The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is reminding people to take simple steps to prevent tick bites and to know what to do if they find one.

You can reduce your risk of tick bites by taking a few precautions:

• Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and pants and closed-toe shoes, and tuck pant legs into socks to help keep ticks off the skin and make them easier to spot.
• Use an insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin and follow label directions.
• Stay on marked trails when walking or biking in natural areas whenever possible.

After spending time outdoors, it is important to check for ticks:

• Do a full-body check on yourself, your children and your pets as soon as possible and again before bedtime.
• Use a mirror or ask for help to check hard-to-see areas.
• Remove ticks within 24 hours to help prevent infection.
• Shower within two hours of coming indoors to help wash away loose ticks.
• Kill ticks that might be on clothing by putting clothes into a dryer on high heat for at least 10 minutes before washing.

If you find a tick, remove it promptly and check for others. Visit eTick.ca to identify the tick and get guidance. If a tick has been attached for 24 hours or more, speak with a health-care provider about whether preventive antibiotics are appropriate.

Lyme disease is spread through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick. Early symptoms can include fever, chills, headache, muscle and joint pain, and fatigue. Some people may also develop a red rash that expands within three to 30 days after a bite. When detected early, most cases can be treated successfully. If you are experiencing symptoms of Lyme disease, seek immediate medical attention.

Avoiding bites, removing ticks quickly and recognizing symptoms early can help prevent Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. While other illnesses including Powassan virus, anaplasmosis, babesiosis and Borrelia miyamotoi disease can also spread through tick bites, the risk in Ontario remains low.

For more information, visit smdhu.org/ticks.

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Muskoka Paramedic Services is the first paramedic service, in partnership with HAAS Safety Cloud and ACETECH Global to deploy a new digital notification system designed to help make roads safer for paramedics, patients, and the public.

With ambulances responding to thousands of calls every year across Muskoka, the system helps notify nearby drivers when paramedics are responding to an emergency. Alerts are delivered through compatible 2018 or newer Stellantis in-vehicle infotainment systems and the Waze navigation App.

Creating safer roads through earlier awareness

Traditionally, drivers may only have a few seconds to react once they see or hear an ambulance approaching. The new digital alert system can provide drivers with approximately 30 to 60 seconds of advance notice by sending visual or audible alerts, helping them move safely aside for approaching emergency vehicles.

The system can also notify drivers when ambulances are stationary at emergency scenes, encouraging safer driving around roadside incidents and emergency responders.

How the system works

The alert system uses ACETECH hardware already installed in Muskoka Paramedic Services ambulances. When paramedics respond to an emergency call, alerts are automatically sent to nearby smartphones and compatible in-vehicle navigation systems.

Drivers do not need to sign up for the service. Alerts will appear automatically through compatible systems already in use.

Benefits of the digital alert system include:

• Earlier awareness of approaching emergency vehicles
• Improved safety for paramedics, patients, and drivers
• Improved Paramedic response times
• Reduced sudden braking and unpredictable driver reactions
• Better awareness around roadside emergency scenes

Leading innovation in emergency response

Launching the system during Paramedic Services Week recognizes the important work paramedics do every day to keep communities safe and connected to care.

As the first paramedic service to implement this technology, Muskoka Paramedic Services continues to explore innovative ways to improve patient care, staff safety, and community well-being.

Drivers are reminded to continue following Ontario’s Move Over laws and remain alert for emergency vehicles at all times.

For more information about Muskoka Paramedic Services, visit www.muskoka.on.ca/paramedic-services

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An event your nervous system will thank you for. *This Article Is Sponsored By The Advertiser 

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Jermey was nominated by the family member of a former patient, who shared a heartfelt account of the compassion and personalized care she provided during their mother’s hospital stay.

“I’m truly honoured to receive this award,” said Jermey. “Caring for patients and their families is at the heart of what we do every day. It means so much to be recognized in this way and to know that the care I provide makes a difference.”

