The program provides 11 supportive pre-treatment beds for individuals receiving care through the HART of Simcoe County who are preparing to enter RVH’s live-in addiction treatment program. Clients have access to individual counselling, psychoeducational groups, and life-skills training, supported by two addiction counsellors on-site 24 hours a day. 

The service is closely integrated with RVH’s Withdrawal Management Services, located within the same building. Before entering the program, clients complete a minimum 24-hour stabilization period through Withdrawal Management Services, creating a seamless transition between services and helping ensure they are ready for the next stage of care. 

“For many individuals, the period between withdrawal management and treatment can be one of the most crucial stages of recovery,” said Brandon Lewicki, Operations Director of RVH’s Mental Health and Addictions Program. “This program helps fill that gap by providing stability, structure and ongoing support while individuals prepare for the next stage of treatment. By working closely with our community partners, we’re reducing barriers to care and helping more people access the support they need when they need it most.” 

The pre-treatment program is one component of the HART of Simcoe County, a model that brings together health and social services to support individuals with complex needs, including those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. 

“County Council is committed to supporting initiatives, like the HART of Simcoe County, that strengthen access to care and improve outcomes for residents across the region,” said Basil Clarke, Warden, County of Simcoe. “Through strong partnerships, we are connecting people to addiction treatment, mental health supports, primary care, housing and other community services that help support long-term recovery and stability.”  

As part of the HART of Simcoe County, RVH provides Withdrawal Management Services, the supportive pre-treatment program and live-in addiction treatment, creating a seamless continuum of care that supports individuals from stabilization through treatment and recovery. 

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The Foundation also announced that the $17.5 million matching challenge, led by the Cockwell family and friends and family of Bob Hutcheson, has been fully matched by donors across the community, unlocking $35 million for local healthcare.

“This milestone belongs to our donors,” said Katherine Craine, CEO of Huntsville Hospital Foundation. “It belongs to the child who donated their birthday money. It belongs to every family who made a gift, every volunteer, every business owner and every grateful patient. Together, we have created one of the most significant community fundraising moments in Muskoka’s history. To every person who contributed to this milestone, thank you.”

In just one year, hundreds of donors have made gifts and pledges, helping the campaign reach 76% of its $70 million goal. The Foundation looks forward to recognizing many of these generous donors and sharing the stories behind their support in the months ahead.

“We launched Raise Muskoka with an ambitious goal and a belief that our community would rise to meet it,” said Tom Anselmi, Campaign Co-Chair. “To raise more than $53 million and to fully complete the matching challenge in just one year is extraordinary. This achievement reflects the generosity, confidence and commitment people have for the future of local healthcare.”

The matching challenge, announced in September 2025 in honour of Bob Hutcheson, helped inspire support from across the region and accelerate momentum for the campaign.

“I have always believed in the people of Muskoka, and this campaign is proof of what can happen when a community comes together behind something that matters,” said Bob Hutcheson, Honourary Co-Chair. “I am grateful to the Cockwell family and to my family and friends who helped launch this campaign. While this milestone is worth celebrating, what excites me most is what it will mean for future generations.”

As part of today’s announcement, the Foundation also launched Our Cottage Cares, a new initiative inviting lakefront property owners to make a five-year commitment to support Raise Muskoka.

While today’s announcement marks a major milestone, Campaign Co-Chairs emphasize that the work continues.

“It has been an incredible year, and I am so thrilled to see the outpouring of love and respect for the Hutcheson family,” said Mike Harrower, Campaign Co-Chair. “Every gift is helping build the future Huntsville Hospital and we still have important work ahead. We invite you to join us and be part of this historic campaign.”

Funds raised through Raise Muskoka will help support the future Huntsville Hospital and the equipment and technology required to provide exceptional patient care.

For more information about the Raise Muskoka Campaign, Our Cottage Cares or to make a donation, please visit HuntsvilleHospitalFoundation.ca.

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Beginning June 5, while quantities last, shoppers can support Hospice Muskoka simply by purchasing one of the specially marked planters available at Canadian Tire Gravenhurst. Look for the Hospice Muskoka sticker on participating planters—100% of the proceeds from those planters will be donated directly to Hospice Muskoka – Andy’s House.

Every planter purchased helps ensure that vital hospice, palliative care, caregiver support, and grief services remain available free of charge to local families throughout Muskoka.

