September 2025 Board of Health Meeting - Minutes

Meeting Date
September 2025 Board of Health Meeting
Meeting Document Type
Minutes

Board Members Present:

Renaldo Agostino, Dr. Mark Awuku, Joe Bachetti, Fred Francis, Dr. Sardar Khan, Angelo Marignani, Rob Shepley, Jennifer Yee

Board Member Regrets:

Dr. Jennifer Bondy, Hilda MacDonald, Robert Maich, Michael Prue

Administration Present:

Dr. Mehdi Aloosh, Dr. Ken Blanchette, Michael Horrobin, Kristy McBeth, Eric Nadalin, Dan Sibley, Dorothea Service, Emily Durance (recorder)

Board Chair

Joe Bachetti

QUORUM: Confirmed

  1. Call to Order     
    Board of Health Chair, Joe Bachetti, called the meeting to order at 3:14 pm.
    1. Land Acknowledgement – Read by Board Chair, J. Bachetti
    2. Quorum – Confirmed at 3:16 pm
    3. Declaration of Conflict of Interest – none
      Dr. Ken Blanchette welcomed Dorothea Service to the organization. She comes to us from the Haliburton, Kawartha region as the WECHU’s new Director of Public Health Programs and Chief Nursing Officer.
  2. Approval of Agenda
    Motion:       That the agenda be approved with the above addition.
    Moved by: R. Agostino
    Seconded by: A. Marignani
    CARRIED
  3. Approval of Minutes: June 26, 2025
    Motion:       That the minutes be approved.
    Moved by: R. Shepley
    Seconded by: A. Marignani
    CARRIED
  4. Medical Officer of Health Update (Dr. Mehdi Aloosh)
    1. 2024 Annual Report of the Chief Medical Officer of Health:
      Protecting Tomorrow: The Future of Immunizations in Ontario
      Dr. Mehdi Aloosh reported on the 2024 Annual Report published by the office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health of Ontario.
      Dr. Aloosh spoke of the benefits of vaccines as indicated in Dr. Moore’s report to prevent infectious diseases and outbreaks, cancers, antibiotic resistance, dementia, and help manage chronic diseases such as COPD, congestive heart failure, etc.
      Globally, vaccines prevent up to 5 million deaths per year.
      Dr. Aloosh shared the difference between the costs of prevention vs. the costs of treatment in Ontario.
      Dr. Aloosh highlighted the key recommendations made in the report.
      Board member, Dr. Mark Awuku, asked who the recommendations are made to. Dr. Aloosh responded that the recommendations are directed to the federal and provincial governments in the hopes of implementing change.
      Board member, Fred Francis, asked to what degree Canada relies on the States for vaccine production. Dr. Aloosh responded that Canada relies on the USA. The country is looking into diversifying the vaccine sources. One of the recommendations was to produce vaccines in Canada as a result of the changes in the landscape. Awuku/Khan
  5. Consent Agenda
    1. Information Reports (for information)
      1. Communications Reports:
        1. June 2025
        2. July 2025
        3. August 2025
      2. 2025 Risk Management Update
      3. 2025 Annual Service Plan – Q2 Status Report
      4. Fall 2025 Infectious Disease Preparedness
      5. Tuberculosis (TB) Risk in Windsor & Essex County
      6. Sexually Transmitted Blood Borne Infections (STBBI) in Windsor & Essex County
      7. Windsor-Essex Youth Relationship Violence Community of Practice
      8. Strategic Plan Q2 Progress Report
      9. Mental Health Dashboard
      10. Q2 Board of Health Effectiveness Survey Summary
      11. 2025 Q2 Financial Report           
        Motion:       That the Consent Agenda be approved as presented.
                              Moved by: A. Marignani
                              Seconded by: F. Francis
                              CARRIED
    2. Information Reports (for approval)
      1. Seasonal Vaccine Program Report (2025-26)
      2. Amendments to the WECHU Procurement Policy
      3. 2026 Board Workplan/Board & Finance & Audit Committee Meeting Schedules
        Motion:       That the Consent Agenda be approved as presented.
        Moved by: R. Agostino
        Seconded by: R. Shepley
        CARRIED
  6. Correspondence
    1. Haliburton Kawartha Northumberland Peterborough Health Unit Re: Preventing Intimate Partner and Gender Based Violence (for information)
    2. WECHU – Letter of Support – Household Food Insecurity (for information)
      Motion:       That the above Correspondence be received.
      Moved by: F. Francis
      Seconded by: Dr. S. Khan
      CARRIED
  7. Business Arising
    1. Reorganization and Interdepartmental Work (Dr. Ken Blanchette)
      A reorganization of the WECHU took place in January 2025. Dr. Ken Blanchette provided an update on the changes made and how they have affected the organization.