Here is an excerpt from her nomination:

“Though everyone we encountered was incredible, the nurse caring for my mom was an actual angel. Darlene went above and beyond in every way—engaging my mother in meaningful conversation, ensuring her comfort, and even finding snacks when she noticed my mom wasn’t enjoying the hospital food.

My mother often feels dismissed because of her accent, but Darlene treated her with patience, dignity, and respect. Her professionalism, tact, and empathy were truly remarkable. In a world that can feel rushed and disconnected, Darlene reminded us that compassion still exists in the most powerful way.”

Jill Colin, OSMH Vice President, Patient Care & Chief Nursing Executive, presented the award to Jermey after the announcement was made during a special Nursing Week online town hall for all OSMH team members.

“Darlene exemplifies the compassion, dedication, and professionalism that define exceptional nursing,” said Colin. “Her ability to connect with patients and families on a deeply human level, while delivering outstanding clinical care, makes her an invaluable member of our team. We are incredibly proud to recognize Darlene as this year’s Nightingale Award recipient.”

The OSMH Nightingale Award recognizes a nurse whose work has had a profound and positive impact on the lives of patients and families. It is named after Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, whose legacy continues to inspire compassionate, patient-centered care.

In recognition of the important contributions nurses and care teams make every day, OSMH also celebrated its 2026 Peer Recognition Award winners:

2026 – OSMH Peer Recognition Award Winners

• Heart of Gold – Virginia McManus, RN
  A nurse who in the past year has demonstrated and exemplified compassion in all avenues with patients, families and peers.
• Coach of the Year – Mariah Kimball, RPN
  A supportive and resourceful nurse who in the past year has provided coaching and mentoring to their peers.
• Just for Laughs – Jennifer Wilkinson, RPN
  Laughter is the best medicine, a nurse who in the past year has demonstrated positivity & humor with patients, families and peers.
• Rookie of the Year – Brijit Bothman, RN
  A new hire or new grad who in the last year has demonstrated outstanding nursing skills or most improved during their first year.
• PSW of the Year – Christina McTavish, PSW
  A personal support worker, who in the last year has demonstrated outstanding skill, compassion, courage, trust and teamwork.

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Community members can currently call the CYMH Intake line at 705-645-4426 x 6270. An exciting and most needed update in early summer 2026 will allow community members to book an intake call through the SMFC website and 1door.ca. The intake call is the first step to accessing their CYMH services and is intended for non-urgent situations.

Along this new booking tool, SMFC created a new look for their CYMH services to include a logo that calls out specifically CYMH services in Muskoka. The selected green is often associated with mental health and will help differentiate it from Child Welfare’s usual purple.

‘We wanted to make it easier for our community to access and know what services are available to them. A lot of community members in Muskoka aren’t aware of what CYMH programs we offer, so this new booking tool and look are part of a larger strategy to better support our community.’ Nancy Forest – Bilingual Manager, CYMH

A CYMH Crisis line is also available 24/7, offered in partnership with Kids Help Phone (KHP). You can reach the CYMH crisis line at 1-844-287-9072, and if you are a youth, you can also contact KHP at 1-800-668-6868 or text KHP CONNECT to 686868. This will provide support to any mental health crisis with youth under the age of 18.

For more information about SMFC’s mental health programs, visit https://familyconnexions.ca/cymh/ or call the intake line above.

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Much like commercial tobacco and cannabis, alcohol is not a harmless consumer product. It is a regulated substance, with laws governing where it can be sold, who can buy it, how it can be advertised and where it can be consumed. Likewise, drinking and driving laws exist because even small amounts of alcohol can impair a person’s ability to drive, increasing the risk of injury and death.

In recent years, alcohol availability in Ontario has grown considerably. The expansion in sales locations that began in grocery stores has since extended to convenience stores and highway service centres, alongside new bring‑your‑own rules. These shifts have implications for public health, community safety and long‑term costs.

