Community Report - Wellington-Dufferin

Community
Report
1-800-265-7293
[email protected]
www.wdgpublichealth.ca
This Community Report is an account of some of the activities and the funding of
Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health in 2013. For more information,
including Board of Health reports and a full financial statement
visit www.wdgpublichealth.ca.
Message from the Medical
Officer of Health and CEO
Message from the
Chair of the
Board of Health
The construction of any new building starts with a strong foundation.
In 2013, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph
Public Health watched while new facilities were being built for us in Guelph
and Orangeville. The buildings are more
than just physical structures as they will house public health
staff who deliver our healthcare programs. These Public
Health facilities are going to be the foundation of healthier
communities for a very long time to come.
On many days that I go to work, I
wear a hard hat and work boots on
the job site. Last year, in my capacity
as the Chair of the Board of Health,
there were a few occasions when I
wore my hard hat and work boots on
the construction sites for the new Public Health facilities.
Building a foundation to stay well
Public Health is here to help you build a better foundation
for your own health and the health of your family. That’s in
Guelph, Orangeville, Fergus, Mount Forest, and Shelburne
and throughout Wellington and Dufferin counties. You can
call us, drop in, book an appointment at a clinic, register for
a program, or attend a class. You can see a list of some of
the programs and services available to you on pages 14-15.
Or, you can learn more about our services by visiting
www.wdgpublichealth.ca, or by calling 1-800-265-7293.
We have programs and services for medical professionals,
businesses, teachers, adults, teens, parents or parents-to-be.
Public Health’s role differs from other healthcare approaches
because we focus on helping you stay well; providing
information, supporting healthy lifestyles and parenting
choices, giving immunizations, treatment when needed,
and preventing the spread of disease by inspection and
occasionally enforcement. The professional staff who work
at Public Health are dedicated to helping every member of
our community achieve their highest level of health.
Also, last year, I took a very personal step further into the
world of Public Health as an expectant parent and new
mom. There are many programs at Wellington-DufferinGuelph Public Health for pregnant moms including
prenatal classes, breastfeeding clinics, immunization,
parenting classes, and a KIDS LINE phone number if you
have questions about any topic for babies and children.
I’ve been involved with the Board of Health for 10 years
and am aware of the wide range of programs and services
available to the community. If you’re unaware of the work
of Public Health, it does impact all our lives in many ways.
As you read this year’s Community Report I am confident
that you will learn of many more ways that Public Health
provides services in Wellington and Dufferin counties, and
the City of Guelph.
I would also like to thank all members of the Board of
Health for their dedication and service in 2013.
Amanda Rayburn Fines
I look forward to you visiting one of our facilities, website,
classes, or meeting with one of our professional staff at a
clinic, school, workplace, or a local community setting. Let
Public Health assist you and your family in building a strong
foundation of good health.
Dr. Nicola Mercer
www.wdgpublichealth.ca
Community Report | 1
Board of Health Members
Margaret Abbink
Dianne Lindsey
Doug Auld (Vice Chair)
Dr. Nicola Mercer (Ex-Officio Member)
Provincial Appointee, City of Guelph
Provincial Appointee, County of Wellington
George Bridge
Councillor, County of Wellington
Karen Farbridge
Mayor, City of Guelph
John Green
Councillor, County of Wellington
Bill Hill
Councillor, County of Dufferin
June Hofland
Councillor, City of Guelph
Maggie Laidlaw
Councillor, City of Guelph
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Provincial Appointee, County of Wellington
Medical Officer of Health & CEO, WDG Public Health
Keith Perron (Secretary-Treasurer)
Provincial Appointee, City of Guelph
Amanda Rayburn Fines (Chair)
Provincial Appointee, County of Dufferin
Nancy Sullivan
Provincial Appointee, City of Guelph
Rose Silvestro
Provincial Appointee, County of Wellington
Allen Taylor
Councillor, County of Dufferin
Chris White
Warden, County of Wellington
www.wdgpublichealth.ca
Achieving the Baby-Friendly
Initiative Designation
A recent news report about an employee of a popular
women’s lingerie store not allowing a mother to breastfeed
her hungry and fussy baby in an empty change room
troubled many advocates of breastfeeding. Not surprising,
they objected to the denial of a mother’s right to feed her
baby, including the fact that a women’s undergarment store
displayed a blatant lack of recognition for an important
function of women’s breasts.