      Dr. Blanchette highlighted several departments and how they are now working collaboratively. 
      Interdepartmental meetings occur on a regular cadence to maximize resources, avoid duplicating services, etc.
      There will be a more comprehensive review of the reorganization and interdepartmental work at the end of 2025.
      Kristy McBeth added that the changes made have moved some departments significantly forward. With a structured approach to creating set communication points for those teams to interact, it’s improving. 
      Board Member, Dr. Sardar Khan, commented on the reorganization providing a more efficient structure and asked if it has had any impact on the budget. Dr. Blanchette responded that the reorganization remained within the same funding framework.
  8. Resolutions/Recommendation Reports
    1. Strengthening Coordination of Provincial and Federal Dental Programs (Eric Nadalin)
      Director of Public Health Programs, Eric Nadalin, presented a resolution, for approval, which relates to the introduction of the Canadian Dental Care Plan which was fully implemented at the beginning of 2025.
      With the introduction of the CDCP, oral health service providers are instructed to bill the CDCP as the primary payor, and any provincial program would serve as the secondary payer.
      This has created a challenge for those who have applied to the program and have yet to be approved, those who have not filed a tax return for the previous year, and those who are asylum seekers or have recently moved to Canada.
      When presenting with a need for oral health treatment, clients are being denied because they don’t qualify for the federal plan for the reasons above.
      This resolution aims to provide more collaboration between the federal and provincial plans to ensure clients are receiving the dental care they require.
      Board member, Renaldo Agostino asked if there is full support from other health units. Eric Nadalin responded that the WECHU is the first health unit to put forward a resolution related to the new Federal program. We anticipate support from other health units. We have also heard from local healthcare partners who would advocate for this resolution as well.
      Once eligible through the federal program, eligibility would be for the tax year. The new program does address gaps, but administrative processes are sending people to the emergency department, contributing to a backlog. It’s important to better align the federal and provincial programs and improve the procedural processes that would help the people who require it most.
      PROPOSED MOTION
      Whereas, oral health is a critical component of overall health and well-being, and access to dental care remains a significant barrier for many low-income individuals and families in Windsor-Essex and across Ontario; and
      Whereas, the Government of Canada has launched the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) to expand access to dental services for uninsured Canadians with low and middle incomes; and
      Whereas, the Province of Ontario administers several dental and social assistance programs, including Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO), the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), and Ontario Works (OW), which also provide dental benefits to eligible populations; and
      Whereas, the current coordination of benefits between the CDCP and Ontario’s programs is evolving, and clear, consistent, and integrated processes are essential to avoid duplication, ensure continuity of care, and reduce confusion for clients and providers; and
      Whereas, local public health units, including the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, play a vital role in delivering oral health services and supporting vulnerable populations;
      Now therefore be it resolved that the Board of Health for the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit urges all levels of government to continue to improve the coordination between CDCP and Ontario’s dental and social assistance programs to ensure seamless access to oral health treatment when needed; and
      FURTHER THAT, the Province of Ontario provide clear guidance and streamlined administrative processes to social service organizations, oral health providers, and other healthcare providers to support navigation of the available support programs and eliminates delays in accessing oral health care; and
      FURTHER THAT, the Province of Ontario provide a time-limited exemption which temporally waives the requirement to utilize CDCP as the primary payer for emergency dental treatment for those who are not currently enrolled in the program until such time that enrollment can occur; and
