20 May 2009
H1N1 flu a “dry run” for a flu pandemic
Even though the new strain of influenza has been described as “mild,” it should still be considered a potentially serious illness like the seasonal influenza we experience every winter, says Associate Medical Officer of Health Dr. Colin Lee.
The spread of this newest strain prompted the use of the health unit’s pandemic plan and a coordinated response with the many agencies in Simcoe and Muskoka.
While the impact of the new flu on Simcoe and Muskoka has been low, Lee said the emergency procedures implemented served as “a nice dry run” for a pandemic, and helped reveal areas where cooperative efforts could be improved.
Green light for new health unit offices
The board of health has accepted a tender for new clinical space for the health unit in downtown Barrie.
Roughly 5,000 square feet of space will be opened at 80 Bradford Street to provide improved access to the health unit’s vaccine, sexual health counselling and examinations, and dental health screening services. The need for the space was identified in a review of health unit infrastructure. The review noted the need for clinic space that was closer to highest density areas, with pedestrian and public transit access.
New sexual health clinic space is also being established in Muskoka to improve access in the towns of Huntsville and Bracebridge. The existing clinic in Bracebridge will be closed, with a new clinic to be available one day a week at the South Muskoka Medical Centre on Manitoba Street with added counseling services available in the high school. Clinical services will be expanded in the health unit’s Huntsville office.
Youth tobacco programming cuts
Expected cuts to Ontario’s tobacco reduction funds could mean the loss of the local Youth Action Alliance, known as article4.
Seven students and a coordinator have worked at the health unit in article4 since 2005, through funds provided by the Smoke-Free Ontario Strategy to all health units in the province. Joyce Fox, director of healthy living, pointed out that smoking rates have been declining among teens, but they still hover around the 20 per cent mark. American research suggests that when funding cuts are made and health promotion programs focusing on tobacco are dropped, smoking rates quickly increase.
The board of health is sponsoring a resolution that will be presented to the upcoming provincial conference of the Association of Local Public Health Agencies, requesting that the province continue to fund Ontario’s tobacco programs.
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