In This Issue - February 2024

Updates and Review: 

• World TB Day and TB-UP Program
• Ontario's COVID-19 Medical Exemption Form Discontinued
• Maternal Mental Health CME Recording Now Available
• Respiratory Surveillance Review

Educational Opportunities: 

• FREE TRAINING: Breastfeeding Level 1
• Mini Expo: Enhancing Healthcare through Community Paramedicine 

World TB Day and TB-Up Program

Each year, the World Health Organization recognizes World Tuberculosis (TB) Day on March 24. World TB Day provides an opportunity to focus attention on the challenge of defeating the TB epidemic at a global, national and community level.

Many individuals in Niagara who require TB care may not have public or private health insurance. World TB Day serves as a good time to remind health professionals of the Tuberculosis Diagnostic and Treatment Services for Uninsured Persons Program (TB-UP). This program aims to facilitate the early diagnosis of TB and initiation of treatment (as required) for uninsured individuals living in or visiting Ontario. Patients are covered for OHIP billable TB care if they are not covered by any public/private health insurance, and one of the following:

• An active or potential case of TB (pulmonary or extra-pulmonary)
• A contact of an active TB case
• At high-risk of developing active TB

For registration information, contact the Infectious Disease Program at 905-688-8248 ext. 7330 before giving service to eligible patients. The Ministry of Health will not issue retroactive payments. Visit our website for more information.

Ontario's COVID-19 Vaccine Medical Exemption Form Discontinued

At this time medical exemptions for COVID-19 vaccination are no longer documented in COVax_ON and are not recorded by Public Health. If an individual’s personal circumstances (e.g., health conditions, travel, employment requirements, participation in a clinical trial) warrants the need for medical documentation indicating vaccination exemption, the Ministry of Health has indicated that the individual should follow-up with their healthcare provider to request the necessary documentation.

Maternal Mental Health CME Now Available

Health care providers play an important role in maternal mental health promotion and early relational health. Finding opportunities to refer to appropriate supports can improve mental health outcomes for the parent. They can also help the social / emotional development of the child. 

On February 6, 2024, Niagara Region Public Heath hosted Niagara Region Public Health Rounds: Focus on Maternal Mental Health and Adverse Childhood Experiences. 

Recording Now Available

To view the recording, click here. 

Learning Objectives

• Understand the epidemiology of maternal mental health in Niagara and Ontario
• Discuss how maternal mental health relates to adverse childhood experiences and health outcomes for the child
• Describe how treatment can be used effectively to improve maternal mental health
• Understand how to screen for maternal mental health concerns and refer to Niagara Region Public Health's programs and services

Keynote Speakers

Dr. Ryan Van Lieshout

Dr. Van Lieshout is a perinatal psychiatrist, clinician-scientist and an associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences. He holds the Albert Einstein / Irving Zucker Chair in Neuroscience and the Canada Research Chair in Perinatal Mental Health at McMaster University.

Dr. John Krzeczkowski

Dr. John Krzeczkowski received his PhD in Neuroscience from McMaster University and has postdoctoral training at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and York University. Now, he's an Assistant Professor in Health Sciences at Brock University.

More Information

• Visit our Maternal and Child Health page for Health Care Professionals to refer to Niagara Region Public Health's programs, or access clinical tools and resources

Respiratory Surveillance

Surveillance Update: Influenza Activity is Lower

• Public Health Ontario’s most recent respiratory laboratory surveillance data indicates activity for both influenza A and influenza B is lower compared to previous weeks
• Provincially, SARS-CoV-2 is the most commonly circulating virus amongst samples analyzed
• In Niagara, there are 744 cases of influenza so far this season; 18,482 across Ontario

2023 - 2024 Respiratory Season

Data source: Public Health Ontario's Ontario Respiratory Virus Tool, data as of February 10, 2024. Please note: Coronavirus refers to non-pandemic human coronaviruses. 

Niagara reports flu activity surveillance information weekly on Fridays.

For more detail on the 2023 to 2024 respiratory season, please visit Public Health Ontario’s page for the Ontario Respiratory Virus Tool.

FREE TRAINING: Breastfeeding - Making a Difference (Level 1)

Niagara Region Public Health is hosting a 2-day virtual (LIVE) workshop series for community health care professionals and hospital staff practicing in Niagara who currently work with expectant or new parents as well as their families. This series will take place on May 7 and May 14, 2024.

Keynote Speaker: Kathy O’Grady, RN, IBCLC, Lactation Consultant, Co-Director Breastfeeding Committee for Canada National BFI Quality Improvement Project, Baby-Friendly Initiative Assessor and Educator for Quintessence Foundation will provide this opportunity on Zoom.

Note: Participants must attend both session dates and may be eligible to receive IBLCE CERPS (Continuing Education Recognition Points).

Training Highlights:

• This training is provided at no cost to the participant
• There will be a panel presentation and Q & A with individuals who have lived experience breastfeeding

Learning Objectives:

• Assessment: identify early breastfeeding problems for healthy term infants and infants with health challenges or special needs
• Management: provide effective and confident care that facilitates the initiation and maintenance of breastfeeding
• Support: develop comprehensive care plans for the breastfeeding dyad and enhanced awareness of community based supports
• Explore best practices regarding skin-to-skin, caloric intake, milk supply, alternative feeding methods and equipment, and frequent, early removal of breastmilk

Registration: 

• The event is live for registration on the website
• Registration deadline is April 19, 2024

Mini Expo: Enhancing Healthcare through Community Paramedicine

Community paramedicine is a growing field of paramedicine practice that utilizes paramedics in advanced roles and scope providing a more proactive and preventive approach to care. 

In collaboration with the Ontario Community Paramedicine Knowledge Exchange Committee and the Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs, the Western community paramedicine providers are pleased to host this virtual
educational event.

The primary goal is to increase awareness and collaboration amongst health service providers, with a spotlight on community paramedicine as an integral partner in the health care system. This event will provide an opportunity for CP providers to highlight success stories and open channels for increased knowledge exchange opportunities, share best practices and improved future application.

Cost: Free

When: Friday March 22, 2024 from 1:00 - 3:30 p.m.

Where: Online 

Registration: Visit the registration page for more information and to register.