Situations like the ones described above are contrary to the
Baby-Friendly Initiative (BFI) launched in 1991 by the World
Health Organization and UNICEF to implement practices
that protect, promote, and support breastfeeding. WDG
Public Health has been working towards this Baby-Friendly
Initiative designation for several years, and in 2013 we’re
proud of successfully achieving the BFI status.
The World Health Organization and Health Canada
recommend babies breastfeed exclusively for the first six
months of life, and continue for two years and beyond.
Exclusive breastfeeding means the baby receives mother’s
milk only. Breastfeeding has many benefits for baby and
protects against infections, sudden infant death syndrome
(SIDS), and chronic health conditions like diabetes,
allergies, asthma, and obesity. For mothers, breastfeeding
has been shown to provide some protection against breast
and ovarian cancers, and osteoporosis.
•
We support mothers to establish and maintain exclusive
breastfeeding for six months.
• We encourage sustained breastfeeding beyond six months
with appropriate introduction of complementary foods.
•
•
We provide a welcoming atmosphere for breastfeeding
families.
We promote collaboration among healthcare providers,
breastfeeding support groups, and the local community.
Public Health makes sure women receive accurate information to make an informed decision about how they will feed
their babies. Regardless of the method chosen, all mothers
are supported in the care of their infants. Locally, a survey
showed 50 percent of new moms were still breastfeeding
exclusively at four months, which is double the number
from 2007. Public Health does ongoing work to maintain
our BFI designation including participation in local breastfeeding networks, supporting local hospitals, developing
breastfeeding resources, and ongoing surveillance of local
breastfeeding rates. To find out what support is available,
including drop-in breastfeeding clinics, call 1-800-265-7293
or visit www.wdgpublichealth.ca.
The Baby-Friendly Initiative designation
means that we met the following criteria:
•
•
•
We have a written breastfeeding policy that is routinely
communicated to all staff and volunteers.
We train all healthcare providers in the knowledge and
skills necessary to implement the breastfeeding policy.
We inform pregnant women and their families about the
benefits and management of breastfeeding.
www.wdgpublichealth.ca
Community Report | 3
Awareness of Radon and the
Risk of Lung Cancer
The last time you probably heard of radon was when you were
sitting in high school chemistry class studying the periodic table
of elements. It’s a radioactive gas that is formed from the decay
of uranium found in the earth’s crust. It is colourless, odourless,
and tasteless so you don’t notice it. However, since it is a gas
it is easily inhaled and the radioactive particles that enter your
body can cause lung cancer. Public Health is encouraging every
homeowner to test the radon level in their home to reduce the
risk of exposure to this deadly human carcinogen.
There is more information at www.wdgpublichealth.ca
about radon testing and remedial measures that should be
taken if the radon levels in your home exceed Health Canada’s
guidelines (200 Bq/m3).
Public Health also participates in an Ontario Radon Working
Group to develop, implement, and support best-practice and
evidence-based radon promotion and prevention strategies in
Ontario.
In fact, it is estimated that 16 percent of all lung cancer deaths
in Canada can be attributed to radon exposure. A survey
completed by Health Canada demonstrated that about seven
percent of Canadians are living in homes with elevated radon
levels. In Wellington, Dufferin, and Guelph that number is
higher: approximately 11 percent of homes tested above
acceptable levels. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer
among non-smokers. Those who smoke and are exposed to
radon are at a significantly increased risk of developing lung
cancer.
Radon is not a concern outdoors where the concentration
in the atmosphere is low. It’s an issue indoors where the gas
enters through cracks in your home’s foundation and other
openings in the basement including spaces around pipes and
floor drains. The concentration of radon tends to be higher
in the lower levels of your home. Radon levels also fluctuate
seasonally and are typically higher in the winter when windows
are closed and there is less ventilation throughout the home.
The only way to know if your home has an elevated level of
radon is to test for it.
There are two ways to test your home for radon: hire a
professional or use a do-it-yourself kit purchased from a
local hardware store. In both cases, these tests are sent to a
lab for results. If the level of radon in your home exceeds the
guidelines, you should hire a professional to fix the problem.
