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Kenner Intermediate Roots for Universal Access to Food at School

Today, 180 Kenner Intermediate School students and staff crunched on Ontario grown apples in sync with students coast-to-coast. The event highlights the need for sustainably funded school food programs across Canada.

Students arrive hungry to school for all sorts of reasons: long bus rides, rushed mornings, and skipped meals. The Great Big Crunch is celebrated across Canada today and highlights the need for access to nutritious food at school for every child.

“Canada is the only G7 country without a national school food program.” says Luisa Magalhaes, Registered Dietitian with Peterborough Public Health and a member of Food for Kids. “With the high cost of food, federal funding would help make local programs even better.”

“Our school’s nutrition program brings smiles to students’ faces and helps them have a better day of learning,” says Tania Lamond, principal at the school. “Access to nourishing food at school, like cheese, vegetables and fruit and whole grains, contributes to our students’ well-being. This year marks twenty years that our vibrant nutrition program has welcomed all students with nourishing food at school.”

Angela Fuchs, Community Development Coordinator with Peterborough Child and Family Centres, was on hand for the festivities. “Last year, over 800 volunteers and school staff spent 1100 hours a week preparing and serving food to hungry students. What a remarkable investment in student success!”

A special thank-you to our community donors and volunteers. Donors include the United Way Peterborough & District, the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough, Show Kids you Care, Kawartha Credit Union, Kawartha Food Share, Kiwanis Club of Scott’s Plains, Sysco, Darling Insurance. Funders include Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, Grocery Foundation, and Breakfast Club of Canada. Your continued support of food at school for all students makes a difference!

To volunteer, contact your local school. To donate, visit www.FoodforKidsPTBO.ca. #foodforkidsptbo @FoodForKidsPtbo

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For further information, please contact:

Media Relations
media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca

 

Residents are encouraged to get up to date with their measles vaccines

Measles cases are rapidly increasing globally. In Ontario, five cases of measles have been reported over the past few weeks. Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is strongly urging residents, especially parents of young children, to review their immunization records and get up to date with measles vaccines.

“There are cases in the country being linked to travel. For those travelling this time of year, we are urging residents to avoid bringing home measles as their souvenir,” says Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health and CEO for Peterborough Public Health. “Measles is a highly infectious virus that can be deadly for those who are not protected. Receiving a vaccine is the best protection against an infection.”

Dr. Piggott adds, “Children who have not received the measles vaccine and pregnant individuals are at the highest risk for a measles infection. Vaccination against measles is the best way to avoid an infection.” Two doses of the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine or the Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella (MMRV) vaccine are available free of charge for everyone in Ontario from a healthcare provider. While immunization may take 2-3 weeks to provide full protection, ensuring protection before travel for March break, or being protected in general, is still important for everyone.

Residents are encouraged to review their immunization records online or over the phone, consult their yellow book record or contact their health care provider to determine if they are protected against measles. Residents born after the year 1970 who have not had a measles vaccine or who are unsure about receiving a measles vaccine are encouraged to receive at least one dose before travelling from their health care provider. Residents born before 1970 are assumed to have had measles in childhood and considered protected, although in some cases after discussion with your health care provider on individual risk vaccination is still considered. Staying up to date with the measles vaccine is still recommended for those who have returned from travel or do not plan to travel.

Those who have returned from travel are encouraged to monitor for signs and symptoms of measles. Symptoms usually appear 4-14 days after exposure to the virus and include,

  • Runny nose
  • Cough
  • Red and watery eyes
  • High fever
  • Small white spots inside the cheeks and mouth
  • Rash typically presents day 7-18 and can appear all over the body

If you experience any of these symptoms after travel please contact your healthcare provider via phone and avoid attending any public settings.

If you believe you have been in contact with the measles virus while travelling, it is recommended you,

  • Return to Canada wearing a well-fitting mask (preferably N95/KN95 style)
  • Limit unnecessary contact with others
  • Monitor closely for symptoms

Learn more about the measles virus and risk associated with it – https://www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/your-health/measles/

Review the Ontario Routine Immunization Schedule – https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontarios-routine-immunization-schedule

Review your immunization record or your child’s – https://pcchu.icon.ehealthontario.ca/

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For further information, please contact:

Media Relations
media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca

 

I read with interest the February 23rd article “Opioid crisis won’t abate without treatment options, supportive housing: Peterborough MP Michelle Ferreri”. In Canada, one person died nearly every hour in the first six months of 2023 due to opioid toxicity, largely involving fentanyl. As the Medical Officer of Health, I deeply appreciate the Chamber of Commerce conversation and MP Ferreri’s attention to the drug poisoning crisis.

