Greater Napanee Leaders Urge Reconsideration of Health Office Closures

The announcement of impending closures of multiple public health offices by Southeast Public Health has sparked considerable concern among local leaders in Greater Napanee. Mayor Terry Richardson expressed his “disappointment and frustration” upon learning that eight offices, including the one in Napanee, will close by March 1, 2026. The news, which was made public through a press release on November 21, caught many community members off guard as there was no prior warning.

The Southeast Public Health Board has responded to the announcement by passing a motion to seek clarification regarding the rationale behind these closures. They have requested that Dr. Piotr Oglaza, the CEO of Southeast Public Health, reconsider the decision. In a statement to CBC News, Oglaza cited “financial constraints” as the primary reason for the closures, asserting that service levels would remain unaffected. This claim has raised skepticism among local leaders, particularly Richardson, who stated, “I can’t see how services won’t be affected by these closures.”

The Town of Greater Napanee has made significant investments in healthcare, notably through a new model called Health Homes. This initiative aims to ensure that all community members have access to primary health care. Richardson emphasized that the planned closure contradicts these efforts, stating, “This closure flies in the face of that.”

The Napanee public health office serves not only the immediate community but also residents from more remote areas. Richardson highlighted that many individuals from nearby regions, such as Stone Mills and Addington Highlands, depend on the services offered at the Napanee location. “The repercussions could be far worse for our neighbours to the north,” he remarked, questioning how these communities would cope with reduced access to essential health services.

At the Southeast Public Health Board meeting on November 23, officials passed a motion urging Dr. Oglaza to reconsider the operational decision to close the offices in Almonte, Gananoque, Kemptville, Napanee, Perth, Picton, and Trenton. The board has also requested a detailed report by the next meeting on December 17, outlining the criteria used to make the closure decision.

For residents needing public health services, the nearest alternatives could be located over 50 km away in either Belleville or Kingston. Richardson pointed out that the community is aging, with many requiring the services the public health office provides. “It is a frustrating situation,” he stated, reflecting the sentiments of many locals who rely on these services.

As discussions continue, it remains uncertain whether the public health office in Napanee will ultimately close. Richardson noted that the town plans to engage with Southeast Public Health to express their dissatisfaction with the decision. “There will be all sorts of growth here in Napanee over the next few years,” he said. “We should be looking at how to provide greater service, not less service.”

The situation highlights the ongoing debate over public health resource allocation, particularly in rural areas where access to services is already limited. The outcome of these discussions may have significant implications for the community’s health care landscape in the coming years.