grand District School Board and the Wellington Catholic District School Board to develop nutrition committees, and deliver presentations, training and consultations to all levels of the schools boards. ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PLAN FOR WELLINGTON COUNTY Public Health partnered with the County of Wellington, the seven municipalities in Wellington County, the City of Guelph, and in motion to develop an Active Transportation Plan for Wellington County. The initial steps for this plan included hosting seven community workshops to build community and political support for walking and cycling, as well as gathering public input into what is working and what is desirable in residents communities. Additionally, partners worked together to gather funding to support the development of the plan. RAISING AWARENESS AROUND UV RADIATION AND INDOOR TANNING WDG Public Health partnered with two local high schools to implement a pilot project highlighting the dangers of UV radiation and indoor tanning. This included the development 5
of curriculum and the use of specialty computer software to demonstrate a visual enhancement of possible skin damage from the sun. YOUTH SUMMITS Two youth summits were held during fall 2010 to engage youth in discussing health issues of importance to them and to encourage the creation of Youth Action Teams within high schools. In total, 130 youth and 16 teacher champions attended these summits. Following the summits, teacher champions were encouraged to apply for funding for projects that were youth planned and led. WDG Public Health reviewed the applications and awarded grants to six schools to support Youth Action Team projects that related to tobacco and other risk factors. PEER TO LEAD PROGRAMS Peer to Lead (PTL) is a successful youth engagement model initially developed in 2009. In 2010, WDG Public Health collaborated with Wyndham House staff and other PTL community partners to give youth the chance to participate in eight weeks of education and training followed by a four-week opportunity to create an awareness campaign on a health issue of their choice. Youth from Wyndham House in Guelph, The Door in Fergus, and Choices Youth Shelter in Orangeville participated in this program. Short-term program goals included increased knowledge, confidence, and skills to make healthy lifestyle choices. NUMBER DESCRIPTION 13 Elementary schools were recruited as healthy schools. 3 Seed grants were offered to local sports and recreation organizations to develop tobacco-free policies. 648 Individuals made quit attempts during the 2010 Canadian Cancer Society Driven to Quit Challenge. 110 Healthy eating workshops were provided for community groups through our Community Food Advisors program. B: Prevention of Injury and Substance Misuse CHILDREN FALLS PREVENTION In 2010, WDG Public Health began working with four Central West health units and the University of Guelph on a research project examining falls in children. The goal of the project is to design and implement a multifaceted intervention strategy with the aim of reducing the incidence of falls in the home among children 1 through 4 years of age. This will be a multi-year project with research and interventions continuing into 2011 and 2012. SENIORS FALLS PREVENTION Medication cleanout is a program that encourages individuals to safely dispose of unused or expired medications. In 2010, WDG Public Health partnered with the City of Guelph, the County of Wellington, Evergreen Seniors Centre, Safe Communities on the Grand, Osteoporosis Canada, and the Upper Grand Family Health Team to deliver medication clean-out in Wellington County and Guelph. Medications were collected for safe disposal at 11 sites during the 2010 campaign: 2.2 kg of medications were collected in Wellington County and 50 kg of medications were collected in Guelph. SUBSTANCE USE PREVENTION WDG Public Health, in partnership with the Wellington Guelph Drug Strategy Committee, co-facilitated the Strengthening Families for the Future program during fall 2010. Strengthening Families is a proven evidence-based prevention program for addressing substance use problems by reducing risk factors and enhancing protective factors in families. Research shows that children and adolescents in families where substance use has been an issue are at increased risk of developing problems themselves. Family-based prevention initiatives are believed to reduce the risk of substance abuse among high-risk youth. 6 Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health