      FURTHER THAT, the Government of Canada and Province of Ontario provide additional support to social services to ensure those experiencing homelessness or who may have experienced challenges in filing tax returns are able to do so and in so doing become eligible for oral health services and a multitude of other social supports.
      Motion:                That the above resolution be approved.
      Moved by: R. Shepley
      Seconded by: R. Agostino
      CARRIED
  9. New Business
    1. WECHU Food Safety Inspection Dashboard (Debasree Deb)
      Environmental Health Coordinator, Debasree Dee, provided a presentation on the updated Food Safety Inspection Dashboard, housed on the WECHU website.
      Food premise inspections are conducted to prevent and reduce foodborne illnesses in our community. These inspection reports are made available to the public on the WECHU disclosure website. All reports are published within two weeks of the inspection and are available for a period of two years.
      As part of ongoing quality improvement, the WECHU has developed a new user-friendly and interactive dashboard to enhance the monitoring and reporting of food services premises within Windsor and Essex county.
      Key features of the food safety inspection dashboard include:
        A searchable database of inspected food premises
        Map-based interface
        Visuals of infraction trends/summary/common infractions
        Advanced filtering options (inspection types, issue categories)
        Mobile-friendly
      Business owners of food premises have already been notified of the dashboard through a memo. The dashboard will be promoted through social media and radio ads beginning the week of September 22nd. 
      Board member, Dr. Sardar Khan, asked if there is a way to search the dashboard for high-risk premises. Kristy McBeth responded that a premises is determined to be high-risk based on the type of food being prepared and how it is prepared. The WECHU’s focus is on compliance with the regulations. Another important part of the Health Unit’s role is to provide ongoing education.
      Board member, Renaldo Agostino, asked how much notice is given to food premises before adding the inspection to the dashboard. Debasree Deb responded that this process is not new for business owners as the disclosures have been made public on the WECHU website for years. The only change now is that the information is presented differently and in a way that is more user friendly and accessible through a mobile phone. It is a good opportunity for businesses to ensure they are proactive in addressing issues.
      Complaints can be submitted through the WECHU website. It is important to note that only substantiated complaints are disclosed online. Public Health Inspectors investigate complaints depending on the type of infraction.
      Board member, Rob Shepley, stated that this is a valuable program and is valuable for the consumers. He asked how inspections of food premises are done for locations that are open outside of the hours of the Health Unit. Kristy McBeth responded that Public Health Inspectors do work weekends, evenings, and special events to accommodate businesses that run outside of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The number of inspections per year is dictated by the risks.
      Board Vice-Chair, Angelo Marignani, asked if there is an educational component on the dashboard for premise owners with best practices to help small businesses. The WECHU provides many opportunities for education, including a certification course that goes through all of the responsibilities of the premise owners. Additionally, education is provided at the time of inspection.
      Board member, Rob Shepley proposed an increase in the required number of staff on site to have their food safety certification. Currently, food premises are required to have one member of staff on shift to be food handler certified. Kristy McBeth suggested that this proposition be taken back, and a resolution will be presented at a future board meeting.
      Motion:               That the above information be received as presented.
      That a resolution be brought forward at a future board meeting asking for an increase in the number of required food handlers on premises during operating hours. 
      Moved by: R. Shepley 
      Seconded by: Dr. M. Awuku
      CARRIED
    2. Student Immunization Coverage Report in Windsor-Essex County (Kristy McBeth)
      Senior Director, Kristy McBeth, presented a program summary of the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) over the last twelve months. 
