A free women’s health event hosted by the Ontario Health Team of Northumberland (OHT-N) and Community Health Centres of Northumberland (CHCN) will take place Saturday, June 14 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at CHCN’s Port Hope location on Toronto Road.
Open to all women and individuals with a cervix, including Two-Spirit, trans and nonbinary people, the clinic will offer cervical cancer screenings, and health education. Booths will be set-up by OHT-N and CHCN as well as community health partners like Cancer Care Ontario, Northumberland Hills Hospital and Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre.
Executive Director of CHCN Taryn Rennicks tells us the event includes resources for those facing barriers like lack of a family doctor, childcare or transportation.
“Women’s health is foundational to building strong families and communities,” says Rennicks. “We hope this event encourages individuals to prioritise regular screenings and overcome common barriers.”
According Rennicks there have been recent changes to cervical cancer screening including the age parameters.
Health topics during the day will include prenatal and postnatal care, pelvic floor physiotherapy, gender-affirming care, and more. There will be three talks throughout the day including one by Dr. Barbara Weiss, a local naturopathic doctor, at 10 a.m.
A talk led by a local physiotherapist on pelvic floor health will take place later in the day featuring learn more about the importance of your pelvic floor as well as some exercises. Cancer screening in general will also be the focus of a talk hosted by Cancer Care Ontario.
Eligible attendees aged 25 to 75 are encouraged to book ahead for cervical screenings by calling 905-885-2626 ext. 300 or online at chcn.me/ohtn-cervical-screening. Transportation and childcare will be available for those who need it.
“Cervical cancer screening is a key step to preventing serious illness,” said Kaitlin Loudon of the Central East Regional Cancer Program. “It’s simple, effective, and could save lives.”
More information is available at OHTNorthumberland.ca.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