FAMILY HEALTH Family Health includes the areas of reproductive health, child health, and oral health. The goal of reproductive health is to enable individuals and families to achieve optimal preconception health, experience a healthy pregnancy, have the healthiest newborn(s) possible, and prepare for parenthood. The goal of child health (including oral health) is to enable all children to attain and sustain optimal health and developmental potential. WDG Public Health collaborates with partners and uses health promotion strategies to achieve identified outcomes. A: Reproductive Health PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH Prebirth Clinics are offered in collaboration with all five local hospitals in our community. Pregnant women and their support persons who attend these clinics meet with a public health nurse who provides education and support about pregnancy, parenting, breastfeeding, nutrition, and substance use. One health concern which is addressed is perinatal mental health. Women are offered screening for depression, as well as education about postpartum mood disorders which affect up to 15% of women in the first year after the birth of an infant. Partners are provided with specific information about how and when to get help for perinatal mental health concerns. In addition, a coalition of community partners, chaired by public health, worked to increase education and public awareness about postpartum mood disorders (PPMD). The partners included representatives of Dufferin Family and Children s Services, Ontario Early Years Centres, Guelph Community Health Centre, Trellis, and Community Resource Centre. The strategies included creating posters, adding a self-scoring version of the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale with an explanatory video to the WDG Public Health website, and organizing an educational day for service providers. Annual Report 2010 THE CANADIAN PRENATAL NUTRITION PROGRAM (CPNP) The CPNP operated throughout 2010 in Guelph, offering weekly support for pregnant adults and teens who face complex issues or factors that may impact on health during pregnancy. This program is coordinated by a public health nutritionist, staffed by public health nurses, and runs in collaboration with the Guelph Community Health Centre and Onward Willow Better Beginnings Better Futures. Women who participate in this group receive education regarding pregnancy, birth, parenting, and nutrition. Participants in CPNP were found to have improved breastfeeding rates. In particular, newcomers to Canada find the adult program, which runs at the Shelldale Centre, a source of support during their pregnancy. 7
NUMBER DESCRIPTION 912 Women attended prebirth clinics. At the prebirth clinics women and their partners can speak to a public health nurse about pregnancy and parenting. 92 Complete Prenatal Series (prenatal classes) were offered. These classes help parents-to-be focus on pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and parenting. 560 Couples registered for the Complete Prenatal Series (prenatal classes). 290 Couples registered for the prenatal breastfeeding class. The breastfeeding classes help pregnant women and their partners learn valuable information and skills to support successful breastfeeding. 600 Adults attended the Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP). CPNP is a free program that focuses on healthy eating. 86 Teens attended the CPNP program. 337 Women were identified prenatally as needing additional support provided by a public health nurse. B: Child Health GROWING GREAT KIDS SYSTEM OF CARE WDG Public Health participates in Growing Great Kids System of Care (GGK SOC), which is a partnership of community service providers in Guelph and Wellington who work to ensure a seamless, streamlined, and effective service system for children (prenatal to age six). The single point intake function is provided by Public Health through KIDS LINE. KIDS LINE is a telephone support line provided by a team of public health nurses who, in addition to providing advice and support to parents, undertake the initial screening of children with developmental concerns. GGK SOC has accepted referrals from primary care providers, educators, therapists, and parents. In 2010, an increased emphasis on the 18-month Enhanced Well Baby Visit began to generate more referrals to GGK SOC. The SOC model is attracting attention from other communities. Invitations to speak about the concept, and the process of developing an integrated system of care were received in early 2011from Dufferin County, Waterloo Region, and the Central West group within the Ministry of Children and Youth Services. WDG Public Health is a member of the Dufferin Coalition for Kids, a group of service providers in Dufferin including the Upper Grand District School Board, the Ministry of Children and Youth Services, County of Dufferin Ontario Early Years Centre and Childcare, and Dufferin Child and Family Services. A subcommittee of the Coalition has been exploring the implementation of single point of access to care in this community. This work will proceed in 2011. BUILDING COMMUNITY CAPACITY To help build community capacity and serve priority populations, WDG Public Health hosted, in collaboration with other community partners, two workshops for service providers in Wellington County on the topic of the Low-German-speaking (LGS) community. In April, 70 participants, primarily from the education sector, met to learn about promoting positive attitudes toward education through integrating school and community approaches. In October, 52 participants, including educators, child protection staff, mental health professionals, primary care providers, and community members attended a morning session that reviewed cultural perceptions of mental health, stressors related to the immigrant experience, and the experience of perinatal depression in LGS women. These sessions have been very well received by participants. 8 Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health