Hospice Muskoka’s annual operating budget is approximately $3 million, with the Ontario Government providing about 45% of funding. The remaining $1.5 million must be raised each year through community support and fundraising initiatives to ensure these essential programs and services continue to be available to everyone who needs them.

In addition to residential hospice care, Hospice Muskoka operates Andy’s House at Home, a program funded entirely through donations. This innovative service provides in-home palliative care, caregiver support, grief counselling, and 24/7 assistance at no cost to families. In just the first six months of operation, the program supported 105 clients, helping vulnerable individuals remain at home, reducing visits to emergency departments, and saving local hospitals more than $2 million in healthcare costs.

“Hospice care is about ensuring no one walks their journey alone,” said Jody Somerville, Development & Communications Manager, Hospice Muskoka – Andy’s House. “We are incredibly grateful to Kevin and Natalie Smith and the entire team at Canadian Tire Gravenhurst for their generosity and commitment to our community. Every planter purchased helps provide comfort, dignity, and support to local families when they need it most. Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of our neighbours.”

Kevin and Natalie Smith, owners of Canadian Tire Gravenhurst, are proud to support the organization and its mission.

“We have been truly touched by the outstanding care Hospice Muskoka – Andy’s House provides in our community,” said Kevin and Natalie Smith. “The compassion they show to those facing life-limiting illnesses is truly remarkable and something we have witnessed firsthand. We are honoured to support Hospice Muskoka and encourage our community to join us in making a difference through this fundraiser.”

Every planter purchased represents more than just beautiful flowers—it represents comfort for families, support for caregivers, compassionate care for individuals facing end-of-life journeys and hope for those navigating grief and loss.

Community members are encouraged to visit Canadian Tire Gravenhurst beginning June 5 and look for the Hospice Muskoka sticker on participating planters. Quantities are limited, and every purchase helps ensure compassionate care remains available to Muskoka families when they need it most.

Hospice Muskoka extends its heartfelt gratitude to Kevin and Natalie Smith, the team at Canadian Tire Gravenhurst, and every community member who chooses to support this initiative.

Together, every bloom truly brings comfort.

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“As a part of our $64 billion plan to get shovels in the ground for over 50 hospital projects across the province, our government is proud to support the development of a new, state-of-the-art Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, who was in attendance at the sign unveiling.

“Today’s announcement brings us closer to delivering enhanced patient capacity, world-class modern healthcare infrastructure, and expanded access to critical care services and inpatient beds, to meet the healthcare needs of Orillia and Simcoe County.”

The Ontario Builds sign, now installed along University Avenue, stands in front of a 25-acre parcel of land owned by Lakehead University that has been identified as the preferred location for the new hospital. The sign recognizes the Province of Ontario’s $3 million planning grant announced by Premier Doug Ford on May 23, 2025.

“The unveiling of the sign marks another exciting milestone in bringing this transformational project to life,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response, and Simcoe North MPP.

“Following our government’s commitment to support planning for a new hospital, today’s announcement reflects the strong collaboration between OSMH, Lakehead University, and our community. This new hospital will help ensure families across Orillia and the surrounding region have access to modern, high-quality health care for generations to come. I am proud to continue working alongside our partners as we move this important project forward.”

In addition to the sign, OSMH announced it has received formal confirmation from the Ministry of Health and Ontario Health that the project has successfully advanced from Stage 1.2 (Proposal Development) to Stage 1.3 (Functional Program) within the province’s capital planning process.  Advancement to Stage 1.3 represents a significant step forward and enables more detailed and advanced planning work, including the development of functional space requirements, project scope, and early design elements that will physically shape the new hospital.

“Reaching Stage 1.3 represents a major milestone in our redevelopment journey and reflects the strength of our planning work to date,” said Tom Roberts, OSMH Interim President and CEO.   “With this approval, we move decisively into planning for a greenfield, new hospital co-located at the Lakehead University Orillia campus.”

The Chair of the OSMH Board of Directors, Lawrence Pietras said, “Today’s milestones reflect not only meaningful progress, but a shared commitment to the future of health care in our region.   As a Board, we are focused on ensuring this new hospital is thoughtfully planned, financially responsible, and built to meet the needs of the communities we serve for decades to come. The support of our provincial and community partners gives us confidence that we are on the right path.”

The new hospital project remains in the planning phase, with ongoing collaboration involving the Province of Ontario, Lakehead University, healthcare partners, the City of Orillia, and the broader community.

