hEALTH:1)OSMH expands access to sexual assault and domestic violence support to RVH; 2)Drop-in immunization clinics open across Simcoe Muskoka, including Barrie

1)OSMH expands access to sexual assault and domestic violence support to RVH

Courtesy Barrie360.com

By Julius Hern,

Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH), is making its clinical service to support victims of sexual assault and intimate partner violence at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) in Barrie.

The Orillia-based hospital, which operates the Regional Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Centre (SADVTC), made the announcement via release on Wednesday, saying it will provide the specialized nursing staff, clinical expertise, program leadership and coordination at RVH to support victims and survivors.

The expansion means patients age 12 and older following a sexual assault and those aged 16 and older experiencing recent intimate partner violence presenting at RVH’s emergency department can now receive specialized SADV services on-site instead of requiring a transfer to OSMH for care.

“Expanding services to RVH allows us to improve access for patients while continuing to deliver care through OSMH’s Regional Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Program,” Jill Colin, OSMH’s vice president of clinical services and chief nursing executive, said in a release.

OSMH says the services provided include forensic evidence collection, injury assessment and documentation, STI testing and treatment, emergency contraception, crisis support, safety planning and referrals to community resources.

2)Drop-in immunization clinics open across Simcoe Muskoka, including Barrie

Courtesy NewsRelease & Barrie360.com

By Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, September 21, 2026

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is offering drop-in immunization clinics at its offices from Sept. 21 to 25 to help Grade 11 and 12 students complete their immunization records and avoid school suspensions.

Students will be served on a first-come, first-served basis at the following locations and times:

Barrie (15 Sperling Dr.), Collingwood, Cookstown, Midland and Orillia: Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. to noon and 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Gravenhurst: Monday to Wednesday and Friday: 9 a.m. to noon and 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Huntsville: Thursday: 9 a.m. to noon and 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Under Ontario’s Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA), health units must maintain immunization records for students and enforce suspensions when required information is missing. The health unit will enforce suspension orders on Sept. 22.

In May, the health unit mailed reminder notices to more than 5,600 students. As of today, approximately 800 students remain eligible for suspension. Throughout the summer, nurses worked with families to arrange missing vaccinations and update immunization records. During the week of Sept. 14, immunization nurses visited all area high schools to provide vaccinations and help students update their immunization records.

Immunization records are automatically updated for students who receive vaccines at a school or health unit clinic. Students who receive vaccines from a health-care provider must report them to the health unit through smdhu.org/ImmsOnline or by calling 705-721-7520, ext. 8827, or toll-free at 1-877-721-7520, Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

For more information about routine and required vaccines for students and the diseases they prevent, visit smdhu.org.

Drop-in immunization clinics open this week for Grade 11 and 12 students

Coordination continues through OSMH over the phone with the service-seeking party asking for the SADV nurse on-call, available around the clock.

“This expansion provides patients with greater choice and access to care while reducing stress and barriers during a critical time,” Robin Wanner, manager of OSMH’s Regional Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Centre, said in a release.

OSMH’s Regional SADVTC is one of 37 hospital-based centres that make up the Ontario Network of Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centres. It provides care across Simcoe County and surrounding areas.