HEALTHY BABIES HEALTHY CHILDREN The Healthy Babies Healthy Children (HBHC) program provides education and support to families who are pregnant and/ or parenting children up to the age of 6 years. The goal of HBHC is to help children achieve their optimal level of health and growth and development. All families may receive a phone call from a public health nurse (PHN) shortly after the birth of their baby to assess their comfort with newborn care, breastfeeding, maternal health and well-being, and their availability of supports. Some families receive a postpartum home visit for additional guidance and support by a public health nurse. Some families and/or their children face more complex issues or factors that may impact on optimal growth and development and are eligible to receive longer-term visiting. Public health nurses and trained peer visitors (family visitors) work with these families in their homes to promote healthy pregnancies, adjustment to early parenting, and positive parenting skills. HBHC also links families to other community programs and services, providing advocacy and service coordination as needed. NUMBER DESCRIPTION 395 Breastfeeding clinics were offered 2080 Clients visited the breastfeeding clinics 1121 Breastfeeding clinic clients had infants aged 0-6 weeks. 3876 Calls were made to KIDS LINE. Thirty-four percent of those calls were related to parenting. 2861 Let s Grow Growth and Development packages were distributed to parents. 1660 Families received a telephone postpartum contact. 874 Families received a postpartum home visit by a public health nurse. 205 Families were referred to HBHC home visiting program. Sixty of these were initiated in the prenatal period. 2430 Visits were made to clients in the HBHC home visiting program 2364 Referrals were made to community programs and services. 1221 Families received one or more referrals. Annual Report 2010 9
C: Oral Health HEALTHY SMILES ONTARIO (HSO) The new HSO program was launched in October 2010 and will provide preventive and early treatment services to eligible children and youth aged 0 to 17 years. HSO is a provincewide program which is part of the Government s poverty reduction strategy and is funded 100% by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. The overall intent is to provide service for children and youth who cannot access regular dental care due to financial barriers. It is anticipated that over time, the preventive and health promotion activities delivered by HSO will help to reduce the amount of dental disease among children and youth. This will decrease the need for and substantial cost of urgent treatment services covered through the Children in Need of Treatment (CINOT) program. During the development of the local model of HSO, Public Health held discussion forums with local dental providers and community agencies providing service to low-income populations. The objectives were to learn how best to implement HSO in the WDG area and to promote partnerships with local providers and community programs. Capital funding for HSO is being used to purchase dental equipment that will be used in hospitals for the dental treatment of children under general anesthesia, and to purchase materials and supplies to enhance our ability to perform preventive clinics and oral health screenings in public health clinics and community sites. FLUORIDE VARNISH PROJECT AT CENTRE PEEL PUBLIC SCHOOL In September 2010, the 4 th year of the Fluoride Varnish Project at Centre Peel Public School began. This is an ongoing project which provides topical fluoride applications to all children at Centre Peel School who consent to participate. Since 2007, an extremely high participation rate of over 90% has been achieved with the help and support of Public Health staff, school staff and teachers, school council, and parents. In addition, Public Health provides toothbrushes to students and oral health education which includes tooth brushing instruction. These efforts have helped to promote awareness of the importance of oral health among this high-risk population. CINOT EXPANSION HEALTH PROMOTION In April 2010, the expansion of the CINOT program was promoted as part of Oral Health Month. CINOT was recently expanded to include youth aged 14 to 17 years who are eligible. During the promotion, material was provided to community agencies, dental offices, parents, and youth. These efforts have helped to increase public awareness of CINOT and other oral health services provided by WDG Public Health. PREVENTIVE CLINIC IN DRAYTON In June 2010, preventive dental services were provided over the course of eight days at the Mennonite Community Fellowship Church in Drayton. A total of 112 children and youth received dental cleanings, fluoride application and oral hygiene instruction, and 35 children received dental sealants. These outreach clinics are well-supported by the community and improve access to preventive care for those residents without transportation. NUMBER DESCRIPTION 146 Dentists treated children and youth through the CINOT program (includes 25 specialists). 6190 Students received oral health screenings in schools. 1904 Children received oral health screenings at public health offices or in the community. 777 Children were eligible to receive urgent dental care through the CINOT program. 10 Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health
