Chair Kitts welcomed the new Board of Health Member, Member Nwanneka Ejiofor. Furthermore, Chair Kitts advised that fellow Board Member, Dr. Brown-Shreves has resigned from the Board, effective immediately.
Chair Kitts shared news regarding the Healthy Babies, Health Children Program, noting the program which is funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services will see a 16.5 per cent annual increase to the base funding for Ottawa Public Health's Healthy Growth and Development Team. The Chair thanked the Ministry for their ongoing commitment to improving the health outcomes of the City's youngest residents.
Chair Kitts discussed her participation in the Association of Municipalities of Ontario Annual General Meeting, which she attended in August, noting that it was an excellent opportunity to engage with municipal leaders across the province to share ideas to improve and promote the health and wellbeing of all people in Ottawa.
Chair Kitts acknowledge the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which is observed on September 30, 2024, nothing the day is dedicated to the profound, painful impact of residential schools and to honor the memory of missing Indigenous children, their families, and the survivors of these colonial institutions.
In closing, Chair Kitts also recognized that September is Suicide Prevention Month and discussed Ottawa Public Health's strategic goals to promote wellbeing and reduce harms as it relates to mental health, addictions and substance use health.
The discussion on this item lasted approximately 10 minutes. The report was then received by the Board. The attached memo includes the Chair’s Verbal Update