May 28th 2009

Dale discussed what happened at the Steering Committee meeting last week – there was lots of passion expressed – Steering committee minutes will be emailed out to each individual and they are also available at each municipal office. We all need to be focused and stay on track. Brian and Heather attended the meeting but did not participate with the verbal attacks. The meetings are open to the public but not open to participation. We have to avoid rumours and conjectures in our dealings with each other. If you are not sure what is happening, ask someone in the know. Dale will ask at the next steering committee meeting whether we are allowed to attend other than in delegations.
June 13 is the date for a next public meeting at 10am at Hilton Beach Hall. Many people are really wondering what is happening with our groups.
Steering committee will be meeting before this on June 1
Steering Committee Update: The impact analysis (of the closure of MMH) is finished. A financial impact analysis will be completed soon (real estate values, etc.). We all need a positive outlook to work together. They met with Ron Gagnon and Elaine Pitcher recently as well. Jody discussed what he has been dealing with for the past year and a half – representatives on the SAH board All of us who have signed up to be members of the board must attend the annual meeting of the SAH board. Ron Gagnon’s quote of “Status Quo is not an option” can work in our favour – we could get more! Working with other professionals, etc. Phase 2 Strategy: there is a document done up from the Steering Committee brainstorming earlier. These will be presented at the public meeting on June 13. Some of the sub-committees may be finished, those going forward are: Public Relations, Research & Analysis, Negotiating, etc. The townships will be sending out questionnaires to residents regarding their health care needs.
The township councils should be writing to the LHIN regarding who the experts meet with in each municipality when they are here. Ask the LHIN if the timeline is set for the consulations.

Buttons are not here yet, Kathy is working on them and will let us know when in. Many events coming up where we should have buttons

Petition: Dale has given them to the Katimavik to start inputting. It is felt we should have at least 2500 to 3000 signatures so far. Copies will go to everyone involved (Photocopying will be required) We will require a volunteer to enter all the additional petitions into the spreadsheet.

Media and Funding: Sue & Keith report there is no more funding at the moment, but there is income from the buttons. A school group had a play and took donations for the cause! General Meeting at Hilton Hall – information, where do we go now? Updates on what has been done, etc.

Ad material for papers : Stand up for Rural Health Care. What is next for Matthews Memorial Hospital and Health Care services in central Algoma? Public Meeting June 13 10 am at the Hilton Beach Community Hall. Donald will email this to the Sentinel tonight for inclusion for next week and the week after. Brian to add to the Island Clippings.

Float: Jody reported that they have the old Cornfest float available for us to use. This can be redecorated to suit our needs. We need to get volunteers possibly from the public meeting on June 13. Katimavik students may have artsy backgrounds as well. Cathy will ask them.

New Pamphlet: the Integrated Health Committee have a new pamphlet ready for what is available at MMH. We feel we have to include the names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses for those to contact who are in power. Coloured pictures are not really needed, but coloured paper is great. Brian volunteered Heather to do graphics, etc. after final copy is accepted by us. Dale will contact Teresa from the Integrated Health Committee about our thoughts and go from there. Pamphlet can be handed out at parades, events, etc.

Brainstorming –
1 Jody suggested getting candy with our name, etc. for the parades.
2 Marina Mania is this weekend as well as the bridge walk, some of us will be attending with possibly handing out buttons, pamphlets, etc.
3 Rudy Barich owns the empty lot across from Kents Korner. Keith and Sue will ask him or his daughter if we would be able to put up a good sized sign advertising our cause. MTO may object.
4 Dale will contact Billy Wells to see if any of the permanent boats would allow signs.
5 Jody stated that we have to simplify our approach and concentrate on MMH with reference to the attacks on rural health care. Mention the outlying services available and the possibility of working with them. STAY FOCUSED!! The final decision about MMH will come down to being a political decision.