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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2004-07-15, Page 6THE EDITOR, Blyth and Area Dining for Country Support Services. It is held the first Friday of ment. We were very fortunate far this year. Our entertainment this year Seniors is a program for each month at noon and with all the stormy weather has included Jean Potter seniors 55+ and challenged consists of a home-cook- earlier in the year that we discussing her trip to see adults sponsored by Town and ed meal and entertain- didn't have to cancel any so family in China, Lorne County saves funds on WSIB Topic? Hats Members of the Red Hat Society got some information on how hats are worn and made, by Shawn Kerwin, Blyth Festival's honorary artist, and set and costume designer at a special session on Friday evening. (Vicky Bremner photo) PUBLIC NOTICE FOR CANADIAN FARMERS There is still time to apply for payments under the Transitional Industry Support Program (TISP). TISP includes a direct payment to producers of cattle and other eligible ruminants and a general payment to all producers. You have until July 31, 2004 to apply for both the Direct and General payments. Direct Payment for Cattle and Ruminants Producers of cattle, bison, sheep, goats, elk and deer are eligible. To apply, you must complete and submit a form reporting your inventory. General Transition Payment Individuals, corporations, trusts, co-operatives and communal organizations reporting farming income (or loss) for 2002 are eligible for the transition payment. Status Indians farming on a reserve are also eligible. Note: supply managed commodities are excluded. Important: If you were a NI SA participant or you received a Risk Management Funding payment in the last two years, you will automatically receive a payment. Others must apply. Application forms are available online at www.agr.gc.ca/tisp or by calling 1 866 367-8506. 4, Ar7llure and ood Agriculture Ag Ilitgere An nire Canada et CanadW PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2004. Letter to the editor • Dining for Seniors first Friday of month By Keith Roulston Citizen publisher An excellent health and safety record among Huron County employees last year will mean a saving of $123,000 for county taxpayers. Last year the county faced a surcharge of $67,000 to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) because of a poor record in 2002. But Darcy Michaud, workplace health and safety co-ordinator for the county reported to the county's committee of the whole that employees changed the situation so much in the past year that Huron will receive a rebate of $56,000. The county vaulted from second last to first among all others in southwestern Ontario for its safety record in one year. The Municipal Health and Safety Association of Ontario plans to recognize the county's remarkable turnaround with a front page article in its August , newsletter. Despite the saving, council voted to make use of a special By Keith Roulston Citizen publisher Though a study on pre-natal and post-natal child health shows Huron County close to meeting the provincial standard, children born to low income and isolated families are most likely not to get proper care. Linda Stobo, senior public health promoter with the Huron County Health Unit and Rolf Puchtinger, epidemiologist, presented a report to the July meeting of county council that showed low income mothers are most likely to report alcohol use and smoking during pregnancy and are less likely to continue breast feeding beyond six months of age (21 per cent compared to 55 per cent in the general populat- ion. In Huron County, there are 9.410 families with children and 16 per cent of children and youth under the'age of 18 live in low income households. Of these, 36 per cent are under the age of 5. In 1998. 21 per cent of babies born were referred to the Healthy Babies, Healthy Children Program for being "at-risk" or "high-risk." Overall, however, Huron was close to provincial standards in most child health categories. The survey WSIB provision available to government organizations that would allow it to buy its way out of all but administrative functions of the board in an effort to save money. Currently the county pays $511,500 yearly in fees to WSIB. If it chose the different category it would pay about $30,600 annually to WSIB for administration expenses, according to a study presented by Heath Lambert Benefits Consulting Inc. It would self- insure on most health and safety claims, which the company estimates would average about $116,000 a year. To cover against major claims, it would buy private insurance for claims of more than $350,000 a year. The insurance would cost $53,700 at current insurance rates. In addition, claims management would require an additional employee in the county's health and safety office at a cost of about $35,000 a year. Still, it would mean an annual saving, at current insurance rates, of upwards of $300,000. Part of this saving, a proposed $200,000 a year for showed 86 per cent of women initially breastfed their babies, keeping up the practice for an average 27 weeks. Fifty-five per cent of women who started, breastfed for six months