A Year of Milestones
"A Year of Milestones" may be the best way of describing the accomplishments of the Health and Social Services Committee during 1999.
The Committee oversaw the operation of the Region's two largest departments, with a combined net budget of $103.4 million and 63 per cent of the entire regional workforce (excluding police).
The Committee also directed the transfer of two large service responsibilities from the provincial government: Emergency Medical Services and 1,000 new Ontario Works clients. The process developed by York Region to unite all land ambulance services was hailed as a model for others to follow. Also, the Region achieved 285 per cent of its targets for placing Ontario Works participants into community placement programs.
Overseeing that kind of program responsibility calls for clear policies and real leadership. The Health and Social Services Committee provided both.
Responding to Health Needs
In response to growth and an aging population, a new Long Term Care facility, the Maple Health Centre, and three Outreach/Day Programs were officially opened during 1999.
In addition, Ministry of Health and Long Term Care approvals for the design and funding of a major redevelopment of the Newmarket Health Centre were secured. A proposal to the provincial government for 120 Long Term Care beds in the Town of Georgina was also supported by Committee and Council.
A major restructuring of the Vaccine Preventable Diseases Program took place so more school children will receive vaccinations.
A Recognized Leader in Child Care
When the Ontario government was looking for a province-wide child care database system, it turned to York Region and asked the Committee to lead the project. When the Province was looking for pilot sites to launch its Early Years Initiative, York Region was the only municipal government chosen.
York Region continues to be a leader in the delivery of child intervention programs. The Committee's Early Intervention Program for children with special needs won an award in 1999 from the Ontario Association for Infant Development. Also, over 6,000 babies were screened by Public Health officials through the Healthy Babies/Healthy Children program.
Addressing Key Issues
Through the work of this Committee, Council adopted a Homelessness Strategy in July 1999 that identified a number of short- and long-term priorities. Through an integrated Outreach Program, people at risk of becoming homeless received assistance through a mobile outreach van, more youth emergency beds and a drop-in centre for youth. A community-wide Task Force was created as part of a longer-term solution.
The Costs of Pooling
The Region continued to send significant financial resources to the City of Toronto for social assistance programs as legislated by the Province of Ontario. In 1999, the Region sent $50.9 million to the City of Toronto for social services. Regional Council continued to lobby for an end to social pooling and more accountability as to how the funds are assessed and spent.
Honouring a Health Pioneer
In recognition of her contribution to the medical profession, the Committee named a wing at the Newmarket Health Centre after Dr. Margaret Arkinstall, the first female doctor at York County Hospital in Newmarket.
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