Elgin Ontario Health Team

03/26/2026

Join us for a Trauma-Informed Care Community of Practice on March 31st. ➡️ Topic: Indigenous Approaches and Practices

Join us for a Trauma-Informed Care Community of Practice. ➡️ Topic: Indigenous Approaches and Practices

Trauma-informed care means creating spaces where everyone feels safe, respected, and supported - no matter their story or circumstances.

To help strengthen this approach across Elgin, we’ve launched a Trauma-Informed Care Community of Practice. This group brings together:
✔️ Health and social service providers
✔️ People with lived or living experience
✔️ Anyone who wants to learn how to better support people in trauma-informed ways

It’s a chance to connect, share, and build skills that make a real difference in our community. Our next session will focus on Indigenous practices and approaches.

🗓 March 31, 2026
⏰ 1:00–2:00pm
📍 Virtual
🔗 Register here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/QoxmcNL5Sd6leV40Q2eezQ

No matter your role, your voice and experience are welcome.
Let’s learn together and continue building a more compassionate, culturally safe Elgin.

03/25/2026

🔎 Searching for a Family Doctor or Nurse Practitioner in St. Thomas or Elgin County?

The Elgin OHT and Elgin Community Health Hub are working closely with Health Care Connect (HCC) to connect community members to local Family Doctors or Primary Care Nurse Practitioners. If you are seeking primary care, we encourage you to register!

How it works:
➡️ Sign up by calling 811 or visiting www.ontario.ca/healthcareconnect
➡️ When a local provider becomes available, you will be contacted by Health Care Connect

Registration is free, simple, and only takes a few minutes.

If you’re looking for care options in the meantime, the Elgin OHT has put together a list of free local health services and resources that do not require a referral. You can find the full, routinely updated document at https://elginoht.ca/file-categories/other-key-documents-and-reports

03/24/2026

Exciting news!
Our Introduction to Mindfulness sessions is going to be offered in-person next month.

It is an interactive skills-based group where you are led through several mindfulness exercises and learn the benefits of mindfulness and how to incorporate it into your life.

🟣Monday, April 13
🟣1:30-3:30 pm
🟣Westmount Presbyterian Church, 521 Village Green Ave, London
The building is wheelchair accessible, has free parking on-site and is located close to bus routes.

❗Limited spaces left ❗
Register at:
https://thamesvalleyfht.ca/introduction-to-mindfulness-virtual/

03/24/2026

Nutrition Month is coming to a close, but the importance of good nutrition lasts all year long. Eating well supports energy, mental well-being, and can help manage chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease.

Local nutrition and dietitian supports in Elgin and area:

West Elgin Community Health Centre offers free dietitian services focused on balanced, realistic changes that fit your lifestyle.
📞 519-768-1715 ext. 2292
📧 lchurch@wechc.on.ca
🔗 https://wechc.on.ca/programs-and-services/dietitian-services

They also offer Diabetes Education with support from Registered Nurses and Dietitians:
🔗 https://wechc.on.ca/programs-and-services/diabetes-education

You can also find related workshops through South West Self-Management Program, like their Living a Healthy Life with Diabetes programs:
🔗 https://www.swselfmanagement.ca/diabetes

West Elgin Community Health Centre

03/23/2026

Have questions about opioids? Looking for ways to support a friend or family member?

We’re hosting a community education evening on March 30th designed to provide clear, practical information about opioids in a supportive setting. Whether you’re looking to better understand the topic or feel more prepared in an emergency, this event is open to you.

Naloxone training and kits will be available, and local organizations will be on site to share information about community supports.

📆 Monday, March 30th, 6 - 7:30pm
📍St. Thomas Public Library, 153 Curtis Street, St. Thomas ON
➡️ Free event, no registration required

03/20/2026

Good oral health is a critical factor in overall health, but dental care can be expensive if you don't have coverage.

If the cost is preventing you from accessing oral health care, check if you are eligible for the .

