Community Health Centres of Northumberland

03/23/2026

Are you the primary caregiver for an older adult and looking to connect with others who understand what you’re going through?

Our Caregiver Support Group offers a welcoming space to share experiences, get guidance, and access helpful resources.

We meet virtually on the second and fourth Friday of every month, and we also host four seasonal social tea gatherings throughout the year to relax, connect, and celebrate together.

Join us to find support, build connections, and feel less alone on your caregiving journey!

03/23/2026

Where to Get Screened for Colorectal Cancer (Ontario)

Screening saves lives. Here’s how you can get checked:

✅ FIT (F***l Immunochemical Test) – A free at-home test.
Talk to your doctor or nurse practitioner to get your FIT.
No family doctor? Call Health811 at 811 (TTY: 1.866.797.0007) and once ordered, LifeLabs will mail your FIT package to your Ontario address.

🏥 Flexible Sigmoidoscopy – Done by a specialist (endoscopist) at a hospital or clinic.
You’ll need a referral from your doctor or nurse practitioner.

🏥 Colonoscopy – Performed by a specialist at a hospital or clinic.
Your doctor or nurse practitioner will refer you.

If you think you may be at increased risk for colorectal cancer, speak with your doctor or nurse practitioner—or call Health811 if you don’t have one.

For FIT instructions, visit the Cancer Care Ontario website.

03/20/2026

Food is more than just what you eat. Healthy eating is not just about nutrients—it’s also about connection, enjoyment, and balance. Being mindful of your eating habits can support healthier choices and a more positive relationship with food.

Try to:

-Take time to eat and avoid rushing through meals

-Notice your hunger and fullness cues

-Cook more often when possible

-Plan what you will eat ahead of time

-Involve others in planning and preparing meals

-Enjoy your food and the experience of eating

-Include cultural foods and traditions as part of healthy eating

-Share meals with others when you can

Healthy eating is about more than just the foods you eat. It is being mindful of your eating habits, taking time to eat and noticing when you are hungry and when you are full. On this page Benefits of being mindful of your eating habits How to be mindful of your eating habits Benefits of being mindf...

03/18/2026

🎉🥗 Happy Dietitians Day! 🥗🎉

Today we celebrate the incredible work of dietitians—regulated health care professionals who use their specialized knowledge to turn the science of nutrition into practical, everyday guidance. Through their expertise, they help unlock food’s full potential and support healthier lives for people and communities across Canada. 🇨🇦💚

A huge shoutout to the amazing dietitians at our Centre for their dedication, compassion, and commitment to providing the best care for our clients:

👏 Adam – Community Dietitian
👏 Tahlia – Diabetes Dietitian
👏 Heather – Diabetes Dietitian
👏 Kristen – Diabetes Dietitian

Thank you for the passion, knowledge, and support you bring every day. You truly ROCK! 🤘💚

03/18/2026

When to Get Screened for Colorectal Cancer

Cancer screening checks for disease before symptoms appear — and it can save lives.

🔎 Almost 7 out of 10 people diagnosed with colorectal cancer have no family history, so screening matters even if you feel healthy.

✅ When caught early, 9 out of 10 people with colorectal cancer can be cured.

Are you at average risk?
Ages 50–74 with no parent, sibling, or child diagnosed with colorectal cancer:
• Get a FIT test every 2 years, OR
• Choose a flexible sigmoidoscopy every 10 years

At increased risk? (1 or more first-degree relatives with colorectal cancer)
• Get a colonoscopy starting at age 50, or 10 years earlier than your relative’s diagnosis (whichever comes first)
• If your relative was diagnosed before 60 → colonoscopy every 5 years
• If diagnosed after 60 → colonoscopy every 10 years

Talk to your doctor or nurse practitioner about what’s right for you. Screening saves lives. 💙

03/18/2026

Our Community Matters initiative is a community project focused on listening to the experiences of people across Northumberland County to better understand programs and services our community relies on. To round out that work, we've partnered with the Centre for Healthy Communities at Loyalist College to host a series of community focus groups.

We're looking to hear from:

➡️ People experiencing financial hardship
➡️ Parents and caregivers of young children
➡️ Youth and young adults (ages 16-24)
➡️ Caregivers of aging adults
➡️ Leaders of volunteer-driven organizations

Your voice helps us better understand what's working and where gaps exist which allows us to invest in programs based on lived experiences.

Participants will receive an honorarium, and snacks and beverages will be provided at in-person sessions.

𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟏𝟗, 𝐬𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲.

Scan the QR code on the poster to learn more. Questions? Call our office at 905-372-6955, we're here to help.

We invite community organizations and partners to share with individuals and families who may wish to participate.

Northumberland County Community & Social Services Rebound Child & Youth Services Northumberland Salvation Army Community & Family Services Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Durham and Northumberland Northumberland Community Legal Centre The Help and Legal Centre of Northumberland TRENT HILLS PRIDE Community Health Centres of Northumberland Municipality of Trent Hills Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce Loyalist College Community Counselling & Resource Centre Community Care-Northumberland

03/18/2026

Know a nonprofit, charity, or senior who could use help with spring projects like gardening, yard clean-up, or painting? We can help.