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www.wdgpublichealth.ca
Preventing Illness
from Contaminated Water
Water is two parts hydrogen and one part oxygen, and
it’s critical to your survival. Without it you would die in
days. Your body is mostly made up of water and to avoid
dehydration you should drink about two litres of it every day.
Many of us get our drinking water from municipal drinking
water systems that are maintained by the municipality we
live in. Alternatively, there are 211 businesses in Wellington
and Dufferin counties with small drinking water systems
that make drinking water available to the public. All of these
211 small drinking water systems are inspected by Public
Health.
Water can become contaminated by bacteria, viruses, or
parasites that you cannot see, taste, or smell. Water that is
contaminated is unsafe for drinking and can have devastating
short-term and long-term health effects. If you drink water
that is contaminated with E. coli bacteria from human or
animal fecal matter for example, you may develop diarrhea,
vomiting, cramps, and a fever.
For both small drinking water systems and large municipal
systems, Public Health responds to all laboratory reports
that indicate a drinking water system may need further
investigation to ensure the water is safe to drink.
Almost half the population of Wellington and Dufferin
counties get their drinking water from private wells. People
who rely on private well water are responsible for maintaining
the quality of their own water. Public Health recommends
testing well water for bacteria three times a year, including in
the spring. Water samples from private wells can be dropped
off at Public Health to be sent for testing at a provincial
laboratory. For more information about safe water and well
water testing, visit www.wdgpublichealth.ca or call 1-800265-7293 (extension 4753) to speak with a public health
inspector.
Some people who are infected with water-borne illnesses
will not have any symptoms and will recover without any
treatment. However, the very young, the elderly, and those
with weakened immune systems are most at risk of getting
sick from contaminated water.
Public Health has successfully implemented a new Ontario
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care program for
owners and operators of small drinking water systems in
our jurisdiction. We play an important role in preventing or
reducing the burden of water-borne illnesses related to these
small drinking water systems. We make sure that owners
are testing water regularly, and treating or maintaining
their systems based on a risk assessment by a public health
inspector.
www.wdgpublichealth.ca
Community Report | 5
Reducing the Risk of Harm
from Piercings and Tattoos
So, you’ve decided to get “persevere” tattooed on your
forearm because it’s been an inspirational word for you
through hard times. Public Health wants you to know that
you shouldn’t make the decision to get a cheap tattoo from
someone who’s set up shop in their basement, or from
an uninspected tattoo shop. You could end up with more
than a spelling mistake. In addition to sporting the word
“preserve” for the rest of your life, you could put yourself
at risk of serious health complications if the work isn’t done
safely with sterile equipment.
to ask tattoo artists relevant and important questions before
the procedure, and instructed on how to care for their tattoo
afterwards. Public Health does not encourage tattooing and
piercing; rather, we strive to provide information on how
to do this safely, if the decision to do so has already been
made. Teens were also encouraged to discuss the procedure
with their parents.
For more information about tattoos and body piercings,
visit www.wdgpublichealth.ca or call 1-800-265-7293 to
speak to a public health inspector.
There are several television programs and more than a
few websites devoted to bad tattoos. From a Public Health
perspective, a bad tattoo is one that increases your risk of
hepatitis B and C, HIV, and other serious complications. It’s
our job to inspect personal service settings like tattoo shops,
manage infection control complaints from members of the
public, and increase awareness of infection prevention and
control practices in the community.
It’s often a high school student who makes the choice to get
a tattoo from an uninspected location. In Ontario, there is no
education or licence required for someone to set up shop as
a tattoo artist. Someone who’s offering cheap tattoos out of
a sketchy location is not likely following safe practices and is
probably not being inspected by Public Health on an annual
basis. It’s important to choose a well-trained professional
who does safe, quality work. We would recommend asking
to see the tattoo shop’s most recent inspection report from
Public Health as the first step in the process.