INFECTIOUS DISEASES Infectious diseases include rabies, tuberculosis, sexually transmitted infections, blood-borne infections, and vaccine preventable diseases. WDG Public Health collaborates with partners and uses health promotion strategies to achieve identified outcomes. The highlights below describe initiatives that increase public awareness of prevention and control practices as well as outbreak response and surveillance of risks. A: Infectious Diseases Prevention and Control CHILD CARE WORKSHOP In October 2010, 20 child-care operators from Wellington, Dufferin, and Guelph attended the Healthy Places Healthy Faces Workshop for Child Care. The purpose of this event was to raise awareness about the five common childhood communicable diseases. Activities included arts and craft hazards, Bristol stool chart, information about pets in child care, and food safety teaching. WDG Public Health s new four-volume Healthy Faces Healthy Places resource for child-care providers was also launched at this event. INFECTION CONNECTION CONFERENCE Infection Connection 2010 was held in Guelph in September. Approximately 100 people attended from a variety of areas including public health, long-term care, acute care, community care, corrections, and Regional Infection Control Network. The topics this year covered the Provincial Infectious Disease Advisory Committee best practices for environmental cleaning as well as cleaning and sterilization. There were also presentations from the public health lab and on infection control in personal service settings. NUMBER DESCRIPTION 82 Facility outbreaks were investigated. 436 Reports of infectious diseases were investigated. 11 Annual Report 2010 11
B: Rabies Prevention and Control RABIES AWARENESS WDG Public Health provided an annual reminder to all our community partners that they required to report animal biting incidents to Public Health. This includes community physicians and hospitals, local police departments, animal control agencies, and local veterinarians. Additionally, newly revised information regarding the administration of vaccine and immune globulin was sent to physicians and posted on our website. NUMBER DESCRIPTION 537 Animal biting incidents were investigated and closed. 24 Specimens (wild, stray, domestic) were sent for rabies testing; all were negative. 20 Instances required rabies post exposure treatment for known or suspect rabies contact. C: Tuberculosis Prevention and Control FACILITY TUBERCULOSIS OUTBREAK In 2010, there was a tuberculosis (TB) outbreak in a long-term care home. This outbreak was unique in Canada and the United States because of its size and transmission. It required a seven-month intensive investigation of staff, residents, family members, and volunteers for case finding and contact management which will continue into 2011. TUBERCULOSIS CONTROL TB Control involves many components including Directly Observed Therapy (DOT). DOT means that WDG Public must observe that clients with active TB cases take their medications properly. This may involve visiting individuals daily in their homes for six to nine months. TB medication compliance is very important to prevent the development of a resistant strain of TB which is very difficult to treat. Other aspects of TB control include tracing contact, ruling out suspect cases, and dispensing medications for TB infection and TB disease. WDG Public Health also advises physicians in the community on the treatment of TB. A TB clinic is offered by Public Health monthly at the Southgate office in Guelph. Healthcare professionals are welcome to refer clients for consultation or management. NUMBER DESCRIPTION 175 Clients were assessed and treated at WDG Public Health TB clinics. These clients were referred to the TB clinic by area physicians and healthcare providers. 7 New active cases of TB were identified in Wellington, Dufferin and Guelph. Of those cases, 4 were related to a TB outbreak in a long-term care home. 12 Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health
D: Sexual Health, Sexually Transmitted Infections, and Blood-Borne Infections (including HIV) IDENTIFY HIGH-RISK POPULATIONS USING GIS MAPPING In 2010, WDG Public Health used GIS mapping to analyze local chlamydia cases from 2006 to 2009. The largest cluster of chlamydia cases was identified among females between the ages of 20-24, located in the University of Guelph area. To address this issue, we enhanced partnerships with the University of Guelph, Student Health Services to increase awareness of STIs and clinics on campus. In 2011, we will continue to partner with the University Wellness Centre, Student Health Services by providing on-site clinics for point-of-care testing for HIV. NUMBER DESCRIPTION 11 198 Client contacts in the Sexual Health program. 86 138 Needles were distributed for the Harm Reduction program. This is an increase of 73% from 2009. 