Apply before March 20th, or call our office, Monday to Friday from 8:30am - 4pm - no voicemail, we answer.

🌐 ww.mynuw.org
📞 905-372-6955

DayOfCaring2026

03/16/2026

🩺 Colorectal Cancer Screening: Know Your Options

✅ FIT (at-home test)
A safe, painless test that checks your stool for tiny amounts of blood (possible sign of cancer or polyps).
• Only 1 sample needed
• No diet or medication changes
• Return to LifeLabs within 2 days
Results are mailed to you by Cancer Care Ontario and shared with your provider.

🔎 Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
For ages 50–74 at average risk. A doctor examines the lower colon and can remove polyps.

🔬 Colonoscopy
Examines the entire colon. Recommended for people at increased risk or with symptoms.

Talk to your healthcare provider about getting screened. Early detection saves lives. ,

03/13/2026

🚐🥕 Our Affordable Food Market is on the move!

We’re excited to share an article featuring our amazing Food Market Coordinator, Joelle Pegg, speaking with Cecilia Nasmith from Today's Northumberland about our Mobile Community Food Market pilot project—made possible with support from Northumberland United Way.

The markets held in Grafton this winter have been so well received that more dates have been added! 🎉

📅 Upcoming Mobile Market Dates
• March 24
• April 7 & 21
• May 5 & 19

🕑 2:00–3:00 PM
📍 St. Andrew’s United Church (basement – elevator access available)

Visitors will find locally sourced produce and prepared foods, thoughtfully offered in smaller quantities—perfect for seniors, couples, and anyone who wants fresh food without the waste. From individual carrots, apples, and root vegetables to frozen soups, meat pies, and small meat packages, the market is designed to help people eat well, shop local, and reduce food waste. 🌱

This initiative helps bring fresh food to communities without easy access to grocery stores while supporting local farmers and food producers. And the goal? To keep growing—potentially adding future locations in Colborne or Alderville.

☕ Stop by, warm up with a coffee, and explore what’s available!

Read the full article here:
https://chcnorthumberland.ca/grafton-mobile-community-food-markets-continue/

03/12/2026

The Community Health Centres of Northumberland is asking for your support to ensure that our neighbours and friends have ongoing access to healthy, nutritious food.
Currently, the CHCN provides food to more than 75 households in our community every week. With your help, a $20.00 sponsorship will ensure that a local household receives fresh fruit, vegetables, a lean protein and 2 servings of dairy each and every week.
Sponsorship can be one-time or monthly! Monthly donations are greatly appreciated. To learn more, please visit https://chcnorthumberland.ca/donate/

03/11/2026

🌟 Volunteer Opportunity in Cobourg! 🌟

The Community Health Centres of Northumberland is looking for two Social Hour Program Facilitator Volunteers to help lead a welcoming social program for individuals experiencing loneliness and social isolation.

🫶 Make a difference by helping people connect, build friendships, and learn about community supports.

📍 Cobourg
🕒 Every other Thursday (10:30 AM – 12:30 PM)
📅 Minimum 6-month commitment (2–3 hours bi-weekly)
🚗 Mileage reimbursed

No facilitation experience required—training provided!

For more information and a job description visit: chcn.me/volunteers

📩 Apply by filling out a volunteer application and emailing Amanda McConkey at amcconkey@chcnorthumberland.ca with “Social Hour Program Facilitator Volunteer” in the subject line.

Help build stronger, healthier communities—one conversation at a time. 💬

03/11/2026

🎗️ Colorectal Cancer: Myths vs. Facts 🎗️

Let’s clear up some common misconceptions about colorectal cancer 👇

❌ Myth: Colorectal cancer is a man’s disease.
✅ Fact: Colorectal cancer affects both men and women almost equally.

❌ Myth: I don’t have any symptoms so I must not have colorectal cancer.
✅ Fact: More than 50% of people diagnosed have no symptoms.

❌ Myth: Once diagnosed, it is too late to do anything.
✅ Fact: Colorectal cancer is preventable and highly treatable when detected early, with strong chances of a cure and survival.

❌ Myth: You don’t need to get screened if there is no family history of the disease.
✅ Fact: Most colorectal cancers are found in people without any family history of the disease.

❌ Myth: Colonoscopy is the only way to screen for colorectal cancer.
✅ Fact: There are other options for screening, including the f***l immunochemical test (FIT) and sigmoidoscopy.

❌ Myth: A polyp means I have colorectal cancer.
✅ Fact: Polyps are benign growths that if left unchecked have the potential to develop into cancer.

❌ Myth: If I have colorectal cancer, it means I will die from it.
✅ Fact: When colorectal cancer is caught early, there is over 90% chance of curing it. That is why screening is so important.

🩺 Early detection = better outcomes.
📅 Talk to your healthcare provider about when to start screening

💙 Knowledge is power. Share the facts. Save lives.