October 12 Board of Health Summary
Written by Comms Team, October 18, 2022
October 12, 2022
Drug-Poisoning Update – Community Engagement with People Who Use Drugs
Carolyn Doris, Manager of Family and Community Health Team provided an update on the drug-poisoning crisis. In September of 2022, 24 calls were made to 911 regarding an opioid poisoning in the region of Peterborough City and County. Thirty-five visits were made to the emergency department due to drug-poisonings and there were 6 suspected deaths due to drug-poisonings. On average in the region, one person dies every 8 days from a drug-poisoning. Carolyn shared an overview of the engagement process for people with lived expertise. Engaging members of the community who have expertise in an area, such as using drugs, is critical for developing impactful solutions to complex issues. In Peterborough Public Health’s (PPH) Strategic Plan, engagement of those with lived expertise has been prioritized for people who use drugs. This engagement process will support PPH in developing programs and advocating for policies to support people who use drugs.
Strategic Plan Update – Communications Plan
Sarah Gill, Acting Manager of Communications Team provided an update on the communications plan for Peterborough Public Health’s Strategic Plan. The communications plan is comprised of three phases. The goal of the first phase was to bring awareness to the work that PPH does. This was achieved through social media campaigns and editorials with local media. The goal of the second phase was to bring awareness to the strategic plan. This was achieved through a social media campaign and media event. The final phase is in progress. The goal of the final phase is to educate the community on PPH’s new strategic direction. This will be achieved through a video series on social media and education to key stakeholders and community partners.
COVID-19 Update
Donna Churipuy, Director of Health Protections provided an update on COVID-19 transmission in the region. On October 5, PPH increased the local COVID-19 Risk Index to the “Very High” risk level. All indicators including deaths, hospitalizations, case rates, and wastewater signals continue to increase, indicating increased transmission in our region. As of Wednesday, October 12, PPH was reporting 489 cases and 14 outbreaks in high-risk facilities. Donna shared that the bivalent COVID-19 vaccines were in high demand. Residents are encouraged to stay up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccines by receiving a booster dose every 6 months. PPH continues to encourage residents to take personal precautions to protect themselves against a COVID-19 infection; including wearing a mask in indoor public settings, gathering outdoors or in areas with adequate ventilation, and staying home if you are feeling unwell.
Public Health Impacts Related to the Expansion and Advertising of Online Gambling
Carolyn Doris, Manager of Family and Community Health Team provided an update on the impacts that online gambling and the advertising of online gambling can have on residents. The Responsible Gaming Council predicts that the introduction of iGaming, Ontario’s internet gaming model, will increase access to gambling and gambling advertising. During the pandemic, online gambling rates rose from 54% before the pandemic to 87%. Popularity in online gambling increased among those who previously gambled in-person. Gambling can become a serious health issue that impacts approximately 2.5% of all Ontarians. When considering the health and social impacts, online gambling can lead to crime, dysfunctional relationships and bankruptcy impacting social, economic, and health. Those at greatest risk for gambling related harms include young men ages 18-44. Online gamblers who were at higher risk for gambling harms also report experiencing high levels of anxiety and depression. PPH is recommending that increased supports for harm reduction, mental health, addictions, and treatment must be considered at the local and provincial level to support those facing harms related to online gambling.
Land Acknowledgement and Recognition of Indigenous Cultures
Kathryn Wilson, Councillor for Hiawatha First Nation and Board of Health member, provided an update on Board of Health Policy 2-50, Land Acknowledgement and Recognition of Indigenous Cultures. The Indigenous Health Advisory Circle has proposed amendments to the policy to ensure land acknowledgements are personalized and used in a meaningful and relevant way when opening meetings or events. The land acknowledgement may involve elements of acknowledging the land, commitment and working relationships with Indigenous people, invitation to an invited guest or Elder from an Indigenous community to open the event, or a recognition of Indigenous culture. Councillor Wilson also provided an update on the Jordan’s Principle policy. This policy ensures that First Nations and Indigenous children do not experience delays, denials, or disruptions in public service that would otherwise be available to other children.