I appreciated the discussion that the MP highlights on intertwining social determinants of health such as housing, and the need for a comprehensive approach to treatment for people who use opioids. Here in Peterborough, where we have adopted the Housing First philosophy, we know that people can address other challenges in their lives much better when they have a roof above their heads. The early successes of people living in the City of Peterborough’s new modular housing project are evidence of this.

I read MP Ferreri’s comments on programs with a prescribed alternative to toxic street drugs, sometimes called “safer supply” with some concern. MP Ferreri suggests that “there’s data to show it doesn’t help anyone”, although no specific data was cited. In recent years, harm reduction and substance use has been subject to significant attention and misinformation that risks catching a program that is saving lives in the crossfire. I know the health care providers prescribing safer alternatives to toxic drugs are dedicated and saving lives here in Peterborough, and I want to ensure the community is aware of the current state of the evidence on this topic.

In a study published in the British Medical Journal last month, it was shown that safer supply dispensing of opioids in British Colombia was associated with reduced mortality from all causes, and specifically from overdoses. Receiving safer supply for one day or longer led to a 61% reduction in all cause mortality and a 55% reduction in overdose related mortality compared to those not on the program.

Additionally, a recent scoping review published in the International Journal of Drug Policy found that prescribed safer opioid supply programs are associated with beneficial client outcomes including improved physical and mental health, improved quality of life, and low rates of opioid toxicities.

The British Columbia Chief Medical Officer of Health’s report on prescribed alternatives highlighted that some diversion may be occurring, but that this may be less harmful than non-pharmaceutical more toxic street drugs available and aren’t increasing supply or access to drugs.

Addressing the harms related to opioid-use requires a systems-level response that includes a continuum of services and programs designed to prevent and reduce harms, as well as get people who are ready access to lifesaving treatment.

This approach, often called the 4 Pillar Approach includes a range of activities from increasing the availability of naloxone and harm reduction supplies, enhancing the availability and accessibility of services, criminal justice reforms including decriminalizing possession for personal use, addressing the stigma through community education and advocacy for policy and systems change, and provision of safe supply and supervised consumption services to combat an increasingly toxic drug supply and prevent fatal overdoses.

There is no silver bullet in the response to the growing drug poisoning crisis and no one approach address the opioid poisoning crisis on its own. Harm reduction, including the safer supply programs here in the community, are necessary and complementary to other approaches including treatment and prevention. These evidence-based strategies and all activities and more are needed if we’re to work together to counter the drug poisoning crisis.

To make meaningful and lasting change to address the ongoing drug poisoning crisis, I am very aligned with MP Ferreri that the social determinants of health and gaps such as housing need urgent attention. The trauma and adversity that people in our community are facing in the continued crisis need our collective and collaborative attention. All responses that the evidence shows are effective, including greater access to prescribed safer alternative programs are desperately needed to start to reverse this crisis.

 

Dr. Thomas Piggott
Medical Officer of Health and CEO
Peterborough Public Health

HKPR District Health Unit and Peterborough Public Health look to strengthen public health together

 

PETERBOROUGH, ON  –  Today, the Boards of Health for the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (HKPR) District Health Unit and Peterborough Public Health (PPH) announced that they will seek provincial approval and funding to voluntary merge.

In August 2023, the Ministry of Health announced plans to strengthen the public health sector by offering one-time funding, resources and supports to local public health agencies that decide to voluntarily merge by January 1, 2025.

In response to this announcement, the Boards of Health for HKPR District Health Unit and PPH decided to move forward with a process to explore the impacts of a voluntary merger. In November 2023, a Joint Board Merger Exploration Working Group was established with representatives from both health units and external consulting firm Sense & Nous to prepare a comprehensive Feasibility Assessment Report. These findings were recently presented to both Boards of Health for consideration to help make an informed decision.

Throughout this process, it was quickly identified that both the HKPR District Health Unit and PPH have an extensive history of collaboration and share similar geographic, demographic, health status and population characteristics. Both organizations are also dedicated to reducing health inequities and addressing the most pressing public health challenges faced by the urban, rural and Indigenous communities that they serve.

During their meeting on February 15, 2024, the HKPR District Health Unit Board of Health decided to proceed with a proposal to voluntary merge with Peterborough Public Health.

