Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm
Location: Teleconference
CHAIR: Tracy Dahms Silva, York Region
RECORDER: David Amot, Durham Region Health Department
Participants: Zsuzsi Trim, Jacqui Candlish, Cindy Kirkpatrick, Tara MacDaniel, Sue McMahon, Lorna Boratto, Marty Paul,
Mia Brown, Paula Waddell, Marita Campbell, Anna Bera, Colleen Cooper, Tracy Dahms Silva, Loretta Bernard, Silvana
Farrace-Perry, Cindy O’Keefe, Lorraine Gravelle, Rosemarie Vandenbrink , Anna Bera, David Amot, Karin Marks, Jennifer
Robertson, Marie- Josée Boulerice, Amber Schiek, Pat Cliche, Josée Bisson, Glenna Rogers, Cindy Gignac, Brenda Soper
Manning Jacquelyn Quirk, Laura Dekroon, Lisa Clark, Paula Mattie, Sue McMahon, Todd Bright, Bob Soroko, Jennifer Hay
Regrets: Muriel Rounthwaite, Velma Hansford
Absent: Kelly Wilson, Tina Skjonsby-Mckinnon, Sandy Kambouris, Lara Paterson, Tawnya Boileau, Dr. Michelle Keightley
No. Discussion Item
1.0
2.0.
Welcome
Participants present on the teleconference were welcomed by Tracy
Guest Speaker:
Tracy introduced the guest speaker Dr. Shelina Babul from the British Columbia Injury Research
& Prevention Unit.
Discussion
leader
Tracy Dahms
Silva
Tracy
Dr. Shelina Babul has been with BCIRPU for the past 17 years and is involved in various injury
prevention strategies and initiatives, but primarily focuses on sport and recreational evidencebased research development with a particular specialization in mind traumatic brain injuries
and concussions along with their recognition, treatment and prevention.
Dr. Babul’s work includes: addressing critical gaps in the field of injury prevention, identifying
the need for quality and comprehensive injury data, sport and recreation research and the
coordination of injury prevention efforts in the province. She is also a clinical assistant professor
in the Department of Pediatrics, UBC and the Chair of the BC Concussion Advisory Network.
Shelina’s presentation will be posted at www.oninjuryresources.ca/ocpn under Resources.
3.0.
4.0
Attendance & Recording of Minutes
Roll call of participants present on the teleconference. David Amot to record minutes for
today’s meeting based on alphabetical schedule.
Additions to agenda
Agenda approved with the following additions:
Tracy
Tracy
1
7.1 OIPPN MVC sub-committee update re: concussions & MVCs
10.1 Concussion policy awareness for physicians and nurse practitioners
5.0
6.0
Review of Previous Minutes : June 24, 2014
Minutes dated June 24, 2014 have been approved by committee members.
Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Sport re: Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund
Update
Tracy (all)
Jennifer Hay
Tracy introduced Jennifer Hay (Regional Advisor with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Sport)
who joined the call as a guest.
Tracy and Jennifer both thanked Kelly Wilson from Niagara Region who connected Jennifer to
OCPN as she has some important information to share with the committee.
Jennifer provided an update on the Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund. See
links below for details:
Ontario Sport & Recreation Community Fund (grant program opened November 24; deadline
February 2, 2015)
http://www.grants.gov.on.ca/GrantsPortal/en/OntarioGrants/GrantOpportunities/PRDR006918
Local Contacts: Regional Services Branch, Ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport (Regional
Advisors throughout the province)
http://www.mtc.gov.on.ca/en/culture/contactus_culture.shtml
Jennifer also asked if it was fine that she let people know about OCPN, and all members agreed.
7.0
OIPRC fall newsletter
As requested by Linda Yensen (OIPRC), Tracy submitted a newsletter insert about OCPN over
the summer for the OIPRC fall newsletter that was sent out via email in September.
Tracy
7.1
Concussion and motor vehicle committee meeting update
Pat Cliche has been working with Nipissing University students on a 5-week project on
concussion and motor vehicle collisions. They are working on a comprehensive literature review
that Pat will share with OCPN upon completion. Currently there is no law in Ontario that
prohibits individuals to drive after a concussion. A policy brief has been developed and will be
presented tomorrow. The goal is to bring it to the Ministry of Transportation. Pat to provide
update group.
Tracy/Pat
Cliche
8.0
OIPRC microsite & feedback
Tracy/All
Tracy and Zsuzsi received training on the OIPRC microsite. Tracy has added the membership list,
TOR, previous minutes and presentations from past presenters to the microsite thus far. If
anyone has any feedback such as adding a new category, let Tracy know.
One member stated that she was not able to get into the site.
2