123 Presentations were made to high school youth (sexual health, harm reduction, alcohol, tobacco, health relationships). 552 Sexually transmitted infections were followed-up. 427 People received services through the Travel Clinic 3184 Active birth control prescriptions E: Vaccine Preventable Diseases IMMUNIZATION RECORDS Thirteen area high schools were assessed for up-to-date immunization records. As part of this assessment, 3,005 immunization questionnaires were sent home to students, and each high school held an immunization clinic where 1,098 doses of vaccine were administered. In 2010, 229 students were suspended for not having up-to-date immunization records. COLLABORATION WITH SCHOOLS A public health nurse (PHN) actively liaises with the school boards. The role includes coordinating public health initiatives, programs, and research projects that access the elementary and secondary school population. Our School Liaison PHN is an active member of school board committees and presents to the superintendants and principal groups. WDG Public Health also sits on the Steering Committee of Give Your Self Credit, Annual Report 2010 an alternative school located in Guelph, and is a member of the Relationship, Sexuality and Safety Education Network of Guelph and Wellington-Dufferin Counties. NUMBER DESCRIPTION 4810 Hepatitis B vaccine doses were administered to Grade 7 students. 3222 HPV vaccine doses were administered to Grade 8 female students. 2478 Meningitis vaccine doses were administered to Grade 7 students. 2500 Doses of vaccine were administered in our immunization clinics. 13
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH Environmental Health includes the areas of food safety, safe water, and health hazard prevention and management. WDG Public Health collaborates with partners and uses health promotion strategies to achieve identified outcomes. The goal of food safety is to prevent or reduce the burden of food-borne illness. The goals of safe water are to prevent or reduce the burden of water-borne illness related to drinking water, and to prevent or reduce the burden of water-borne illness and injury related to recreational water use. The goal of health hazard prevention and management is to prevent or reduce the burden of illness from health hazards in the physical environment. This section of the report highlights initiatives that promote and enforce safe practices with food and water in our communities and protect against health hazards. A: Health Protection FOOD PREMISES INSPECTIONS The Health Protection division achieved close to 100% compliance with the number of required food premises inspections. By utilizing an intensive summer program, four additional student inspectors were hired across the agency to augment the number of core public health inspectors. WDG public health inspectors completed 93 % of the required inspections at high-risk premises, and 98% of required inspections at moderate- and low-risk premises. High-risk premises are required to be inspected three times a year, moderate risk two times a year, and low risk once a year. EDUCATING VENDORS TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH THE SMOKE- FREE ONTARIO ACT In 2010, tobacco enforcement officers visited all 242 tobacco vendors and provided them with an educational kit to help them comply with the Smoke-free Ontario Act. The vendors received a training binder that explained their due diligence in training staff and complying with the Act. In addition, all vendors received a new set of signs which they are required to post to remind patrons that they have to be 19 years of age to purchase tobacco, and that vendors are required to ask for identification. NUMBER DESCRIPTION 1,350 Number of identified food premises in Wellington and Dufferin counties and Guelph. These are categorized as high, moderate, and low risk. 2,500 Required number of food premises inspections. 400 Food inspections were completed at special events and farmers markets. 463 Food handlers were trained. >500 Smoke-Free Ontario Act inspections were completed with test shoppers. 50 Charges were laid under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act. 14 Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health
B: Safe Water BEST PRACTICE FOR SMALL DRINKING WATER SYSTEMS WDG Public Health was recognized by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care in 2010 for progress in adopting best practices and successfully implementing the small drinking-water systems (SDWS) program. The SDWS program requires owners and operators to be responsible for sampling, operating, and managing their own systems. The success of the SDWS program in our area was largely due to the proactive approach taken with owners and operators including the dissemination of information using a website and information sessions. NUMBER DESCRIPTION 119 Small drinking water systems inspections and assessments were completed 296 Public recreational water facility inspections were completed, including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, spas, wading pools, and splash pads. 11 Public beaches were sampled weekly from May through September. 355 Drinking water related inquiries from the public were responded to by staff. C: Health Hazard Prevention and Management To meet the health hazard prevention and management standard, the agency investigates a wide variety of complaints received from the public. We work with other provincial ministries to address issues regarding potential exposure through soil or air contamination. In addition, we consult with the Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion and universities on emerging issues such as wind turbines. NUMBER DESCRIPTION 407 Health hazard complaints were investigated. 176 Complaints regarding indoor air quality were addressed. 108 Back yard catch basins were treated to prevent West Nile Virus. Annual Report 2010 15
