May 3, 1999

To:Board of Health

From:Dr. Sheela V. Basrur, Medical Officer of Health

Subject:Community Consultations on Public Health

Purpose:

This report outlines a proposed process for community consultations on public health issues, in the context of Real Time Strategic Change.

Source of Funds:

Not applicable

Recommendation:

It is recommended that the Board of Health approve the community consultation process as set out in this report.

Background:

At its meeting on February 22, 1999, the Board of Health approved a process of strategic planning, called Real Time Strategic Change. The process is designed to bring appropriate stakeholders together to create a strategic plan for the Division, and, at the same time, continue to carry on with existing programs and services.

During deputations to the 1999 Budget process, especially in relation to the special Community Council meetings, many public health advocates came forward to identify public health issues of concern in their communities. As well, Toronto Public Health produced fact sheets on Health Risks and Public Health Service Needs for each Community Council area. The large number of deputations indicate that an additional level of community consultations, based on Community Council areas, may be appropriate in the Real Time Strategic Change process.

Comments:

Community Consultations on Public Health, special meetings in each Community Council area, will be held at each civic centre. The meetings will be convened by the Medical Officer of Health, the Board of Health City Councillor from the Community Council area, and the citizen member of the Board of Health from the Community Council area. On behalf of the convenors of the meetings, the Medical Officer of Health will make a presentation on health issues identified by Toronto Public Health staff in the Community Council area, and a presentation on additional information from the Real Time Strategic Change process. Citizens will be invited to make oral and/or written presentations to the meeting, identifying public health issues in their communities, and will engage in discussions on health needs and community capacity to meet those needs. A minute of the meeting will be taken by public health staff, and be referred to the Steering Committee of the Real Time Strategic Change process for inclusion in their deliberations. The Medical Officer of Health will report back to the participants at the meetings, with the results.

Conclusions:

Community Consultations on Public Health will provide a deeper level of citizen participation in our strategic change process, as well as deepening our ability to identify public health issues on a local basis. This approach is consistent with the intent of Real Time Strategic Change, and will add further texture to this process.

Contact Name:

Connie Clement, Director

Public Health Planning & Policy

Tel:392-7463

Fax:392-0713

Pat Thomas

Amalgamation Leader

Tel:392-7401

Fax:392-0713

Michael Fay

Coordinator, Drug Abuse Prevention Program

Tel:392-0807

Fax:392-0635

Dr. Sheela V. Basrur

Medical Officer of Health