Action: Tracy to look into rectifying this issue and will send a link to everybody.
www.oninjuryresources.ca/ocpn
9.0
Ministry of Education Update
Todd Bright
School boards have until the end of January to have concussion policy in place. This only applies
to publicly funded publicly funded elementary and secondary schools
Tara MacDaniel asked a question around how to ensure information/resources shared with
school boards meets the standards given there are several resources in circulation.
Response. School boards are encouraged to work closely with health units. Also the website has
up to date information. Ophea template has minimum standards so school boards can use
template as minimum but can go above and beyond if they wish.
Bob Soroko (Ophea) stated that Ophea reviews resources regularly as they come in. School
boards can review resources themselves using Ophea standards.
10.0
10.1
Local school boards – policy progress
Tracy asked group if anyone was interested in sharing their status/progress of working with
their local school board(s) around the concussion policy development.
On the IP Chat there was a question regarding what others were doing regarding a situation
where schools are finding that there are many ‘bumps’ on the head, resulting in the filling out
the Suspected Concussion Form very frequently. There are many instances where parents are
refusing to take student to the doctor because they think the child is fine and bringing them
back to school without examination.
York Region reported the York Catholic District School Board has developed an awareness letter
to parents instructing them to watch their child for next 24 to 48 hours if initially no signs or
symptoms were observed as they may develop later. “Sore at site” vs actual headache may
differ so as well being considered is to give elementary students a sticker to wear during the
day, “I bumped my head” to raise awareness to staff of a possible concussion so that others can
look out for them and continue to monitor the child for potential signs and symptoms.
Concussion policy awareness for physicians and nurse practitioners
Glenna Rogers asked what other health units are doing locally to support physicians and nurse
practitioners.
All
Glenna
Rogers/All
Middlesex London health unit have sent out a newsletter to physicians with a link to school
board policies.
Halton Region has developed a public health information webpage for physicians. The webpage
highlights available resources to physicians and a resource for parents. The Medical Officer of
Health (MOH) will send out a briefing note to all physicians in the area.
In York Region, the Associate Medical Officer of Health (AMOH) will be sharing information with
local physicians.
Megan Melling asked about age category being targeted. She wondered whether anything is
3
done for younger children. Todd Bright responded stating that PPM 158 does not include
licensed child-care providers. York Region stated that they have provided an article for the
Come Grow With Us newsletter on concussions and children that goes out to all licenced childcare providers to raise awareness.
11.0
12.0
Resources provided to schools (Tara)
This item was discussed in 9.0 and Tara was satisfied with response.
Educational opportunities
Upcoming conferences:
 Play Safe Symposium, “Change, Challenge and Opportunity: an interdisciplinary
symposium on injury prevention in sport and recreation” hosted on Feb 4, 2015 at
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto. For the full program and to register:
http://www.playsafeinitiative.ca/programme.html
 Third Annual International Concussion Summit in Niagara Falls hosted by the District
School Board of Niagara to be held on April 23 and 24, 2015. More information
regarding the conference to come in the new year
 The Canadian Sports Concussion Project presents the “Third Annual Symposium:
Research on the Concussion Spectrum of Disorders” on Saturday, January 17th, 2015
8:00 am-5:00 pm at Toronto Western Hospital. For more information see the attached
pdf:
Tara
MacDaniel/All
All
Concussion 2015
One-Page Ad.pdf
13.0
RRFSS update
RRFSS questions were sent out to participating workgroup members. Currently five health units
are involved in reviewing the questions, York Region (lead), Durham, Chatham-Kent, Niagara,
and London-Middlesex. Next meeting is on December 9th, 2014. The plan is to get the
questions completed by the end of the year. York University will do pre-testing of the questions
in January and provide feedback. Implementation of the modules is scheduled for April-Dec,
2015. An evaluation will be completed with final results to be received in 2016.
14.0
Update From Health Units:
Silvana
Farrace-Perry
Algoma Public Health (Lorraine Gravelle)



