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.
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: 2023-11-28 Time: 4:00 PM Alert #128
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: 2023-11-24 Time: 4:00 PM Alert #126.
Devices Now Available to Borrow at Every Library in Peterborough City, County, and Hiawatha First Nation
Starting today, residents can borrow a CO2 Monitor at any library in Peterborough City, County, and Hiawatha First Nation.
In March 2022, Peterborough Public Library in collaboration with Peterborough Public Health with devices donated by Prescientx and CO2 Check, was the first library in North America to offer CO2 monitors as part of their Library of Things lending catalogue.
Cooler temperatures and rainy weather mean that people spend more time gathering indoors. With that comes an increased risk of spreading and acquiring respiratory illnesses. Respiratory illnesses, like RSV, Influenza, and COVID-19, can be transmitted through the air we breathe. Carbon dioxide (CO2), the air we exhale can be monitored and used to indicate the quality of air we breathe.
Julie Bromley, Manager of Environmental Health at Peterborough Public Health explains, “Carbon dioxide (CO2) monitors are one tool we can add to our suite of tools to help us stay healthy. CO2 monitors can act as an indicator for determining whether a space has adequate ventilation and fresh air. If CO2 levels are high, it can mean that people’s exhaled breath is lingering in the room; breath that may contain airborne viruses.”
When analysing the reading on a CO2 Monitor, 600 parts per million of CO2 is considered ‘good’, whereas 1,000 parts per million is considered ‘poor’ and indicates that action should be taken to add fresh air into the space.
“We’ve seen fluctuation with our local COVID-19 and Respiratory Virus Risk Index lately, indicating that with the change in seasons, comes a change in risk,” said Julie Bromley, “After dealing with the pandemic for nearly four years, we’ve learned how to protect ourselves when the risk is higher – and it starts with breathing clean air where we live, learn, work, and play. At your next party, borrow a CO2 Monitor from your local library, place it in the corner of a room that you are gathering in and check it occasionally. If you notice a high reading, try to improve ventilation in the space.”
If values on the CO2 monitor are getting high, Bromley suggests increasing the ventilation in a space. “It’s really as simple as remembering to W.A.T.C.H. the air,” said Bromley:
- Windows or doors open, even a little
- Air flowing from duct the work or registers
- Thermostat fan set to on, not auto
- CO2 monitors in the space, and
- HEPA filters (portable ones) placed at least 1.5’ from the wall
Accessing a CO2 monitor just got easier, thanks to a partnership with each library in the County of Peterborough and at the L.I.F.E. Services and Cultural Centre at Hiawatha First Nation.
“Libraries are vital community infrastructure, fostering literacy, relationships, and knowledge,” said Maggie Pearson, CEO and Librarian at the Douro-Dummer Public Library. “Making these CO2 monitors available to our residents through our Library of Things lending program is one more way that we can provide equitable access to tools, resources, and information – all while improving the health of our community,” she added.
Residents are encouraged to visit their local library to borrow a device, especially if they are hosting a social gathering where poor indoor air quality may be an issue.
More information is available on PPH’s CO2 Website.
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For further information, please contact:
Media Relations
media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca
Service Resumes in Spring 2024 in Two Northern County Townships
Peterborough Public Health, the Municipality of Trent Lakes, and the Township of North Kawartha are pausing their joint well water sample drop-off program for the Winter. The final date for county residents to drop off their samples to the North Kawartha Municipal Office and the Trent Lakes Municipal Office is Thursday, November 30, 2023.
The free well water sample drop-off service will return next year at both locations, starting the first week of April in 2024. Throughout the Winter months, residents may continue to drop off their samples at the following locations:
- Peterborough Public Health, 185 King Street, Peterborough, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon on Friday
- Public Health Ontario Laboratory, 99 Hospital Drive, Peterborough, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday
- Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Township Office, 1 Ottawa Street, Havelock between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday.
It is important to test well water a number of times throughout the year. For a drilled well, it is recommended to test the water twice per year. For a dug well, the recommendation is four times per year. “Even when the ground is frozen, contamination may be present. Sampling water from your well is the best way to ensure that the water is free of pathogens, which can cause illness if consumed.” said Chris Eaton, Public Health Inspector from Peterborough Public Health. “We look forward to resuming our courier service with the municipalities in the spring so it’s easier for residents to submit well water for testing.”
