Programming delivered by public health nurses in Quinte Area schools, including PECI, will continue next year.

Rumblings from South East Public Health suggested the school Public Health Nurse program would be eliminated.

But the Health unit has confirmed they are committed to continuing school clinics in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties (HPEC) until the end of the 2026-27 academic year. Weekly public health clinics run in 11 secondary schools in the HPEC region.

Once a week at PECI, public health nurses speak with teens about smoking and vaping, birth control, sexual health  and contraception, mental health challenges and substance abuse concerns. Students can also schedule vaccinations through a nurse.

As former District School Board Trustee Alison Kelly points out, for many County teens, PECI is the only safe and accessible place where they can privately speak with a trained health professional.

Deputy Medical Officer of Health Dr. Linna Li said further assessment of the program will be guided by the public health mandate as outlined in the Ontario Public Health Standards (OPHS), the Board of Health Strategic Plan, and best practices in health promotion. 

“We are currently waiting on the release of the Public Health Standards, which will guide any future planning, along with the Board of Health Strategic Plan, and best practices in health promotion. At this time, we can commit to continuing these clinics until the end of the 2026/27 school year,” she told the Gazette.

Dr. Li said all regions across SEPH have public health nurses who support schools and school boards, including providing in-school support. But the HPEC region is the only region with weekly clinics.

A “one size fits all” approach across Ontario, however, is threatening pre-amalgamation public health programs.

“Because these clinics are not part of the health unit’s core mandate in the current OPHS, it is uncommon for health units in Ontario to provide these individualized clinical services in schools,” Dr. Li said. “A population-level approach to service delivery is consistent across most School Health programs provided by health units in Ontario, reflects best practices in health promotion, and enables greater population health impact.”

Picton councillor and PECI parent Kate MacNaughton said, “We need to make access to prevention programs as barrier- free as possible for young people. This is programming that should be shared in the other communities served by SEPH, not eliminated here.

 “This is an important program that supports the young people in our community, helps to keep them safe and helps minimize downstream impacts on our healthcare system.”

For every public health dollar spent in Ontario, research by the Canadian Institute for Health Information indicates between $7 and $10 in future healthcare costs are saved.

Public Health nurses at PECI also bridge a gap for young people who may not have a family doctor. Or might be unable to speak to parents about their health concerns.

“I’m relieved the programming has been given a life preserver for at least the next year. It really is the best model to future-proof the health of our teens and get them the guidance they need from a trusted and caring professional, right where they are,” Ms. McNaughton added.  

A revised OPHS will be released by the Minister of Health later this year. SEPH Chair Nathan Townsend was slated to appear at Council for a short presentation and Q&A session April 7.