      Compared to the provincial average, Windsor-Essex County immunization coverage among 7-year-olds is higher for all vaccine-preventable diseases.
      For 12-year-olds, WEC immunization coverage is higher for Hepatitis B, HPV, and Meningococcal Disease.
      For 17-year-olds, compared year over year, in Windsor-Essex County, is higher for all diseases except Hepatitis B and HPV. This is an area of opportunity for us in the community.
      Our current rate of philosophical exemptions is 5.3% of total enrolled students (3559 out of 67096 students). Philosophical exemptions account for over 90% of all exemptions.
      Overall, coverage rates for ISPA required vaccines have maintained or improved compared to the previous school year.
      Kristy McBeth stated that the WECHU has launched different types of educational components directed toward the parents of school age children.
      Motion:                That the above information be received as presented.
      Moved by: R. Agostino
      Seconded by: A. Marignani
      CARRIED
    3. Youth Mobile Clinic – Locally Driven Population Health Model Fund (Kristy McBeth)
      As part of the Locally Driven Population Health Model (LDPHM) funding, Senior Director, Kristy McBeth, shared information on the Youth Mobile Clinic project. The mobile strategy is designed to meet youth where they are with a primary focus on in-school settings. The pilot project provides integrated support in F.J. Brennan Catholic Highschool, Catholic Central, and Assumption High schools, to start.
      Canadian Mental Health Association is the lead agency and the recipient of the funds.
      Key project partners include Windsor Essex Catholic School Board, Hotel Dieu Grace Healthcare, Community Housing Corporation, Windsor Essex Community Health Centre, Windsor Police Service, Family Services Windsor Essex, Erie Shores Healthcare, Windsor Regional Hospital, Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario Health Teams and the Windsor Essex County Health Unit.
      An informational video was created and shared at the start of the board meeting.
      Motion:               That the above information be received as presented.  
      Moved by: F. Francis
      Seconded by: Dr. M. Awuku
      CARRIED
    4. WECHU Facility Renewal Update (Michael Horrobin)
      As part of the 2025 board approved budget, Phase I of the facility renewal project is underway and commenced on September 8th. It involves a complete renovation of the Oral Health clinic and boardrooms on the first floor, a significant retrofit of the universal washroom, and the creation of a new dental operatory.
      Construction is expected to be completed around November 5th .
      During the June board meeting, Michael Horrobin, Director of Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer, shared that a lease amending agreement was in progress for the Leamington office. It involved a reduction in footprint on the fifth floor by 1600 sq ft, and a significant savings in the rent amount. The project will wrap up at the beginning of October.
      Motion:            That the above information be received.
      Moved by: R. Shepley
      Seconded by: Dr. M. Awuku
      CARRIED
    5. CEO Update (Dr. Ken Blanchette)
      Dr. Blanchette shared that the WECHU will be launching a media campaign to encourage local healthcare providers and their staff to receive their seasonal vaccines.
      Board Chair, Joe Bachetti, reminded board members of the upcoming alPHa Fall Symposium and workshops. He encouraged board members to attend the virtual event on November 5th to the 7th. If interested in attending, Emily Durance can help facilitate registration.
    6. CEO Quarterly Report – April 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025 (Dr. Ken Blanchette)
      Dr. Ken Blanchette highlighted the CEO Quarterly Report provided in the board package.
      Motion:               That the above information be received.
      Moved by: A. Marignani
      Seconded by: R. Shepley
      CARRIED
  10. Next Meeting: At the Call of the Chair, or Thursday, November 20, 2025
  11. Adjournment
    Motion: That the meeting session be adjourned.   
    Moved by: R. Shepley
    Seconded by:  A. Marignani
    CARRIED
    The open meeting session adjourned at 4:48 pm
  12. In-Camera Session (Closed Session in accordance with Section 239 of the Municipal Act)
    The Board moved in-camera at 4:48 pm
    The Board moved out of in-camera at 5:00 pm

RECORDING SECRETARY: E. Durance

SUBMITTED BY: K. Blanchette

APPROVED BY: WECHU Board of Health