The post New Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital Planning Advances To Next Stage appeared first on Muskoka411.

The funding will support the purchase and replacement of critical medical equipment used across multiple departments within the hospital. From diagnostic imaging and patient monitoring systems to specialized treatment equipment, these investments will help healthcare teams deliver exceptional care while enhancing patient outcomes and safety.

“Every piece of equipment plays a vital role in the care our patients receive, and every dollar raised matters.” said Leah Walker, Foundation CEO. “This $1 million investment is possible because of the incredible generosity of our donors, sponsors, volunteers, and community members who believe in the importance of exceptional local healthcare.”

Hospital equipment is one of the most significant funding priorities for hospitals, with most
essential medical devices not funded through government sources. As a result, community support through the Foundation is critical to ensuring healthcare professionals have access to the tools they need to provide the best possible care.

“This investment will have a direct impact on patients throughout our region,” said Cheryl
Harrison, MAHC President & CEO. “We are grateful to the Foundation and every donor who has contributed to making this funding possible. Their support helps us continue to deliver safe, highquality care and meet the evolving healthcare needs of our community.”

The $1 million disbursement reflects the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to strengthening healthcare in the region and demonstrates the remarkable impact of community philanthropy.

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This year’s McHappy Day once again showed what can happen when a community comes together for its smallest patients.

Thanks to the generosity of customers, crews, and local McDonald’s Owner-Operators Jason and Jennifer O’Neill, and Trevor and Andrea McKee, Barrie-area restaurants raised more than $65,000 in support of Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre’s (RVH) Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Ronald McDonald House Charities Toronto.

For 12 years, McHappy Day in Barrie has helped local families facing some of life’s hardest moments by raising vital funds for newborns needing advanced medical care and helping families stay close to their children during treatment.

At RVH, funds raised through McHappy Day support the future expansion of the NICU, helping create a modern space designed for privacy, connection, and advanced care for fragile newborns and their families.

“This support means so much to families in our NICU,” said Natalie Sherrit, Manager of Paediatrics and NICU at RVH. “We’re heading into our busiest season for births, with more babies born between July and September than any other time of year. Contributions like this help ensure our tiniest patients and their families receive the care, comfort, and support they need close to home.”

Each year, more than 2,000 babies are born at RVH, and about 1 in 14 will require specialized care in the NICU. While the NICU team continues to deliver exceptional care, the current unit no longer reflects the needs of one of Ontario’s fastest-growing regions.

“McHappy Day is proof that small acts can ripple outwards to make a very real difference,” said Mary-Anne Frith, Board Chair of RVH Foundation’s Board of Directors and the Keep Life Wild Campaign. “Every menu item sold and donation made on McHappy Day helped support families with newborns needing specialized care. We’re so grateful to everyone who showed up for these babies and their families.”

Funds raised also support Ronald McDonald House Charities Toronto, helping families stay together while children receive treatment away from home.

From every meal ordered to every round-up donation at the register, Barrie residents once again showed up with heart for local families when they needed it most.

The post McHappy Day Raises Over $65K For Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre’s NICU And Ronald McDonald House Charities appeared first on Muskoka411.

The award was presented during the SeamlessMD Conference held in Toronto in May, where Surgical Transition Nurse Shannon Hubbard attended on behalf of MAHC and accepted the award.

SeamlessMD was implemented at MAHC three years ago to help enhance preoperative education and support patients throughout their surgical journey. The digital platform provides patients with timely information, reminders, and resources before and after surgery, helping them feel more informed, prepared, and supported throughout their care experience.

“As healthcare continues to evolve, supporting patients beyond the walls of the hospital is increasingly important,” said MAHC President and CEO, Cheryl Harrison. “This recognition reflects MAHC’s commitment to improving the patient experience through innovation, education, and compassionate care.”

As Surgical Transition Nurse, Shannon Hubbard plays an important role in the success of the program. She supports patients through enrollment, guides them through the preoperative process, and monitors recovery progress following surgery, helping identify and address concerns early.

The SeamlessMD platform has supported improved communication, patient engagement, and continuity of care for surgical patients across the organization.

MAHC congratulates Shannon and the entire surgical care team on this outstanding achievement and their continued dedication to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care.

The post Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare Recognized With SeamlessMD Patient Advocacy Award appeared first on Muskoka411.

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.

The post Health Unit Offers Guidance For Reducing Tick Risks appeared first on Muskoka411.

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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