Well water samples are tested for two types of bacterial contamination: total coliforms and E. coli. The presence of E. coli indicates the water has been contaminated with fecal material, which can contain disease-causing microbes. These organisms can cause severe gastrointestinal illness. Anyone can become ill if they consume contaminated water, but the young, elderly, and immuno-compromised are at a higher risk.
After samples are submitted, residents will receive water quality results by mail or they can call Public Health Ontario’s Interactive Voice Response at 1-877-723-3426. For interpretation of the test results, or to find out out how to test for contaminants other than total coliforms or E. coli, please call Peterborough Public Health’s Safe Water Program at 705-743-1000, ext. 240 or visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.
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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, November 8, 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
Residents Urged to Carry Multiple Naloxone Kits
Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is extending a community alert issued on November 1, 2023, following an increase in suspected drug poisonings.
In the last 48 hours, paramedics and emergency room staff have responded to 12 suspected drug poisonings in Peterborough City and County. These reports have prompted PPH to issue a public warning to prevent further harm in the community.
Currently, the substance that is causing the increase in poisonings is not known. PPH is reminding the public that street drugs may be cut or mixed with toxic substances. Beware that using even a small amount of drug can be fatal.
A drug poisoning may look different from one person to the next depending on the drugs involved. A drug poisoning is a medical emergency. ALWAYS call 9-1-1.
If you or a loved one uses drugs,
- Carry multiple naloxone kits and keep them visible. Free naloxone kits are available locally. www.ontario.ca/page/where-get-free-naloxone-kit\
- NEVER use alone. Ask someone to check on you or call the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-6677. Visit the Consumption Treatment Services Site at 220 Simcoe Street in Peterborough. Open daily between 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
- Avoid mixing drugs.
- Start low and go slow when using drugs, especially when buying from different or new suppliers.
- NEVER share supplies.
- Call 9-1-1 immediately if someone begins to show signs of an overdose.
Know the Signs of an Overdose/Drug Poisoning
Residents can anonymously report drug poisonings and other bad drug reactions using the ‘Drug Reporting Tool’. Any information shared through the tool supports PPH and community partners in responding to and preventing drug poisonings in the Peterborough area.
For more information, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca and search for “Opioids”.
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For further information, please contact:
Media Relations
Media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca
HKPR District Health Unit and Peterborough Public Health Boards agree to review merger opportunities.
The Boards of Health for Peterborough Public Health (PPH) and Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR District Health Unit) are moving forward with a process to explore the impacts of a voluntary merger in the communities they serve.
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. The province has indicated as part of one-time funding that mergers would need to be implemented by January 1, 2025.
In 2019, PPH and HKPR District Health Unit previously explored opportunities for shared service delivery in response to efforts by the provincial government to reduce the number of local public health agencies. Completing a pre-assessment study marks the first step towards understanding how the current proposal would affect delivery of public health programming and emergency response capacity locally.
“Public health’s primary reason for being is to improve the overall standard of health in the community being served,” said David Marshall, Chair for HKPR District Health Unit’s Board of Health. “Doing so goes a long way to relieve the tremendous strain currently being borne by our downstream health sector and those people working within it. If there is a way to strengthen our ability to improve these health standards it is our responsibility to investigate it.”
“Our ultimate goal is to protect and promote health in the communities we serve, while ensuring a strong voice in public health for Municipalities and First Nations,” states Kathryn Wilson, Chair for Peterborough Public Health’s Board of Health. “If a voluntary merger offers a chance to strengthen public health and resolve some of the long-standing capacity challenges facing the sector, then it is an opportunity worth exploring.”
The provincial pre-assessment process is anticipated to take place over several months, with a decision to follow early in 2024. At the end of the pre-assessment, the PPH and HKPR District Health Unit Boards of Health will decide whether to proceed with a voluntary merger. Both PPH and HKPR District Health Units will continue to operate independently during the pre-assessment period.
More Information
For more information about the upcoming provincial changes to the public health system:
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For further information, please contact:
Media Relations
media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca
