MINUTES

COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE

REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF OTTAWA-CARLETON

THURSDAY 7 OCTOBER 1999

CHAMPLAIN ROOM

1:30 P.M.

PRESENT

Chair: A. Munter

Members: D. Beamish W. Byrne,. L. Davis C. Doucet, D. Holmes, A. Loney, M. McGoldrick-Larsen

Regrets: H. Kreling

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

The Committee Chair, A. Munter, circulated a letter from Mr. Nicholas Patterson, Canadian Development Institute, objecting to the way his comments on Item 6, Land Ambulance Health Services Year 2000 Directions Document - Phase II were summarized in the Minutes of 17 June 99.

As there was no Motion to Amend the Minutes of 17 June, they were Carried as circulated.

That the Community Services Committee confirm the Minutes of the meetings of 17 June and 16 September 1999.

CARRIED

INQUIRIES

FUNDING TO SEXUAL ASSAULT SUPPORT GROUPS

Councillor McGoldrick-Larsen asked that staff provide her with information on funds allocated to sexual assault support groups.

REGULAR ITEMS

HEALTH

1. 50^TH ANNUAL ONTARIO PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE 1999

- Committee Co-ordinator’s report dated 22 Sep 99

That the Community Services Committee approve the attendance of Councillor Molly McGoldrick-Larsen at the 50^th Annual OPHA Conference, to be held in Toronto, November 15^th to 17^th, 1999.

CARRIED, as amended

2. 24-HOUR TELEPHONE HEALTH INFORMATION LINE

- Medical Officer of Health report dated 10 Sep 99

That the Community Services Committee direct staff to commission a study with a maximum cost of $50,000 to analyze options outlined in this report and bring a recommendation back to Committee and Council. Funds for the study would come from Health Care Facilities Reserve Fund.

CARRIED

ADDITIONAL ITEM

3. SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES IN OTTAWA-CARLETON: 1992 - 1998

- Medical Officer of Health’s memorandum dated 20 Sep 99

The following are the salient points of a presentation given by Dr. Mary Gordon, Medical Director, Regional Sexual Health Centre, relative to Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Ottawa-Carleton over the period 1992 to 1998:

trends in Infectious Syphilis are declining, and this is consistent with trends in other jurisdictions. The Health Department continues its surveillance with particular attention on marginalized persons;

trends in Chlamydia have been decreasing, however the rate for individuals between the ages of 15 and 24, male and female, are significantly higher. This demonstrates the need for an enhanced Healthy Sexuality Program (HSP) tracking and partner notification system;

trends in Gonorrhea show a slight increase in rates from 1997 to 1998 for all age groups. Among males aged 25 to 39, infection rates increased in 1998 and this can be attributed to males engaging in sexual intercourse without the use of condoms;

trends in hepatitis C show an increase, as people infected through the blood system are now showing up. The primary risk factor for hepatitis C infection, unsterile injection drug equipment, is being addressed by the Health Department through the Needle Exchange Program and the promotion of safer sex.

The Committee Chair, A. Munter, asked how the information garnered was being used to address increasing rates in Gonorrhea and hepatitis C. The Associate Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Ed Ellis, said Health Department staff are working with the AIDS Committee of Ottawa on the Health Canada "Man to Man Project". Dr. Ellis surmised that the increased rates were likely the consequence of safe sex fatigue and the fact that more unprotected sex is occurring.

Responding to a question from Councillor D. Holmes, Ms. Manon Morin, Manager, Healthy Sexuality Branch, indicated that, working with community agencies and through the SITE Van, the Department is trying to address the needs of street level prostitutes.

The Medical Officer of Health, Dr. R. Cushman, informed the Committee the Department is concerned with the numbers, and is making efforts to address the situation. He pointed out that direct service on the street is increasing, and there will be further initiatives over time.

That the Community Services Committee receive this report for information.

RECEIVED

INFORMATION PREVIOUSLY DISTRIBUTED

BIG SHOT CHALLENGE/DÉFI-ÉCHEC À LA GRIPPE:INFLUENZA

IMMUNIZATION PROGRAM FOR STAFF OF LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES

- Medical Officer of Health memorandum dated 15 Sep 99

2. HEALTHY BABIES, HEALTHY CHILDREN - FAMILY VISITOR

PROGRAM: EXTRA FEDERAL FUNDING

- Medical Officer of Health memorandum dated.21 Sep 99

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 2:05 p.m.

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CHAIR CO-ORDINATOR