Met with School Board reps September 16 to finalize concussion school board policy;
meeting scheduled Nov 27 to identify relevant resources and training for staff/coaches
Local Concussion Awareness Community Education Committee meets every two
months – met on September 10 and November 6; we are now under the umbrella of
Safe Communities partnership SSM which is under the umbrella of Parachute.
Letters were emailed with attached sample resources to local hockey, football, boxing,
skiing, roller-skating, sports and recreational organizations. Letter invited organizations
to contact us for additional resources and information sessions for their members,
athletes, coaches and parents. We received one request from local ski resort to provide
an information session to their staff and general public this winter. PPP developed for
skiers. Football and hockey organizations are following their association’s
4



recommendations with respect to educating their coaches.
Free Concussion baseline testing clinics resumed this fall by the OTA/PTA students at
Sault College every Wednesday evening ; great turn outs; coaches are bringing their
teams in with parent permission.
Article in local paper and local on-line media, raising awareness about concussion
management and benefits of the role of Certified Athletic Trainers at High School sports
events.
Continuing to work on local concussion website with pertinent links, local events, and
where to go for help locally.
Durham Region (David Amot)

Our concussion communication campaign targeting youth ages 14-19 is currently on
going. Some avenues of advertising include movie theatres, recreation centres, malls,
libraries and rink boards. We will also be mailing campaign posters to high schools and
minor hockey organizations.

We are in the final stages of developing a concussion prevention parent resource.

We are also participating in the development of the concussion Rapid Risk Factor
Surveillance System (RRFSS) modules.
Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) (Marie-Josée Boulerice)


This summer EOHU worked on a document that provides the current status of
concussions in EOHU region, research in order to recommend next steps for concussion
management in the EOHU. This report is intended to serve as a resource for school
boards in Eastern Ontario to use in training teachers, coaches, parents, and young
athletes in concussion identification and management.
Met with the Catholic French School Board rep. to review their draft policy
Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit (Jennifer Robertson)


Promotion of the guidelines from Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation in the next edition
of our Health Matters. This is distributed to the Health Professionals in our district.
Added a Page to our H.K.P.R. District Health Unit Website on concussion resources for
parents, professionals and schools. We also promoted the guidelines from the Ontario
Neurotrauma Foundation.
Hamilton Public Health Services (Zsuzsi Trim)

Finalizing our concussion algorithm. The algorithm will be presented to area physicians
at the Hamilton Academy of Medicine Clinical Day January 28th, 2015. The algorithm
and resources will be emailed from our AMOH via the Hamilton Academy of Medicine
to all area physicians and posted on their website. The reverse side of the algorithm
lists brain injury management support services in Hamilton and pertinent websites.
5


Have provided feedback on the draft concussion policies for both boards of Education
in Hamilton. Will also be supporting Hamilton Wentworth District School Board with
their education strategy.
Collaborating with both boards of education and the Hamilton Best Start Network to
develop a framework for the use of helmets in daycare and kindergarten settings. Will
include an assessment of perceived barriers with those who do not provide helmets.
The framework will be presented to stakeholders and interested parties Spring 2015.
Hastings & Prince Edward Counties Health Unit (Cindy Kirkpatrick)


Public school board completed their concussion policy and procedure.
o Providing support based on questions regarding implementation.
Submitted school newsletter ad for head injury prevention strategies.
Niagara Region (Kelly Wilson)
 Concussions and Minor Sports Project website launched (Sept. 2014)
http://www.niagararegion.ca/health/activity-nutrition/concussions/default.aspx
 Project promoted through various channels across Niagara region
 Project Backgrounder see blog re: Niagara Connects:
http://www.niagaraknowledgeexchange.com/community-blog/concussions-and-minorsports-in-niagara/
 Current focus on winter sports (hockey, basketball, ringette); in spring will be remaining
5 of 8 team sports with highest brain injury/concussion rates
 Facebook ads developed to promote new website/services – 1. general/minor sports
focus and 2. hockey moms
 Promotional items developed to support Concussions and Minor Sports Project (e.g.,
poster, tear off pads, e-card, stickers, waterless tattoos, whistles for coaches, t-shirts
for volunteers of concussion booth)
 Interactive Concussions and Sports Awareness Booth – brain guess game, spin wheel
with brain cards/questions, print materials including local tear off pad which promotes
project/services http://www.niagararegion.ca/health/activitynutrition/concussions/invite-us.aspx
 Recruitment and training of volunteers to staff booth; very busy with minor hockey
tournaments September 2014-March 2015; booked to attend two large minor
basketball tournaments in April and May 2015 (boys and girls)
 Education sessions for minor hockey coaches (hockey presentation developed) and
distribution of Concussion Info Kits and whistles
 Draft minor hockey concussion policy developed (awaiting approval from minor hockey
association’s board members); sample template will be shared with other local minor
hockey associations
 Met recently with Jennifer Hay from Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport –
requirement of those receiving grant form Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities
Fund to have concussion policy; working with local organizations to develop concussion
policy/requests
6