Public Health is working to educate the public, specifically
local youth, about tattoo and piercing harm reduction. In
partnership with local tattoo artists, public health inspectors
provide important information about infection control and
safe practices to our target audiences in schools and group
homes. In 2013, approximately 1,500 teens were empowered
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www.wdgpublichealth.ca
Immunization to Reduce the
Burden of Shingles
If you had chickenpox as a child, the red rash and itch went
away, but the virus did not. The varicella zoster virus remains
inactive in nerve cells in your body. It can become active again,
and if it does, it will reoccur as shingles when you are an older
adult. There is a vaccine called Zostavax that can significantly
reduce your chance of getting shingles. Public Health works to
reduce the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases including
shingles by immunizing older adults, just as children are
immunized against chickenpox.
inflammation, and bacterial skin infections. Advanced age
is associated with increasing severity and the persistence of
symptoms.
Public Health offers the Zostavax vaccine to adults who are
50 or older to reduce the risk of shingles, and the healthcare
costs associated with this vaccine-preventable disease. If you
want to get the Zostavax vaccine, call 1-800-265-7293 to book
an appointment. The vaccine is not publicly funded and costs
$195.
Chickenpox is highly contagious and is especially serious
for young babies and adults. It can cause skin infections,
pneumonia, and brain damage. That’s why children receive one
dose of the publicly funded varicella (chickenpox) vaccine at
15 months of age from their healthcare provider. A second
dose is given in a measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccine
combination (MMRV) at 4 to 6 years of age.
If you are an adult, the vaccine wasn’t available during your
childhood and you may have had chickenpox. If you did, you
are at risk for shingles which is most common in adults aged
50 and older. The varicella zoster virus can be reactivated when
the immune system is suppressed by physical or emotional
trauma, or serious illness. The symptoms typically start with a
headache, tiredness, and pain in the skin that can range from
mild itching to extreme discomfort.
In Canada, there are about 130,000 new cases of shingles each
year resulting in 2,000 hospitalizations due to complications.
Although shingles usually occurs only once, it can reoccur in
some people. Fortunately, the Zostavax vaccine prevents up to
70 percent of shingles cases. If you get shingles after being
immunized, you are less likely to have the long-term pain that
can be associated with the illness.
About 12 percent of those who get shingles develop severe
complications including intense nerve pain, eye and ear
www.wdgpublichealth.ca
Community Report | 7
Reducing Exposure to
Infectious Diseases
Police officers, firefighters, and paramedics put their lives on
the line every day to make sure others are safe. They are called
upon to respond to car crashes, violence, natural disasters,
and other situations that are urgent and uncontrolled. In the
course of their duties, emergency service workers may be
exposed to blood, body fluids, and infectious diseases. If there
is a possibility that a worker has been exposed to an infectious
disease in the course of their work, the Ontario Ministry of
Health and Long-Term Care requires communication to occur
between the emergency service organization and Public Health.
Mandatory Blood Testing Act, and the Exposure of Emergency Service
Workers to Infectious Diseases Protocol.
Everyone, including emergency service workers, can prevent
the health risks associated with many infectious diseases by
protecting themselves. Keeping immunizations up-to-date
and hand hygiene are important best practices. Vaccines can
prevent diseases like hepatitis A and B, measles, mumps,
rubella, influenza, tetanus, varicella, and diphtheria. Anyone
can call 1-800-265-7293 to make an appointment to get one of
these free vaccines from Public Health.
Public Health ensures emergency service workers get advice
regarding appropriate actions to take following a possible
exposure to blood, body fluids, or an infectious disease. Any
emergency service worker who is exposed to blood or body
fluids requires immediate medical attention. There is potentially
a serious risk for transmission of HIV, hepatitis B and C, and
other bloodborne pathogens like West Nile virus, syphilis,
tuberculosis, and influenza.
Public Health is also responsible for training the individual
who assumes the role of designated officer in each emergency
service organization. A designated officer receives the report
that an employee has been exposed to blood, body fluids,
or an infectious disease. The designated officer is trained to
provide counselling, guidance, and support. Public Health
makes sure designated officers know important information
about infectious diseases, disease transmission, how to assess
a situation, and what measures to take to minimize the spread
of disease.
Public Health has an important responsibility to manage
cases of reportable infectious diseases in the community. The
Medical Officer of Health is available to respond to all reported
cases of infectious diseases of public health importance.