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS The goal of emergency preparedness is to enable and ensure a consistent and effective response to public health emergencies and emergencies with public health impacts. WDG Public Health collaborates with partners to develop emergency preparedness plans, ensure ongoing communication and awareness, and provide training opportunities. A: Emergency Preparedness COMMUNITY PANDEMIC PLAN Through the establishment of a Community Planning Committee and a number of working groups, WDG Public Health worked closely with many community partners, including the municipal sector; first responders; funeral service providers; acute care, long-term care, primary care, and community health care sectors; mental health and addiction services; boards of education, private schools, and post-secondary institutions; and volunteer organizations, to create the Community Pandemic Plan. Internal planning to establish and support vaccination clinics was also undertaken. H1N1 RESPONSE EVALUATED Following the H1N1 pandemic in 2009, an Evaluation Committee was established to develop and lead the evaluation process to review our response. In 2010, the Committee released its final report. Information for the evaluation was gathered using several different methods and focused specifically on the responsiveness of the public and the efficiency and organization of WDG Public Health in carrying out its response. It also evaluated cooperation and leadership with community partners who supported the agency in its response. While the overall response was largely positive, lessons learned will be incorporated into WDG Public Health s Community Pandemic Plan and other emergency response plans. Recommendations from organizations including the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Health Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada, the World Health Organization, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will also be incorporated. PREPARING FOR FUTURE EMERGENCIES Other hazard-specific procedures were reviewed and/or drafted to ensure that our current Emergency Response Plan meets the requirements of the Ontario Public Health Standards. This work will continue into 2011. 16 Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health
2010 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS REVENUE Public Health funding is varied and complex. The largest portions of funding for WDG Public Health come from two provincial ministries: the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) and the Ministry of Health Promotion and Sport(MHPS). There is also funding from the Ministry of Children and Youth Services (MCYS) for the Healthy Babies Healthy Children, and Preschool Speech and Language programs. The next largest sources of funding are the obligated municipalities (Wellington County, Dufferin County, and the City of Guelph). Funding is also received from the federal government (Health Canada). In 2010, WDG Public Health successfully submitted a number of funding proposals and received grants for work on community projects with community partners and coalitions. The total revenue in 2010 was $20,153,513. In 2010 the breakdown of revenue was: MOHLTC $6,682,652 33.2% 2.6% One time grants (MOHLTC) $529,344 County of Dufferin $1,020,881 5.1% 28.4% MHPS $5,716,752 County of Wellington $1,755,369 8.7% City of Guelph $2,246,439 11.1% 10.2% MCYS $2,056,287 0.7% Other* $145,789 *Other includes Health Canada, interest, and community project grants. 17 Annual Report 2010 17
2010 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS EXPENSE The majority of the expenses at WDG Public Health are staffing related. Below is a breakdown of the expenses of the mandatory and related expenses for WDG Public Health. The total expense in 2010 was $19,334,893. 4.6% FACILITIES $888,706 SALARIES AND BENEFITS $15,023,016 ALL OTHER OPERATING $1,105,347 77.7% 6.4% 5.6% 5.7% SPECIAL PROJECTS AND ONE TIME GRANTS $1,241,252 PURCHASED SERVICES $1,076,573 PUBLIC SECTOR ACCOUNTING BOARD REQUIREMENTS The above figures do not include the recent changes required in financial reporting by the Public Sector Accounting Board. The changes require public sector bodies such as WDG Public Health to account for fixed assets and the amortization of the assets in their financial statements. For a complete copy of the 2010 Audit Financial Statements please go our website at www.wdgph.org/finance. 18 Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health
19