2022 Health Plan

Message from the Commissioner & Medical Officer of Health

The annual Health Plan communicates Durham Region Health Department’s (DRHD) priorities for the year and is shared following Council approval of DRHD’s Business Plans and Budget. Since early 2020, DRHD’s main priority has been responding to COVID-19. In 2021, COVID-19 remained a priority with continued COVID-19 response, including a focus on vaccine distribution and administration. In 2022, while most residents have been vaccinated, the pandemic continues. Case and contact management, outbreak management, communications, inspections and investigations, and ongoing monitoring and surveillance will continue as COVID-19 circulates in Durham Region. DRHD will also continue to have a significant role in vaccinating additional eligible populations as identified by the province.

DRHD will aim to balance the need to respond to the ongoing pandemic with restoration of priority public health programs and services. The focus will first be to address urgent recovery needs, including: catching up on childhood immunizations in accordance with Ontario’s Routine Immunization Schedule, the Immunization of School Pupils Act and Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014; proceeding with oral health screening for children under the Healthy Smiles Ontario program; conducting priority routine public health inspections; focusing on addressing mental health needs for residents; and addressing the opioid crisis. In 2022, the Oral Health Division will continue to provide dental care for seniors and children and will be moving into its new larger clinic location at 200 John Street West, Oshawa, in June. Paramedic Services will continue to provide: ongoing emergency response to area residents; community paramedicine services to address the needs of clients that require support in the community; primary care outreach services to vulnerable and homeless populations; and it will support COVID-19 response activities as needed.

To ensure the health and well-being of our residents, DRHD will identify innovative ways to deliver programs and services that minimize risks for clients and staff. There will also be continued focus on addressing the needs of the growing population and priority populations, including vulnerable populations that may need increased support due to the effects of the pandemic.

Please watch for information reports that will be released quarterly in the Council Information Package throughout 2022 which will provide a summary of DRHD’s COVID-19 response activities and an update on regular programs and services.

Robert Kyle, BSc, MD, MHSc, CCFP, FRCPC, FACPM