The Medical Officer of Health assumes this responsibility
in accordance with the Health Protection and Promotion Act, the
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www.wdgpublichealth.ca
Parenting Support at
KIDS LINE: 1-800-265-7293 ext. 3616
Parenting just might be the most rewarding job on the planet.
For many, the satisfaction of family surpasses the gratification
of paid employment. But parenting can also be the most
difficult job we undertake. And at some point we all need a
little help. When you need to talk to someone, Public Health
can help. We operate KIDS LINE, a parenting support phone
line for families in Wellington, Dufferin, and Guelph.
Public Health plays an important role in the early identification
of developmental concerns in children, as we are mandated
to do in the Ontario Public Health Standards. Our goal is to
enable all children to reach their health and developmental
potential.
KIDS LINE expanded in March 2013 to include calls regarding
children up to 13 years of age. Previously, the service was
available for anyone calling about children up to the age of 6.
Annually, we answer over 4,000 phone calls from parents on a
broad range of topics. We answer questions about pregnancy,
breastfeeding, children’s physical and mental health, growth,
sleeping, eating, and parenting.
KIDS LINE is also the intake point for a system of care in
Wellington County called Growing Great Kids. In Dufferin
County, Public Health works with the Dufferin Coalition for Kids.
In both counties, Public Health plays a key role in helping
parents and professionals access services for children. When
someone calls KIDS LINE for help, we are able to refer them
to appropriate service providers in the community.
For more information about KIDS LINE
visit www.wdgpublichealth.ca
or call 1-800-265-7293 extension 3616.
www.wdgpublichealth.ca
Community Report | 9
Healthy Kids Strategy
The number of overweight and obese Canadians is reaching
epidemic proportions with about 60 percent of adults
tipping the scales at an unhealthy weight. The nation’s
children are following in their parents’ footsteps. The rate of
overweight or obese children in Wellington, Dufferin, and
Guelph is 33 percent which is five percent higher than the
provincial average. Children who are obese are at a higher
risk of a range of health problems. As part of a healthy kids
strategy, Public Health is working to reduce the burden of
the preventable chronic diseases associated with obesity.
to create supportive environments and policies for healthy
eating and active living. We also train volunteer community
food advisors who work with the public to enhance food
knowledge and skills.
For more information about programs and services to
assist with healthy eating and active living, visit
www.wdgpublichealth.ca.
The World Health Organization has referred to the
increasing prevalence of overweight people worldwide as
“globesity.” The impact to individual and population health
cannot be ignored. The health consequences of being at
an unhealthy weight include coronary heart disease, high
blood pressure, stroke, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers,
liver and gallbladder disease, respiratory problems, sleep
apnea, mental health conditions, and reproductive health
complications.
The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care is
aggressively trying to reduce the child obesity rate by 20
percent in five years by starting all kids on the path to
health, changing the food environment, and creating healthy
communities. Public Health is working in each of these
areas to enable all children to attain their highest potential.
As a foundation for healthy children, Public Health offers
prenatal education for women and their partners, provides
support to pregnant teens, offers parenting programs, and
promotes breastfeeding. We support and provide resources
at the 18-month well-baby visit with primary healthcare
providers. For the toddler and preschooler age group,
Public Health has implemented a nutrition screening tool
called NutriSTEP to assess their eating habits.
Our public health nutritionists assess licensed childcare
centre menus for nutritional content and work with schools
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www.wdgpublichealth.ca
A Report Card on School Health
In June, when students traditionally bring home their report
cards, Wellington and Dufferin counties, and the city of Guelph
received a report card on the health and well-being of youth in
the community. Public Health participates in The Report Card
Coalition which released The Well-Being of Youth Ages 14 to 18:
A Report Card for Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph in June 2013 to assist
in the development of local priorities to meet the needs of this
age group.
The Report Card shares the findings of data from many sources
including a survey of local students in grade 10 who were
asked questions about their physical activity, eating habits,
school involvement, sense of safety and security, mental health,
substance abuse, and relationships with family and friends.
The top five health issues identified by youth themselves
are depression, healthy weight and body image, healthy
relationships, alcohol use, and physical activity.
