COVID-19 Outbreak Response
COVID-19 response was integrated into regular operations and managed like any other disease of public health significance.
Over the year, staff managed 61 COVID-19 facility outbreaks, a significant decrease from the previous year. This trend reflects increased population immunity, continued community responsiveness to public health messaging, and strong collaboration with partners.
61
COVID-19 facility outbreaks
GetaKit Sexual Health Testing
The sexual health team implemented Getakit, an at-home sexual health testing initiative, working in partnership with Ottawa Public Health and the University of Ottawa. GetaKit offers self-testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, providing residents with access to sexual health services from the privacy of home. This service aims to decrease the spread of sexually transmitted infections in our communities by increasing the rates and frequency of testing, as well as the number of people linked to treatment and care.
RCDHU ANNUAL REPORT 2023
Vaccination Against Respiratory Illnesses
COVID-19
Vaccine services were offered to all eligible residents to ensure protection against COVID-19.
In April, RCDHU rolled out the bivalent vaccines to all residents eligible for Spring immunization. Forty-one bivalent vaccination clinics were held across RCD. Later in the year, the new XBB vaccine was introduced for residents aged 6 months and older.From September to December, the immunization team administered more than 6,100 doses of COVID-19 vaccine.
To enhance access to the COVID-19 vaccine, RCDHU offered immunization support and training to community partners and managed the vaccine inventory. The immunization team also organized community clinics, mobile retirement home/congregate care clinics, and in-home vaccine services to homebound individuals.
In collaboration with community partners, a total of 27,088 doses of COVID-19 vaccine were successfully given throughout RCD. Furthermore, throughout 2023 RCDHU held 151 COVID-19 clinics.
27,088
COVID-19 doses administered in RCD
151
COVID-19 vaccine clinics
121
cold-chain fridge inspections
RCDHU ANNUAL REPORT 2023
Respiratory Syncytial Virus
In the fall of 2023, Ontario launched its first publicly funded vaccine program for RSV for older adults at higher risk of experiencing severe illness. RSV is a common respiratory virus that can cause severe lung infections such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, especially in infants, young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. Through focused efforts the immunization team quickly mobilized to ensure that eligible residents across RCD received the RSV vaccine.
Flu
Through the strategic deployment of resources and proactive outreach efforts, the fall flu campaign successfully offered 52 flu clinics across RCD and administered over 3,700 doses of flu vaccine to protect residents against seasonal influenza. This represented a significant 62% increase compared to the previous respiratory season (September- December 2022).
3,700
doses of a flu vaccine administered
52
flu vaccine clinics
20,000
flu vaccines distributed to healthcare providers
RCDHU ANNUAL REPORT 2023
Responding to Substance Use Harms
In recent years, rising rates of opioid-related deaths have been seen in Renfrew County and District (RCD), provincially, and nationally. In 2023, there were 69 opioid overdose-related emergency department visits and 41 suspected drug poisoning deaths in RCD, with both increasing relative to 2022. The rate of suspect drug poisoning deaths in 2023 was over 3 times the rate in 2018 to 2019.
Throughout 2023, RCDHU coordinated the Opioid Overdose Response Plan to inform a timely response to any surge in opioid overdoses or the detection of high-potency opioid formulations in the local toxic street drug supply. The plan required ongoing surveillance and communication with partners in emergency departments, emergency services, and addiction treatment to inform the early warning system and community alerts. In 2023, 4 alerts were issued due to a notable increase of overdoses or the detection of high potency opioid formulations.
Harm reduction staff promoted and increased access to naloxone, a medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and prevent opioid-related deaths. 942 naloxone kits were distributed to clients and community partners through the Ontario Naloxone Program, an increase from the previous year’s distribution of 610 kits. Clients were also able to access sterile equipment and safe disposal methods to help reduce the risk of bloodborne infections due to substance use equipment in the community.
Expanded efforts by RCDHU and increasing needs in the community resulted in increased utilization of harm reduction services. Over 2023, harm reduction clients accessed services 1,723 times, compared to 1,231 times the previous year.
1,723
# of times services were accessed
942
naloxone kits distributed
RCDHU ANNUAL REPORT 2023
Ontario Seniors Dental Care
The dental services team offered the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program to eligible seniors (65 or older) who are residents of RCD with free,routine dental care. In 2023 a dentist joined the team, treating clients in RCDHU’s Pembroke and Barry’s Bay dental clinic locations.
The dental services team supported seniors in accessing dental treatment, facilitating 879 client visits to a dentist and 780 dental hygiene appointments. Additionally, 118 clients received new dentures.
879
client visits to a dentist
780
dental hygiene appointments provided
118
clients provided new dentures
RCDHU ANNUAL REPORT 2023