What’s often missing from the conversation is how increased availability normalizes alcohol, especially among young people. Seeing alcohol openly stocked in gas stations and convenience stores suggests it is an ordinary, risk‑free product. Similarly, allowing open consumption in parks or at festivals under bring‑your‑own rules will often mean that drinking is more visible. As alcohol becomes more present in daily life, it becomes more accepted, influencing people’s decisions and dulling awareness of the risks.

The impacts of alcohol have long been visible in Simcoe Muskoka. Each year, alcohol use is responsible for approximately 7,665 emergency department visits, 840 hospitalizations and 275 deaths. That means one in every 20 deaths in the region is caused by alcohol. About half of these deaths are linked to cancer or heart disease, and alcohol also plays a major role in injuries, contributing to one in five deaths from intentional injuries to oneself or others and one in seven accidental deaths.

Research consistently shows that when alcohol becomes easier to access, overall consumption increases, along with related physical health, mental health, and social harms. These impacts are not limited to the individual and the family. Increased alcohol use also places added community pressure on policing, paramedic services, bylaw enforcement, park operations and liability risks, all of which are considerations for local governments.

Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health states that health risks increase when people consume more than two drinks per week. At the same time, emerging evidence suggests that warning labels on alcohol products could help improve public awareness of alcohol’s links to cancer and chronic disease, supporting more informed decision-making.

With all health issues, we must ask if some community members face increased risk due to social factors outside their control, and what can be done to limit those health inequities. In this case, individuals living on lower incomes already experience disproportionately high rates of alcohol-related harm, and policies that increase availability or access can unintentionally widen these disparities.

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit continues to support municipalities by providing health data and guidance on bylaws and alcohol‑free spaces. Recently, the health unit shared updated data and considerations regarding the health impacts and financial costs associated with alcohol use in the region.

As alcohol availability increases and drinking becomes more common in public spaces, social norms, especially for young people and new users, are reshaped in ways that can place growing strain on individuals, families, communities, and the health- and social‑care systems. With Ontario’s alcohol landscape changing, policy decisions should be guided by evidence and a shared responsibility to protect public health and support safer, healthier communities.

For more information about alcohol and its effects on individuals and our communities, visit smdhu.org/alcohol.

Dr. Lisa Simon is the medical officer of health and chief executive officer at the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit. She provides public health medical leadership to protect and promote population health and oversees the strategic direction and operations of public health programs and services in the region.

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Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is a motor speech disorder where people struggle to form words despite knowing what they want to say. Though CAS is specific to children, apraxia can affect people of all ages, and it’s not something that kids outgrow. People with apraxia often work with speech-language pathologists and other professionals to improve the clarity of their speech.

Bracebridge resident Jody Hamilton is not stranger to CAS. Her son Nash, now 10 years old, was diagnosed with CAS at age two. He was non-verbal until the age of four, communicating only by sounds.

“When he was 18 months, he had five sounds. He then kind of started off talking with one word, and then two word sentences, then three word sentences, and now he’s can pretty much talk fluently,” Hamilton explained. 

Hamilton said that Nash is still in speech therapy once a week, but if he becomes upset, angry, mad, or even excited, he can have trouble pronouncing words properly.

But that doesn’t stop Nash from doing what even kid loves – play sports. 

“He plays basketball, he’s played soccer, he has done rock climbing, he is doing gymnastics right now, and he’s been bowling for about four or five years,” Hamilton said. “In his sports teams I’ll kind of let the coaches know that if Nash is having any difficulty, just to give him a little extra time.”

How to help those with CAS 

Those with CAS may not feel comfortable in situations where they are speaking a lot. Hamilton said that the best way to help is to give the person some extra time.

“One of the biggest things I’m really trying to advocate for Nash, and that Nash is starting to advocate for himself, is that when he needs more time to process and thing about what he wants to say, he tells someone.” 

Hamilton said that there are still times when Nash comes to her to ask for help saying hi to other children because he’s scared they won’t understand him. While she is more than happy to help him, Hamilton also reminds him that the best thing to do if they don’t understand is to take a deep breath and try again. 