Among many key findings, 12 percent of local grade 10
students are at risk for depression, 43 percent are regularly
physically active, and 35 percent are bullied at school. The
Report Card identifies that some youth face greater challenges
and are more vulnerable to particular health issues. Although
the local number of youth living in low-income families is less
than the provincial average, many families are still struggling to
meet their basic needs.
Public Health and community partners are using the key
findings to improve the overall health and well-being of youth
in our area. The Report Card is available online at
www.wdgreportcard.com.
www.wdgpublichealth.ca
Community Report | 11
Food Safety From Kitchen to Fork
Foodborne illness is frequently a topic in the news. Salmonella
outbreak linked to chicken. Case of hepatitis A identified in food handler.
Ground beef used in hamburger chain contaminated with E. coli. The
general public expects food establishments to comply with food
safety standards. Foodborne illness can be life-threatening. The
Public Health Agency of Canada estimates that one in eight
Canadians gets sick from a foodborne illness every year. It’s
no wonder that food safety is one of Public Health’s priorities.
Public Health inspects restaurants and all premises where food
is packaged, prepared, or sold to the public. Since January
2013, the public has been able to access these inspection
results at www.checkbeforeyouchoose.ca. The online
inspection results provide the consumer with an important
source of information to make an informed decision about
where to eat. The posting of inspection results also provides
restaurant owners with the incentive to comply with food
safety standards. Evidence shows that posting results leads to
increased compliance which reduces the risk and incidence of
foodborne illness.
Public Health’s goal is to minimize the risks in the food
preparation process so what you put on your fork doesn’t make
you sick. Fortunately most people recover from foodborne
illness but some have serious side effects that have lifelong
consequences.
All food premises must comply with Ontario Food Premises
Regulation 562 under the Health Protection and Promotion Act. So,
if you’re eating in a restaurant, have a preschooler in a daycare,
or a family member in a long-term care facility, you can be
reassured that Public Health inspects all of these locations and
others for compliance with food safety standards.
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www.wdgpublichealth.ca
Preventing Falls Across the Lifespan
What do children under 5 years old and seniors over 65 have in
common? The youngest and oldest are most at risk of injury
from falling. Typically, children fall from beds, chairs, and other
furniture. Older adults are most likely to fall because of hazards
in their own homes. The injuries from falling are largely
preventable, which is why Public Health is working to increase
public awareness of the risks and how to prevent them.
In our region, falls are the leading cause of emergency room
visits and hospitalizations for children in the under 5 age group.
Public Health is working in partnership with a leading researcher
from the University of Guelph, Dr. Barbara Morrongiello, and
three other public health departments to evaluate local data.
We work with stakeholders to increase awareness of the risks
and reduce injury. The target audience for this initiative are the
parents and caregivers of children.
To address falls at the other end of the age spectrum, Public
Health is participating on several senior falls prevention
committees that aim to decrease the number of falls and the
impact of falls in adults over 65. The Public Health Association
of Canada reports that one in every three seniors fall every year,
and 40 percent of these falls result in hip fractures. Falls have a
significant impact on the healthcare system and the individual
who falls can experience major physical, social, and emotional
life changes. Even the fear of falling can significantly reduce a
person’s quality of life.
www.wdgpublichealth.ca
Community Report | 13
How Public Health can help you
and your family stay well
Public Health has been in Canadian communities for over 100 years. By protecting the health of individuals, families, and
communities and by promoting healthy behaviours, Public Health helps you stay well. This is a sample of the programs and
services provided by Public Health. To find out more, visit our website at www.wdgpublichealth.ca or call 1-800-265-7293.
Family Health
Public Health offers many programs that help with pregnancy and parenting. You can find out which ones will help you and your
family by calling KIDS LINE at 1-800-265-7293 ext. 3616. Some of our parenting and family health programs are listed below.
Breastfeeding Dental Health Healthy Babies, Healthy Children
Prenatal Health We offer a prenatal breastfeeding class for you and your
partner to help you feel confident and breastfeed successfully.
After your baby is born a public health nurse will call and
answer your questions. If you have concerns a public health
nurse can visit you, or you can attend a breastfeeding clinic.
