BAOHT Partner Bulletin
Stay informed and connected with us! Committed to supporting patients, families, caregivers, and health partners, we provide the latest insights, resources, and community highlights.
Recognizing National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
September 30th marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation—a time to honour survivors, remember the children who never returned home, and reflect on the ongoing impacts of residential schools.
At the Barrie and Area Ontario Health Team, reconciliation is an ongoing commitment. Together we continue to work on building meaningful partnerships with Indigenous-led organizations, including Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin, Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle (BANAC) and the Barrie Native Friendship Centre, ensuring voices from those communities are ever-present in our planning and decision-making.
Locally, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation celebrations are taking place throughout the day. All events commence at the Spirit Catcher on Lakeshore Drive, Barrie. All activities are open to the community and everyone is welcome. Please wear orange if you can.
| Time | Event |
| 6:30 a.m. | Sunrise Ceremony |
| Until 1 p.m. | Sacred Fire |
| 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Guest Speakers |
| 12 p.m. | Memorial Walk |
| 3 – 6 p.m. | Library Pop-Up |
| 5 – 5:30 p.m. | Every Child Matters Walk |
To learn more, visit: Mamaway Truth and Reconciliation Day and Barrie Public Library Truth and Reconciliation Day
Interprofessional Primary Care Team Expansion – Call for Proposals
Ontario Health has launched the 2026–2027 Call for Proposals to create or expand Interprofessional Primary Care Teams (IPCTs). This initiative will help attach more Ontarians to primary care and is part of the government’s $2.1 billion Primary Care Action Plan.
The Barrie and Area Ontario Health Team (BAOHT) can submit up to three proposals—with the potential for two additional submissions with strong rationale—for funding consideration.
Proposals can include creating or expanding:
- Family Health Teams (FHTs)
- Community Health Centres (CHCs)
- Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinics (NPLCs)
- Indigenous Primary Health Care Organizations (IPHCOs)
If you have questions or would like more information about how your organization can get involved, please reach out to Rebecca Coyle, Project Management Lead, BAOHT at coyler@baoht.ca
Lower-Limb Preservation Working Group Moves Forward with Planning
The Lower-Limb Preservation Working Group recently came together for an in-person planning session to focus on next steps for the Good Foot Forward program and lower-limb preservation in Barrie and area. With funding concluding in March 2026, the meeting brought together community partners and people with lived experience, whose insights will help transition to a new path for patients and community members moving forward. Their contributions are vital to ensuring the program reflects the needs and perspectives of the community.
New Path Celebrates 25 Years of Hope, Growth and Transformation
New Path recently marked its 25th Anniversary with a joyful celebration alongside more than 200 families, youth, staff, community partners and supporters. From music and games to delicious food and heartfelt stories, the event was a true reflection of hope, growth and transformation over the past 25 years. Check out highlights and photos from this special milestone by clicking here.
Sharing on behalf of North Simcoe Muskoka Specialized Geriatric Services Program
North Simcoe Muskoka Education Taskforce Resources for Geriatric Care
The North Simcoe Muskoka Education Taskforce, a collaboration of organizations advancing best practices in geriatric care, has developed two tools to help strengthen cross sector learning, support skilled providers and leverage awareness of education for geriatric care across our region:
- Education Recommendations – a one-page reference of suggested courses by sector and timeframe. Click here.
- Course Information List – a detailed guide with course links, providers, time commitments and costs. Click here.
These resources clarify learning opportunities, highlight accessible education and promote system alignment, with the goal of enhancing the capacity of providers to deliver high quality geriatric care.
Sharing on behalf of Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU)
SMDHU 2024 Annual Report
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is pleased to share its 2024 Annual Report. Throughout 2024, SMDHU remained focused on delivering core public health services that support the health and well-being of those who live in, work in, and visit our communities. To view the full report, click here
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!
The Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) offers free, regular screening to help find breast cancer early — when treatment has the best chance of working.
You can self-refer if you’re:
- Age 40 to 74 at average risk, or
- Age 30 to 69 at high risk.
If you’re over 74, talk with your family doctor or nurse practitioner about whether screening is right for you. Call the Simcoe Muskoka Cancer Screening Hotline at 1-866-608-6910 to check your eligibility and get information on cancer screening.