Title
PUBLIC HEALTH IN SIMCOE MUSKOKA
Dr. Charles Gardner, Medical Officer of Health of the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit provided a presentation to City Council regarding Public Health in Simcoe Muskoka. He described what the meaning of public health is by outlining the things people should take action on to become healthy. Dr. Gardner examined the impact public health has had on life expectancy trends and what the public health movement has accomplished for society in the 19th century. He explained that he believes there is still room to improve health and provided statistics concerning the social determinants of health.
Dr. Gardner provided information concerning the Simcoe Muskoka Health Unit and named the members of the Board of Health. He reviewed the Ontario Public Health Standards and Protocols and described Health Unit programs and initiatives related to:
· Drinking Water standards
· Recreational Waters protocols
· Food Safety Program
· Emergency Management involvement
· Immunization Provision and Promotion
· Dental Services provided in Simcoe Muskoka
· Reproductive Health Program
· Canada Prenatal Nutrition Projects
· Healthy Babies Healthy Children Program
· Health Connection
· Healthy Schools Program
· Injury and Substance Misuse Prevention Program
· Chronic Disease Prevention Program
Dr. Gardner reviewed the strategic accomplishments of the Board of Health for 2007 - 2011 and highlighted the public health issues during that time period. He noted the partnerships that had been formed and explained that the Board is using a Balanced Scorecard to measure key performance indicators. He reviewed the Board of Health's 2012-2016 Strategic Plan and the directions and goals associated with the Plan. Dr. Gardner concluded by stating that the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit continues to be committed to excellence in Public Health.
Members of City Council asked several questions regarding the information provided.