“We have been diligent in the timeframe provided to review and consider all possible outcomes and impacts of a voluntary merger,” said David Marshall, Chair for HKPR District Health Unit’s Board of Health. “Ultimately, we agreed that by merging with Peterborough Public Health we can strengthen our capacity to deliver exceptional public health programs and services and to better respond to the unique needs of our small urban and rural communities.”

During their meeting on February 21, 2024, the PPH Board of Health decided to proceed with a proposal to voluntary merger with the HKPR District Health Unit.

“Over the past several months, we have carefully examined how a merger can strengthen the services that we provide to our communities,” said Joy Lachica, Chair for the Peterborough Public Health Board of Health. “This process revealed that joining together offers us the best pathway possible to protect and promote public health and keep our residents healthy. We are thrilled to start this journey together.”

Next Steps
The HKPR District Health Unit and PPH Boards of Health will submit a joint voluntary merger application to the Ontario Government by April 2nd that demonstrates how a proposed merger would benefit the communities they serve, while supporting outcomes and priorities identified for public health by the Ministry of Health. Mergers of public health units require provincial legislative change, and as such this will not be definitive until the province has approved this and commits adequate funding for its success later in the year. Both PPH and HKPR District Health Unit will continue to operate independently during the provincial review period.

More Information
For more background information on the provincial public health voluntary merger:

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For further information, please contact:

Evan Brockest
Communications and IT Manager
ebrockest@peterboroughpublichealth.ca
705-991-0371

Elections & Committee Appointments 
The Board of Health approved the following Board of Health appointments for 2024: 

  • Board of Health Chairperson – Councillor Joy Lachica  
  • Board of Health Vice-Chairperson – Deputy Mayor Ron Black
  • Indigenous Health Advisory Circle: Councillor Dave Haacke, Councillor Kathryn Wilson, Councillor Nodin Knott, Mr. Paul Johnston  
  • Governance Committee: Warden Bonnie Clark, Mr. Dan Moloney, Dr. Ramesh Makhija, Deputy Mayor Ron Black.  
  • Stewardship Committee: Dr. Hans Stelzer, Councillor Kathryn Wilson, Councillor Keith Riel, Mayor Matthew Graham, Mr. Scott Baker 

Establishment of Honouraria for 2024 
The Board of Health approved a 2% increase in honourarium for eligible Board of Health members. This represents a total amount of $163 per meeting in 2024. The increase does not apply to members compensated by their respective municipal councils.  

Delegation: Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, Extended Ambient Air Sampling for Beryllium in Peterborough 
The Board of Health received a delegation from staff with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC). CNSC staff provided a presentation outlining the collection of ambient air samples for beryllium in the vicinity of the BWXT facility, located at 1160 Monaghan Road. Beryllium is used in the manufacturing of fuel bundles used in CANDU nuclear reactors. Beryllium emissions are controlled using HEPA filters and are monitored from emission stacks located outside the Monaghan Road facility. Current emissions readings collected from 3 locations at the BWXT Peterborough facility show that concentrations are below provincial limits. Based on current levels, CNSC staff have concluded there is no risk to the environment or human health. CNSC will collect further samples later this year. A recording of the full presentation is available here.  

Sense & Nous – Merger Exploration Consultant Introduction and Q&A 
Tony Yu, principal consultant with the consulting firm Sense & Nous, introduced the Board of Health to the current merger feasibility study being undertaken by Peterborough Public Health and Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit. Drawing on of experience of previous mergers in the public health sector, Yu highlighted the key barriers and opportunities that could impact a decision to merge the two health units. As of January 10, Sense & Nous has completed the consultation and document review stage of the feasibility study. In February, the Board of Health will receive a copy of the report.  

Staff Report: PPH Indoor Air Quality Working Group – Status Update
Julie Bromley, Manager of Environmental Health, provided a status update on efforts to improve indoor air quality (IAQ) to protect and promote public health. This builds on a previous staff report received in January 2023 and subsequent advocacy to municipal and provincial governments for measures to improve IAQ via the building code. These efforts reflect increasing awareness and attention to the importance of IAQ for health, as well as the significant cost savings that can be realized by making improvements in this area.  

Audio Access for Media and Members of the Public Will be Available 

Media and the community are advised that the next Board of Health meeting will take place in-person on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at 5:30 p.m.  

This meeting is open via teleconference line to the community and members of the media. The public can access live audio during the meeting via teleconference line. 

To access the board package and teleconference information, please visit: www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/about-us/meetings/. 

