Health: 1)West Nile Virus risk remains high across Simcoe Muskoka despite Fall weather; 2)SMDHU reminds families to plan ahead for RSV season; 3)OSMH Foundation launches Business Cares program to strengthen local healthcare; 4)SMDHU resumes school immunization program for seventh-grade students; 5)RVH in Barrie now offers specialized care for sexual assault and intimate partner violence; 6) Stevenson Memorial Hospital in Alliston unveils new elevated helipad
360.com and News Release
By Staff, September 18, 2026
As cooler temperatures begin to settle across the region, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is reminding residents that mosquito season is not over and neither is the risk of West Nile virus.
The health unit says mosquitoes remain active until the first hard frost, prompting officials to urge people to continue protecting themselves from mosquito bites well into the fall.
The warning comes after a human case of West Nile virus was reported in Simcoe County. The virus has also been detected in five birds and one horse, indicating it is actively circulating in the community.
According to the health unit, the number of infections is likely higher than reported because many people who contract West Nile virus experience no symptoms or do not seek medical attention.
West Nile virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. The virus circulates naturally between birds and certain mosquito species. People can become infected when bitten by a mosquito that has previously fed on an infected bird.
While most people infected with West Nile virus do not become sick, the health unit warns that some cases can be severe.
Symptoms may include:
Anyone experiencing these symptoms is advised to seek medical care.
How to reduce your risk
The SMDHU recommends several steps to help prevent mosquito bites and reduce the risk of infection:
The health unit continues to monitor mosquito activity across Simcoe Muskoka through trapping, testing and larval surveillance programs throughout the summer months.
Residents looking for more information about West Nile virus and local surveillance data can visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit’s website.
2)SMDHU reminds families to plan ahead for RSV season
Courctesy Barrie360.com and News Release
By Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is reminding parents-to-be and families with new babies to plan for respiratory virus season and ask their baby’s health care provider about RSV immunization. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that can make babies and young children very sick. It can cause lung infections such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, and some babies may need hospital care.
RSV immunization is publicly funded and can help protect eligible infants and young children who are at higher risk of severe illness. The immunization is a monoclonal antibody that provides immediate protection during the time babies are most at risk.
Families with babies born in the spring or summer should ask their health-care provider about including this important protection at their baby’s next well-baby checkup. Starting Oct. 1, 2026, parents will be offered Beyfortus for newborns shortly after birth in hospital before discharge or by their midwife.
RSV season usually runs from November to April, although timing can vary. Asking about RSV immunization early can help families prepare before respiratory viruses begin to spread in the community. Families are encouraged to speak with their health-care provider, hospital staff, midwife or the health unit to find out if their baby is eligible and where RSV immunization is available.
The health unit also reminds everyone to take simple steps to help protect babies from respiratory illness. Stay home when sick, clean your hands often, cover coughs and sneezes, and keep babies away from people who are unwell.
3)OSMH Foundation launches Business Cares program to strengthen local healthcare
Courtesy Barrie360.com and News Release
By Staff, September 8, 2026
The Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital Foundation is turning to the local business community to help support the future of healthcare in the region.
The Foundation has announced the launch of Business Cares, a new partnership program that encourages businesses to make a three-year commitment to supporting Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital’s highest-priority needs.
The initiative is designed to provide sustainable funding for critical hospital investments, including medical equipment and technology, staff education opportunities, patient care initiatives, and future healthcare priorities.
The program launches with four founding Business Cares partners: Al Langman Construction (1998) Inc., Orillia Home Hardware, ServiceMaster Restore of Orillia, and Tatham Engineering.
Hospital Foundation officials say the program is built on the belief that strong healthcare is essential to a thriving community and that local businesses can play a significant role in ensuring residents continue to have access to quality care close to home.