Policy consultation - Working with local municipality (Parks and Rec Dept.) to develop
concussion policy; very helpful in moving forward minor sport organizations within
municipality
Policy consultation - Review of local school board concussion policy draft, with Policy
Analyst (Nicole)
Central West Concussion Working Group to meet again in Feb. 2015
Working with local Think First Niagara Chapter – re: Brain Day March 2015 at Brock
University
Working with Health Promoter in School Health to develop Parent Concussion Quiz
North Bay Parry Sound District ( Josée Bisson)
 Council of Directors in Education – French language, have circulated a draft sample
policy and procedure to their boards of Education.
 2 English boards are collaborating on policy development; next meeting Dec 10 to
review draft. OPHEA consultant will join by teleconference to provide guidance on
various situations.
 Northern Injury prevention coordinator leading the medical professional training on
concussion in 2015.
Middlesex–London Health Unit (Tara MacDaniel)
 One school board has completed their concussion policy.
 Another school board is in the process and expecting approval in January.
 The Health Unit currently outreaches to physicians several times a year through a
newsletter and once a year in a face-to-face visit. We are planning to provide an insert
within the newsletter informing physicians of the new amendment and directing them
to the different school board policies to view the steps that will be followed when
managing a student with suspected/diagnosed concussion.
 Tara MacDaniel will share this newsletter insert with the committee when it is
completed.
 Meagan Melling (Public Health Nurse): Will be participating in the teleconference for
the RRFSS module next week with Sarah Maaten, the Epidemiologist, on December 9th
Porcupine Health Unit (Marty Paul)
 Partnered with Nursing Student to provided Brain Day Program to grade 5 students in 4
schools.
 Exploring a “thinkfirst” Chapter for Timmins.
 Have our first meeting in December.
 Offered school support for policy, have not received inquiries.
York Region (Silvana Farrace-Perry)
1) School boards

Provided an introduction to PPM 158 to the PHYS-ED heads of the YRDSB in Oct 2014

YCDSB: Actively working alongside the Curriculum Consultant in the policy development
phase. Also providing regular consultation as part of the larger Policy Concussion
Workgroup, including Super Intendants, Health & Safety reps, union reps as well as
teacher, administration and administration support reps. Currently planning with
7
Curriculum Consultant for education session to introduce the new policy in January to
administration (Principals & VPs). This session will be a train-the-trainer format with
administration rolling it out to their school staff in the early spring
15.0

YRDSB: Providing consultation on the draft policy; different format than the YCDSB
policy

Vaughan Sports Congress: We presented to aprox. 28 sports organizations affiliated
with the City of Vaughan re: concussion & awareness and partnered with Sunnybrook
and Play Safe Initiative to include the importance of having a concussion policy within
their organization

We are currently evaluating the outreach of our community concussion campaign “not
okay, don’t play”. This is specific to outreach we did to municipalities through their
parks & rec departments, community centres and libraries

In 2015, we are planning to strengthen our partnerships with our municipal parks and
rec departments (9) re: staff training and policy development
Next meeting & new chair
- Next meeting will be scheduled for March/April 2015
- Tracy will be going on maternity leave in early February 2015 and so her colleague Silvana
Farrace-Perry will be taking over from Tracy as new chair effective late January 2015. Staytuned to receive correspondence from Silvana in the new year about scheduling the next
teleconference date
8