Public Health in Focus

Public Health in Focus is a newsletter by Public Health Sudbury & Districts to inform our community on the public health issues of the day and is issued following our regular Board of Health meetings.

Words for Thought

April 2024

Learning and looking forward

As I reflect on my first month at Public Health Sudbury & Districts, I am deeply impressed and inspired by the dedication and passion demonstrated by every member of this agency. I have been warmly welcomed into a community of individuals who are committed to health and health equity in our region. I eagerly look forward to reaching out to our valued partners to develop meaningful relationships built on common goals.

One of the highlights of my first month has been witnessing the exceptional work that occurred in 2023, showcased during the most recent Board of Health meeting. From health promotion initiatives to disease prevention efforts to foundational work around data, quality, and communications, each accomplishment highlighted the unwavering responsiveness of our staff. I was struck by the depth of expertise and dedication in addressing public health challenges head on and working with our community partners. The collective efforts are making a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve, and I am honoured to be a part of this work going forward.

After years of pandemic response and recovery, the importance of stability going forward cannot be overstated. The need to confront the real and pressing public health issues of the day requires focused attention and effort. Most recently, discussions surrounding potential mergers have added an additional layer of complexity to the landscape of local public health. To this end, Public Health Sudbury & Districts is no longer exploring mergers with neighbouring public health agencies. By prioritizing stability, we can ensure that our agency remains a trusted and reliable resource for our community. Together, we can tackle the challenges before us, working continuously to improve health outcomes.

Rest assured, I am committed to prioritizing stability and focused on continuing to deliver our best work to the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts. I am pleased to share this issue of Public Health in Focus with you to provide a snapshot of public health in action.

M. Mustafa Hirji MD, MPH, FRCPC
Acting Medical Officer of Health and Chief Executive Officer

Need to do

Don’t forget to check our Respiratory Illness Surveillance Dashboard to view local levels of COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The Ontario Ministry of Health is recommending people who are high-risk to receive a dose of the XBB COVID-19 vaccine this spring to protect themselves against illness.

This spring, eligible groups for the COVID-19 vaccine are Reminder

Adults 65 years of age or older.
Adult residents of long-term care homes and other congregate living settings for seniors.
Individuals 6 months of age and older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised (due to an underlying condition or treatment).
Individuals 55 years of age and older who identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Metis and their non-indigenous household members who are 55 years of age and older.

For the latest advice and updates, follow us on Facebook and X (Twitter) and visit our website. Don’t forget to share this information with friends and family.

Need to know

2023 Highlights

Through our programs, services, and collaborative efforts, we remain committed to creating healthier communities for all!

Chronic disease prevention and well-being

Nine (9) healthy public policies that focus on helping prevent chronic disease were initiated and advanced with Public Health’s support and engagement, which also included Board of Health motions and letters of support.

Vaccine preventable diseases

Public health nurses administered 21 785 routine immunizations. 9 815 doses were administered to Grade 7 students through 61 schools or at Public Health’s offices—offering safe and effective protection against meningitis, hepatitis B, and human papillomavirus (HPV).

Toxic drugs

Public Health and the City of Greater Sudbury hosted the Greater Sudbury Summit on Toxic Drugs, bringing together leaders from various community sectors. 180 participants, 17 panelists, and 15 speakers reviewed the magnitude of—and response to—the crisis.

Sexual health, sexually transmitted infections, and blood-borne infections

Public Health staff offered 4 025 telephone or electronic consultations. 3 553 clients received services in our offices to support prevention, harm reduction, testing, and screening.

Health hazards

Public health inspectors and environmental support officers investigated 460 issues from mould to insect and rodent infestations.

Gastrointestinal and respiratory outbreaks

Public Health declared 15 gastrointestinal and 135 respiratory outbreaks in institutions such as long-term care homes, hospitals, and congregate living settings. Public Health worked proactively and reactively with institutions to assess and put measures in place to prevent and control infections among people who are most at risk.

Population health assessment and surveillance

Public Health continued to monitor priority health issues, for example, opioid overdose-related EMS calls and deaths, Seasonal Acute Care Enhanced Surveillance (ACES) reports, COVID-19 cases, and school absenteeism, as well as sharing this data with interested community partners.

In addition, staff prepared socio-demographic and population health status reports to share insights related to youth, older adults, francophones, and the toxic drug crisis.

Positive Space

Public Health launched the agency’s Positive Space initiative to demonstrate its commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion for all who deal with Public Health; support toward members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community was a particular priority.

Student placements

Public Health hosted 33 students from 7 post-secondary institutions, representing 8 disciplines, resulting in 7 364 hours of student experience.

Indigenous engagement

Public Health continued to define and strengthen relationships with First Nation communities and Indigenous partners to collaboratively support public health programs and services.

Staff participated in Indigenous worldview experiential training, in alignment with the agency’s Indigenous Engagement Strategy to improve capacity for a culturally competent workforce. Staff had opportunities to learn about smudging, how to offer semaa (tobacco) to Elders, and how to work respectfully with Elders.

Download our 2023 Highlights (PDF)

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This item was last modified on April 22, 2024