To qualify, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
➡️ no access to dental insurance
➡️ an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000
➡️ be a Canadian resident for tax purposes
➡️ have filed their tax return in the previous year

For those already covered under the plan - remember to renew your coverage between April 15 - June 1, 2026 for the 2026-2027 benefit year. As a CDCP member, you need to renew your coverage every year during the renewal period to confirm that you still meet the eligibility requirements.

New applicants: you can still apply for coverage for the remainder of the 2025/26 benefit year until April 14th. Applications for the 2026/27 benefit year will open on June 2, 2026.

Learn more at Canada.ca/dental or call 1-833-537-4342

03/18/2026

Join us for a Trauma-Informed Care Community of Practice. ➡️ Topic: Indigenous Approaches and Practices

Trauma-informed care means creating spaces where everyone feels safe, respected, and supported - no matter their story or circumstances.

To help strengthen this approach across Elgin, we’ve launched a Trauma-Informed Care Community of Practice. This group brings together:
✔️ Health and social service providers
✔️ People with lived or living experience
✔️ Anyone who wants to learn how to better support people in trauma-informed ways

It’s a chance to connect, share, and build skills that make a real difference in our community. Our next session will focus on Indigenous practices and approaches.

🗓 March 31, 2026
⏰ 1:00–2:00pm
📍 Virtual
🔗 Register here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/QoxmcNL5Sd6leV40Q2eezQ

No matter your role, your voice and experience are welcome.
Let’s learn together and continue building a more compassionate, culturally safe Elgin.

03/17/2026

The Central Community Health Centre Mobile Health Unit is on the road every week providing healthcare right in the neighbourhoods that need it most. From primary care visits to chronic disease management, they're helping remove barriers like transportation, cost, and long wait times.

See below for their schedule for the rest of March.
➡️ No cost for services
➡️ No appointment required

📍 Follow Central Community Health Centre for daily updates

03/12/2026

🔎 Searching for a Family Doctor or Nurse Practitioner in St. Thomas or Elgin County?

Ontario Health has committed to connecting everyone in the province to primary care by 2029. If you need a Family Doctor or Nurse Practitioner, make sure you’re signed up for the Health Care Connect waitlist.

What you’ll need:
➡️ A valid Ontario Health card
➡️ An up-to-date mailing address

Signing up is free and easy! Once you’re on the list, Health Care Connect will work with local partners to connect you to a provider when one becomes available.

Visit www.ontario.ca/healthcareconnect or call 8-1-1 to register today.

If you’re looking for care options in the meantime, we’ve put together a list of free local health services and resources that do not require a referral. You can find the full, routinely updated document at www.elginoht.ca/find-services

03/11/2026

Have questions about opioids? Looking for ways to support a friend or family member?

We’re hosting a community education evening on March 30th designed to provide clear, practical information about opioids in a supportive setting. Whether you’re looking to better understand the topic or feel more prepared in an emergency, this event is open to you.

Naloxone training and kits will be available, and local organizations will be on site to share information about community supports.

📆 Monday, March 30th, 6 - 7:30pm
📍St. Thomas Public Library, 153 Curtis Street, St. Thomas ON
➡️ Free event, no registration required

03/10/2026

Local Event: Navigating a Life Changing Diagnosis

Join Drs. Sammy Winemaker & Hsien Seow for a FREE EVENT to learn the 7 Keys to take charge so you can be hopeful and prepared every step of the way. Attendees from Ontario West region will receive a FREE copy of the book and workbook!

📅 April 30th, 5:30 - 7pm
📍 John Kenneth Galbraith Library, 236 Shackleton St, Dutton, ON
💻 FREE event - register at https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com/event-details/elgin-county-navigating-a-life-changing-diagnosis

03/09/2026

Free therapy for Ontarians:

The Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (OSP) offers free, short-term, evidence-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for adults 18+ living in Ontario who have depression, anxiety, or anxiety-related concerns. To learn whether this program is right for you and to self-refer, visit https://www.ospwest.ca/?lang=EN

We are experiencing a high demand for our program. After receiving your referral, a member of our team will contact you within six to eight weeks. We appreciate your patience. Thank you.