Healthy Babies, Healthy Children is a home-visiting
program for families experiencing difficult or stressful
situations. The program supports pregnant women and
families with children up to age 6. The goal is to ensure
that all children have the healthiest possible start in life by
helping families find and access community services and by
strengthening parent/child relationships through positive
parenting skills. Find out more by calling KIDS LINE
(1-800-265-7293 ext. 3616).
Let’s Grow e-Newsletter
Qualifying families can get their children, 17 years of
age and under, oral health screening, preventative, and
treatment services for free. Public Health also works in
schools providing fluoride clinics and screening children for
dental needs.
You can attend a class or participate through online prenatal
classes.
Preschool Speech and Language
Public Health partners with several agencies in a system
called “Wee Talk” which provides speech and language
services for preschoolers. You can contact KIDS LINE at
1-800-265-7293 ext. 3616 to get a referral to a community
service or to obtain information on how babies and young
children learn to talk.
You can receive a free email newsletter about pregnancy and
parenting. Each issue corresponds to a different stage of
your child’s development, from before birth to age 5½. Go
to www.wdgpublichealth.ca to subscribe.
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www.wdgpublichealth.ca
Disease Prevention and Health Protection
Public Health works to prevent the onset of health problems by protecting the health of individuals in the community.
Food Safety
Safe Recreational Water
Immunization
Travel Vaccinations
Public Health inspects restaurants, grocery stores, and food
carts to make sure they follow food safety standards. Before
you decide where to eat check our inspection results at
www.checkbeforeyouchoose.ca. If you work in the food
industry Public Health offers a food safety training and
certification course. Find out more at:
www.wdgpublichealth.ca.
Immunization is an easy and effective way to protect you
and your family from serious disease. Public Health can tell
you what vaccines you or your children need, and you can
get immunized at one of our clinics. Many vaccines are free
of charge, while others are available at a low cost.
Germs in recreational water such as pools, spas, lakes, and
splash pads can make you sick with symptoms like diarrhea,
nausea, and vomiting. Public Health monitors the quality
of recreational water to make sure it’s safe to enjoy. We test
local beaches from June to August. You can get test results
at www.wdgpublichealth.ca or by following our Twitter
account @WDGBeachTesting.
Book an appointment with a public health nurse and get
good health advice about your intended destination. You
will learn about the country’s local health risks and the
vaccines you need before you travel.
Preventing Chronic Disease
Developing programs to reduce the burden of preventable
chronic diseases in the community is an important part
of the work of Public Health. We work to promote good
nutrition and physical activity in local schools and to build
healthier communities.
Preventing Infectious Disease
Public health inspectors and nurses are working in the
community to keep the public safe from vaccine-preventable
diseases, sexually transmitted and bloodborne infections,
tuberculosis, rabies, and other infectious diseases. We
monitor outbreaks of infectious diseases like influenza and
tuberculosis to protect the public.
Sexual Health, Birth Control, and Sexually
TransmittedInfections
Public Health provides confidential services to both
teens and adults about birth control, pregnancy, sexually
transmitted infections, and maintaining your sexual health.
Our clinics are a safe place to talk about your sexual health.
Call 1-800-263-7295 to set up an appointment, or to talk to
a nurse if you don’t want to come in.
www.wdgpublichealth.ca
Community Report | 15
Funding Public Health
The total operating budget for Public Health was $25,533,135.
The Government of Ontario provided funding for 69% of the
total operating budget. The County of Wellington contributed
10%. The County of Dufferin contributed 6%. The City of
Guelph contributed 13%. The Federal Government through
the Public Health Agency of Canada contributed 0.25%.
Full, audited financial statements can be found at
www.wdgpublichealth.ca.
Province of Ontario
$17,651,306
69%
Interest
$113,445
1%
County of Dufferin
$1,602,804
6%
County of Wellington
$2,664,379
10%
City of Guelph
$3,437,791
14%
Government
of Canada
$63,410
0%
16 | Community Report
www.wdgpublichealth.ca
Fergus Office
474 Wellington Road #18, Suite 100
Guelph Offices
160 Chancellors Way
20 Shelldale Crescent
Mount Forest Office
311 Foster Street
Orangeville Office
180 Broadway
Shelburne Office
167 Centre Street,
(Mel Lloyd Centre)
1-800-265-7293
[email protected]
www.wdgpublichealth.ca