or longer. When it comes to drinking alcohol, 65 per cent of pregnant and breastfeeding mothers took no alcohol. Ninety-two per cent of pregnant and nursing mothers did not smoke compared to 82 per cent of recent mothers and 83 per cent of other women. Only 75 per cent of men did not smoke. Stobo said the fact that other people smoke in homes is of concern because children can be affected by environmental smoke. Among homes with children, 72 were completely smoke-free compared to just 58 per cent of homes with no children. Stress in low income and isolated families increases risky behaviour, Stobo said and lack of transportation and worries about providing healthy' food, a comfortable home and proper dental and medical care, all add to the stress. Of single mothers in these situations who were interviewed, 48 per cent spoke of the difficulties in being a single parent while 55 discussed mental health issues affecting a family member. 10 years, would be put into a reserve fund to protect against fluctuations in claims in the future. The proposal suggests that the county would realize savings of $853:000 over 10 years. But the problem for some councillors is the cost of buying out of the current WSIB prograrg. The WSIB has an enormous unfunded insurance liability and the county would have to pay its share of that liability at the time it left the WSIB program. Heath Lambert estimated it would cost the county $677,600 in a one-time lump payment. The county, however, currently doesn't have that kind of money except in its reserve for fleet vehicles. Staff proposed borrowing the money immediately from this reserve and pay it back, with interest, over the next few years. Dave Urlin, South Huron councillor and past warden, called the $677,000 payment a bitter pill to swallow at a time of •tight money. He said in a time when private insurance costs are soaring he Thirty-nine per cent had experienced abuse as an adult or child. Those interviewed reported they had had some reduction of their stress when they were able to get services like transportation, health care and an improved home environment. The challenge, Stobo said, is to convince these people to turn to the system set up to help them solve their problems. The survey showed that people were more likely to seek help when they had a personal trusting relationship with a service provider or friend who recommends a specific service. The service must be non-judgmental and not cause them shame or embarrassment. Families or individuals with a strong sense of self- determination and high motivation to find out about and access a service are more likely to seek help. The study recommends that front-line service providers in health and social services establish stronger relationships with other agencies and work to build trust and understand the complex needs of clients. It also recommends a local parent advisory group to help with service planning in the county. couldn't be sure if it was a good deal or not. ' But John Bezaire of Central Huron warned the WSIB shortfall made the sponsorship scandal look small by comparison and could cost people stuck in the program additional money for the next 10 years. "I think private insurance will do a better job." Urlin said the county will still have to pay WSIB for administering claims by injured employees and the cost of administration could reach 25-30 per cent of the total claim. But Richard Hulley, the county's director of human resources, said the new set-up would give them more control of the situation. He warned that as more employers with good safety records opt out of WSIB, the costs will fall heavily on those still in the program. Bezaire pointed out that the money the county is spending to get out of the WSIB insurance program will be coming back in in savings. Council approved the change with the provision that a request for proposals be issued to insurance companies that might provide the additional insurance the county requires_ to cover major claims. McKenzie and Grant Ellison with their toe-tapping music, Kathy Bromley, who told of her work in Haiti, Dale Sauve who demonstrated his hobby of making flowers and birds from wood and, in July, Daniel Steep and Melissa entertained with their musical talents for our indoor summer picnic. There are door prizes each month and a 50/50 draw. Seaforth Manor provides two door prizes. . There usually are two or three residents who join us for the meal. The Grade 8 students of the Blyth Public School and volunteers help each month in preparing and serving the food, cleanup after and delivering the takeouts to the shut-ins. Each month there is an average of 45 diners, guests and volunteers - enjoying a variety of home-cooked meals. The next didner is Aug. 6 with McKenzie Chalmers entertaining. Call Lenora Davidson at 523-4442 or Town and Country Support Services at 357-3222 for informa- tion. Town and Country Support Services _ also sponsor an exercise program for seniors 55+ Men and Women which is held every Monday morning 9:30 to 10:30 at the Blyth Christian Reformed Church. For more information call 357-3222. Yours truly, Dianne Weber Community Support Co- ordinator Study says isolated and low-income kids at risk