“As a locally owned business, we’re proud to live, work, and give back in the community we serve,” said Dwayne Frans, President of ServiceMaster Restore of Orillia. “Knowing our employees, families, and neighbours have access to exceptional healthcare close to home gives us peace of mind. Business Cares offers a different way to give back to the community. It shows that you care about the people that live here and that supporting local matters.”
Tatham Engineering said joining the program aligns with its longstanding support of the hospital and the broader community.
“Excellent healthcare is essential to building strong communities,” said Nick Smith, Senior Engineer and Orillia Office Manager at Tatham Engineering. “Through our Corporate Giving Program and initiatives like Charlee’s Run, we’ve seen firsthand the impact Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital has on local families. Joining Business Cares was a natural extension of our longstanding support for the Hospital and our commitment to investing in healthy, resilient communities for future generations.”
The Foundation says Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital provides everything from routine procedures and emergency care to specialized programs that serve communities across the region. As healthcare needs continue to evolve, officials say support from Business Cares partners will help ensure patients continue to receive exceptional care close to home.
“Business Cares reflects the important role local businesses play in strengthening healthcare in our region,” said Ian Mishkel, President and CEO of Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital Foundation. “We’re grateful to our founding partners for leading the way for this important initiative.”
Businesses interested in joining the program can learn more through the OSMH Foundation at osmhfoundation.ca.
4)SMDHU resumes school immunization program for seventh-grade students
Courtesy Barrie360.com and News Release
By Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit
In partnership with local school boards, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) will once again bring vaccine clinics directly to schools this fall, helping Grade 7 students stay up to date on recommended immunizations. Beginning Oct. 9, students will be offered three free, publicly funded vaccines that help protect against hepatitis B, meningococcal disease (Men-C-ACYW) and human papillomavirus (HPV).
Public health nurses will visit elementary schools across Simcoe Muskoka from October through December to provide the first round of vaccinations. Information packages and consent forms were sent home in early September. If you did not receive a form, please contact your student’s teacher or call the health unit at 705‑721‑7520, ext. 8827, or toll-free at 1-877-721-7520, Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
School clinics are a convenient way for students to stay up to date with their immunizations. Support is available for students who may feel nervous about receiving a vaccine at school. Parents and guardians can contact the health unit to discuss options to help their student feel more comfortable.
Public health nurses are experienced in supporting students who may be anxious about immunization and use strategies to help reduce pain, stress and worry.
Vaccines help protect youth from serious diseases before they are exposed. Meningococcal disease, hepatitis B and HPV can cause serious health complications. The vaccines offered through the Grade 7 program are safe, effective and provide strong protection. The HPV vaccine also helps prevent several types of cancer, including cervical and throat cancers, as well as genital warts.
In Ontario, all health units offer in-school immunizations clinics to increase access to these vaccines and reduce barriers for families. While students may also receive their Grade 7 vaccines through their health-care provider, many providers do not routinely stock these vaccines and must specially order them. Parents and guardians interested in this option should speak with their health-care provider. Students learning from home or not attending school in person can book an appointment at a health unit clinic.
The health unit encourages families to follow Ontario’s publicly funded immunization schedule and ensure their students remain up to date with recommended vaccines. Keeping immunizations current helps protect students, reduces the risk of outbreaks in schools and supports a healthier community.
5)RVH in Barrie now offers specialized care for sexual assault and intimate partner violence
Courtesy Barrie360.com
By Ian MacLennan, October 1, 2026
People in the Barrie area who have experienced sexual assault or intimate partner violence can now access specialized treatment closer to home.
Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital has expanded its Regional Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Centre to Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre.
Robin Wanner, the program manager, says the move follows recognition that 50 per cent of their clients were from the Barrie area.
“So we came together to see what could be done to bring some care closer to home for this population in the Barrie area, and we were able to develop this model of care that’s just being rolled out now.”
Wanner says the service is now operating at RVH, with specialized nurses from the Orillia program providing care to patients who present to the Barrie hospital’s emergency department.
