DTSSAB EMS Celebrates 2024 Paramedic Services Week

May 19th-25th marks Paramedic Services week, a time to reflect and appreciate the paramedics who work every day to keep us and our communities healthy and safe. This year we reflect on the profound respect we hold for the legacy of paramedicine while embracing the innovative strides shaping its future.

Since its beginning, paramedicine has been synonymous with unwavering dedication and selflessness. Paramedics respond to emergencies with compassion, skill, and valour. Their commitment to saving lives, often under challenging circumstances, embodies the very essence of public service.

In celebrating the past, from the humble beginnings of emergency medical response to the advancements in out-of-hospital care, each chapter of our history is a testament to the resilience and determination of those who came before. In reflection on achievements of the past, we also look ahead with optimism and determination. The future of paramedicine is defined by innovation, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Through cutting-edge technology, advanced training, and community engagement, we are reshaping the landscape of emergency medical services.

Quotes:

Chief Sarah Salvis – “Paramedic Services Week is an opportunity to say thank you to all the DTSSAB staff that contribute to our success in the community. Thank you to our paramedics, leadership, and administrative staff who were there yesterday, are present today, and will be there tomorrow. I am honoured to be a part of this Team. I look forward to forging our future together. Please stay safe. Thank you.”

Chief Administrative Officer, Mark Stewart - “As CAO, I want to take this special opportunity to appreciate our dedicated paramedics, and EMS leadership team. Your efforts in emergency response and preventive community paramedicine are crucial to our healthcare ecosystem. Thank you for every life you touch and every individual you care for. You make a difference, and your service is one of the foundations of our district’s safety and well-being."

Questions or interview requests can be directed to communications@dtssab.com

No Tenants Injured Resulting from Fire at 37 Tenth Street

Just after 5:20 PM on April 30th, 2024, there was a minor fire at 37 Tenth Street, Earlton, in a tenant’s unit. The fire, due to the construction of the building, was contained to the one unit. The safety measures in the building were efficiently implemented with all tenants being evacuated safely to the DTSSAB Housing Building located at 41 Tenth Avenue and the local fire department attending the building.

The fire was quickly controlled and then extinguished. The building was cleared by the Armstrong Fire Department the same evening, permitting tenants to re-enter their units. At present it was determined that the damage was restricted to the unit in question.

The DTSSAB is thankful for the cooperation of the tenants of the building and the assistance of the Armstrong Fire Department in this timely and effective response.

Any queries can be directed to communications@dtssab.com

DTSSAB Passes 2024 Budget and Re-Elects Chair and Vice-Chair

On January 17th, the DTSSAB Board passed the 2024 Budget of $41,908,814, total expenditures with $463,000 used from the Working Fund Reserve to offset the municipal apportionment increase from 5.36% to 0%.

 The 2024 Budget increase is a result of key factors including:

 -  Fluctuating funding where many programs’ costs have been progressively downloaded to municipalities, such as in Housing Services and Children’s Services

-  Inflation has had a significant impact on insurance costs, vehicle and ambulance procurement, salaries, and labour and materials costs for necessary capital repairs to housing stock

The Board, which consists of seven appointed municipal representatives and two elected representatives from the territories without municipal representation, bring the viewpoint of the local taxpayer and their municipality to the table and ensures that the budget is fair and responsible in delivering the services that the DTSSAB has been mandated to deliver.

The DTSSAB Board also re-elected Derek Mundle, of Evanturel as Board Chair, and Pat Kiely from Kirkland Lake as Vice-Chair. The approved 2024 Board Meeting schedule can be found on the DTSSAB’s website at: https://www.dtssab.com/board-meetings.

QUOTES

Derek Mundle, Board Chair – “The DTSSAB’s mission is to deliver programs and services through effective use of available resources in the best interest of the individuals we support. This mission guided the DTSSAB Team in the formulation of this budget, where despite increased costs – program delivery remains the primary focus. To ensure the sustainability and resilience of our programs, and also minimize the impact on our municipal partners, the Board has elected to offset the budgetary increase by leveraging $463,000 from the Working Fund Reserve. This fiscally responsible approach allows DTSSAB to continue to meet the growing demands of our services while minimizing the financial impact on citizens across the district.”

"I'm thankful for the support of the board and feel privileged to hold the position of Chair for another year. DTSSAB staff and the board consistently demonstrate a strong commitment to providing Social and Emergency Medical Services across Timiskaming and also a keen awareness of current financial realities."

Mark Stewart, Chief Administrative Officer - "In my role, there is a focus on pragmatic oversight and strategic financial management. Our dedicated team has navigated the challenging waters of rising inflationary costs, decreased or static government funding, and the complex demands of managing housing services costs while being aware of the impact on our municipal billing. Our primary goal has always been to ensure value for public money. This year, despite these hurdles, we've successfully maintained a reasonable budget increase. This achievement is a testament to our team's innovative thinking and commitment to balancing service delivery with fiscal responsibility. In each step, we've ensured our dedication to the community, ensuring every dollar spent is an investment in our services."

CONTACT
Contact communications@dtssab.com for clarification or interview requests.

DTSSAB Acknowledges National Housing Day and Two-Year Anniversary of By Name List Launch

As National Housing Day approaches on November 22nd, The District of Timiskaming Social Services Administration Board (DTSSAB) is proud to join the nation in acknowledging this significant day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of safe and affordable housing for all.

This National Housing Day marks a special milestone for DTSSAB as we celebrate the two-year anniversary of the launch of the By Name List. This innovative tool has proven to be a crucial asset in our ongoing efforts to address homelessness in our district. The By Name List facilitates collaboration among community partners, allowing for the seamless sharing of data to identify individuals at risk or currently experiencing homelessness. This collaborative approach ensures that those in need receive timely and targeted support from a network of dedicated service providers.

Since its launch two years ago, the By Name List has played a pivotal role in improving the coordination and effectiveness of our efforts to assist individuals facing housing challenges, assisting over 101 community members. The tool has not only enhanced communication among service providers but has also helped streamline the process of connecting vulnerable individuals with the appropriate support services.

The DTSSAB invites the community to join us in celebrating National Housing Day and recognizing the positive impact of the By Name List on our collective efforts to combat homelessness. As we reflect on the progress made over the past two years, we acknowledge the resilience of those we serve and express our gratitude to our dedicated partners and supporters who have contributed to the success of this initiative.

For more information about DTSSAB and our housing-related services, please visit www.dtssab.com/housing-services.

For media inquiries, please contact:
communications@dtssab.com