“He’ll tell them that he needs more time, and they are all really good at respecting that. Most of the kids in his school are pretty welcoming.” 

Apraxia Day Recognition

On May 14, landmarks across Ontario, such as the CN Tower, Niagara Falls, and even the Bracebridge Falls will light up blue. 

“Nash’s school will wear blue,” Hamilton said. “I’m going into Nash’s class to read a story about Apraxia and explain what it is to the children. I’ll also answer any questions they may have.”

To help support those with Apraxia, Hamilton encourages everyone to wear blue tomorrow. 

To learn more about CAS, visit the Apraxia Kids website at https://www.apraxia-kids.org/

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Presented during a recent Council meeting, the funding reflects the Township of Tiny’s continued dedication to ensuring residents have access to compassionate, timely, and high-quality healthcare.

“Our hospital plays a vital role in the life and well-being of our community,” said Mayor David Evans, Township of Tiny. “This contribution is made on behalf of the residents of the Township of Tiny, to recognize the incredible care provided at GBGH and to support the people and services our neighbours rely on every day.”

Funding directed to the GBGH Foundation will support the hospital’s most urgent priorities through the We See You campaign — an initiative focused on ensuring patients, families, and care teams feel supported, respected, and cared for at every stage of their healthcare journey. Community gifts to We See You help fund essential equipment, technology, and enhancements that improve comfort, safety, and dignity for patients across the hospital.

“Support like this truly makes a difference,” said Matthew Lawson, President & CEO of Georgian Bay General Hospital. “Through the We See You campaign, the GBGH Foundation is helping ensure our teams have what they need to care for patients as whole people — with compassion, respect, and excellence. We are deeply grateful to the Township of Tiny for standing with our hospital and our community.”

The $10,000 investment in physician recruitment will support efforts to attract and retain skilled physicians for the community, helping meet the growing healthcare needs of North Simcoe residents and ensuring continued access to timely care.

“Strong physician recruitment is foundational to meeting the evolving healthcare needs of our region,” said Lesley Mallen, Director of People Services at GBGH. “We are grateful to the Township of Tiny for this meaningful investment, which directly supports our ability to attract and retain physicians who choose to build their practices—and their lives—here. This partnership plays an important role in strengthening access to care for our growing community.

A long-standing supporter of local healthcare, the Township of Tiny has contributed more than $430,000 over the past 25 years toward hospital equipment, technology, and recruitment — demonstrating an enduring commitment to a healthy, resilient community.

For more information about the We See You campaign and how community support is making an impact at GBGH, visit WeSeeYouGBGH.ca.

To learn more about physician recruitment in North Simcoe, visit georgianbayphysicianrecruitment.com.

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Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) Auxiliary continues to play an essential role in strengthening patient care, contributing more than $200,000 in gifts in 2025 to support priority equipment and clinical enhancements across the organization.

Patients rely on RVH to deliver high-quality care close to home, and the Auxiliary’s grassroots commitment to addressing areas of greatest need helps make that possible every day.

From the simplest of needs like linen hampers, commodes, cushions, and medication carts that helped Team RVH and our patients through this past winter’s challenging respiratory season to cardiac monitors and gynecological equipment that allow RVH to continue to expand women’s health services in our community, the Auxiliary’s support is felt throughout the health centre.

Additional items purchased with this gift include:

• Specialized applicators to deliver localized radiation treatment for Radiation Oncology
• Stress-testing treadmills for Cardiorespiratory Diagnostics
• Walkers for Physiotherapy
• Wheelchairs for Occupational Therapy
• Probes for the Intensive Care unit

These investments reflect the Auxiliary’s deep connection to the community and its longstanding commitment to improving experiences for patients and care partners. Through bake sales, bazaars, 50/50 draws, auctions, and their businesses – Cafe Royale, Victoria’s Gift Shop and the Lotto Booth – the Auxiliary not only brings community together, it strengthens it.

Find out more about the RVH Auxiliary and how to get involved at Our Auxiliary.

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