The treatment centre has been operating at Soldiers’ Memorial for approximately 25 years.
Its team includes Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners, who are specially trained to provide forensic evidence collection for victims and survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence.
The centre also provides medical care, including STI treatment and prevention, HIV prevention and pregnancy prophylaxis. Other services include injury documentation and photography, safety planning, referrals to community resources and follow-up care.
A social worker is also available to provide counselling.
Wanner says the approach is trauma-informed and choice-based, meaning patients are given information about their options and decide what care they want.
“We’ll always be sure to explain what options are available to them and just allow them to decide what they would like to proceed with,” she said.
Police involvement is not required to access the service.
Wanner says clients can receive forensic evidence collection whether or not they choose to involve the police.
“The decision to involve police is up to the client,” she said. “We’re able to support them with that.”
Patients who arrive at RVH’s emergency department can be connected with the treatment centre through the emergency department staff.
Wanner says people can also call the service directly before going to the hospital.
A nurse is available by phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, to answer questions and discuss care options.
The program has a 60-minute response time once a call is received, Wanner said.
“If the patient is able to give us a call before their arrival, or if they’re even thinking about coming, we can arrange a time to meet them so that there is no wait for them,” she said.
The Barrie expansion is available to patients aged 12 and older following a sexual assault. People under 12 continue to be seen at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, where specially trained pediatricians are available to support their care.
The program also serves people of all genders.
Wanner says the Orillia centre sees approximately 150 patients each year, followed by about 320 additional follow-up visits.
The treatment centre works with emergency departments across Simcoe County, as well as women’s shelters and other community support agencies.
Wanner says providing the service in Barrie should help remove transportation as a barrier for people seeking care after a traumatic experience.
“Being able to offer these services at RVH in a more convenient location for these clients really helps to reduce that barrier and improve their access to care,” she said.
The Regional Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Centre at OSMH is one of 37 hospital-based centres that make up the Ontario Network of Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centres.
6) Stevenson Memorial Hospital in Alliston unveils new elevated helipad
Courtesy Barrie360.com
By Staff, October 1, 2026
Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) in Alliston opened its new elevated helipad on Wednesday.
It is the first major component of the hospital’s redevelopment project to be completed.
The new helipad is 68 feet wide and rises 12 feet above the ground at its highest point.
SMH officials said the design is unique in Ontario.
The new helipad is designed to improve emergency air ambulance access while providing a safer and more reliable experience for patients, physicians, hospital staff, and flight crews.
“Today marks a significant milestone not only for our redevelopment project, but for the future of patient care at Stevenson Memorial Hospital,” says Deepak Sharma, President and CEO of SMH. “Our new elevated helipad strengthens our ability to connect patients with life-saving care when every second counts. The enhanced safety features, improved operational reliability, and increased accessibility support better outcomes for patients while creating a safer environment for our healthcare teams and Ornge.”
The helipad has an integrated heating system to prevent snow and ice from accumulating during the winter, eliminating the need for manual snow removal.
Stevenson says the heated surface will improve safety for landing crews, physicians, and staff during challenging weather conditions.
The elevated design also gives air ambulance pilots greater flexibility when responding to changing wind patterns, allowing them to adjust flight paths and approaches.
The helipad was moved from the hospital’s upper parking lot, creating additional parking spaces.
“This new helipad is a tangible sign of the progress underway at Stevenson Memorial Hospital,” said Brian Saunderson, MPP for Simcoe-Grey. “For years, this community has worked toward a modern, expanded hospital that can meet the needs of a growing region. It is exciting to see that vision taking shape, and I am grateful to the entire Stevenson team and our community partners for their continued commitment to delivering exceptional care close to home.”
The helipad is part of Stevenson’s larger redevelopment project, which will deliver a healthcare facility more than twice the size of the current hospital.
The redevelopment also includes an Emergency Department three times its current size.
The new hospital facility is expected to be completed in late 2028.