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For further information, please contact: 

Media Relations 

Media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca 

Municipalities to Assume Responsibility for Permitting & Inspections 

Changes are coming to the permitting and inspection process for onsite sewage systems in the City and County of Peterborough. After November 17, 2024, Peterborough Public Health (PPH) will no longer oversee the delivery of these services in the region as responsibility for permitting and inspections are transferred to local municipalities.   

“Peterborough Public Health has provided these building inspection services related to onsite sewage systems for over forty years, but we are now only one of eleven public health units offering this service,” said Julie Bromley, Chief Building Official and Manager of Environmental Health for Peterborough Public Health.  

Board of Health Chair Councillor Kathryn Wilson said: “This decision by the Board of Health was challenging, given the long-standing positive relationships with residents served by this program and the dedicated work of our staff in this area. The transfer supports a one-stop-shop for residents and builders at municipal building departments and allows Peterborough Public Health to focus on our core work, as mandated by the Ontario Public Health Standards in a period of inadequate provincial funding for our core work.” 

Peterborough Public Heath is working closely with all municipalities that will return to delivery of this service to ensure a smooth transition for building departments and minimize disruptions to residents and industry experts. The transition will occur over two phases.   

Phase 1: Effective April 1, 2024, the following municipalities will receive all new applications and activities related to onsite sewage systems: 

  • Township of Cavan Monaghan 
  • Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan 
  • Township of Selwyn 
  • Municipality of Trent Lakes 

Phase 2: Effective November 18, 2024, the following municipalities will receive all new applications and activities related to onsite sewage systems: 

  • Township of Asphodel-Norwood 
  • Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen 
  • City of Peterborough 

Peterborough Public Health will continue to oversee open permits and applications for all seven local municipalities outlined above until November 17, 2024. After this deadline, any outstanding files will be transferred to the applicable municipality.  

The Townships of North Kawartha and Douro-Dummer already oversee activities related to sewage systems. As such, there will be no changes in these municipalities. 

Residents who have open applications or permits with Peterborough Public Health will be contacted with further information and direction on closing their application. Questions may be directed to the PPH Safe Sewage Program at 705-743-1000, ext. 228, and updates are available online at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/SafeSewage.    

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For further information, please contact:
Media Relations
media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca 

Peterborough Public Health Reports 1 in 5 Households Are Struggling to Afford Food

Peterborough Public Health is sounding the alarm about rising food insecurity in our region after a new report shows that nearly 1 and 5 residents of Peterborough City and County are worrying about running out of money for food.  

The 2023 Addressing Food Insecurity in Peterborough Report reveals that inadequate incomes are resulting in the highest rates of food insecurity our region has ever seen.  

“It is no secret that the cost of food has gone up,” says Lauren Kennedy, Registered Dietitian at Peterborough Public Health. “Many people are really struggling to afford food, a basic human need. No one should have to choose between shelter or food, but this is a reality that is negatively impacting their physical and mental health.”  

Although food prices have increased dramatically over the past year, insufficient income remains the key issue behind rising food insecurity. “This report documents the lived experience of too many members of our community. It is disturbing that nearly 20 percent of households worry about running out of money for food. This is the highest level we have ever seen,” says Kennedy. 

Joan DiFruscia, Peterborough Food Action Network member and Chair of the Otonabee-South Monaghan Food Cupboard, has supported emergency food programs for over 40 years. Joan shares, “Food banks work hard to serve community members in need. But they are meant to be a temporary fix, not the solution. They do not address the root cause of food insecurity. Systemic change is urgently needed, and increasing income is key.” 

“We encourage everyone in our community to speak up for more money for food,” says Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health. “Raising incomes is the only way to prevent food insecurity. Now is the time to stand up for more money for food.” 

The 2023 Addressing Food Insecurity in Peterborough Report can be found online at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/reports-and-data/   

For further information, please contact: 

Media Relations 

media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca 

 

Audio Access for Media and Members of the Public Will be Available 

Media and the community are advised that the next Board of Health meeting will take place in-person on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at 5:30 p.m.  

This meeting is open via teleconference line to the community and members of the media. The public can access live audio during the meeting via teleconference line. 

To access the board package and teleconference information, please visit: www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/about-us/meetings/. 

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For further information, please contact:
Media Relations
media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca  

This table is updated when a new outbreak is declared, when a causative agent is identified and/or when an outbreak is declared over.  If you have questions about these outbreaks, please contact the facility. For further information, call Infectious Diseases program staff at 705-743-1000.

Alert Date:  2023-12-01 Time: 4:00 PM Alert #131.