Healthcare

Basic medical care and first aid can be done in doctor’s offices or clinics. Doctors will sometimes refer you to a hospital for specialist care. If you are not insured, you will have to pay for treatment. There are five hospitals in Durham Region.

There are many walk-in and urgent care health clinics in the region. These include walk-in and sexual health clinics. You don’t need an appointment for these clinics.

Dental services are not covered under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Some jobs offer employee benefits that include different ranges of dental coverage for you and your family. You can also apply for private coverage.

Low-Cost Dental Clinic

Durham College operates a low-cost Dental Clinic for Durham residents. The clinic offers dental examinations and cleaning to clients over the age of four. Services are provided by Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene students under the supervision of teaching staff. 

Healthy Smiles Ontario

Healthy Smiles Ontario offers free dental care to children and youth 17 and under. Children must qualify for the program. Healthy Smiles Ontario covers basic or emergency dental needs.  

If you have questions about Healthy Smiles Ontario, call 1-866-853-1326 extension 4569 or email dentalscreening@durham.ca..

Ontario's Seniors Dental Care Program

Ontario's Seniors Dental Care Program covers basic dental care including services such as examinations, x-rays, preventive services, fillings, extractions and denture care for eligible seniors. Learn more about the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program.

Canadian Dental Care Plan

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) will help pay a portion of the cost for a wide range of oral health care services. The plan reimburses a portion of the cost of your treatment, but it may not pay the full amount. You may have to pay additional charges directly to the oral health provider, if:

• your adjusted family net income is between $70,000 and $89,999
• the cost of your oral health care services are more than what the CDCP will reimburse for these services, or
• you and your oral health provider agree to services that the CDCP doesn’t cover.

If you have dental coverage through a provincial, territorial or federal government social program, you can still qualify for the CDCP. If you qualify, your coverage will be coordinated between the plans to make sure there are no duplication or gaps in coverage.

Find a doctor or healthcare professional in the region. See what services are available for you, including regular checkups and illness prevention.

To find an LGBTQ-positive doctor, visit Rainbow Health Ontario. The organization lists health providers and programs that have expressed a commitment to providing welcoming and knowledgeable care to LGBTQ people across Ontario.

The Durham Health Connection Line can help you access the information and resources you need to protect and promote your health. Public Health Nurses provide health information on topics such as parenting issues, breastfeeding, immunization, nutrition and healthy living. Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 905-666-6241 or 1-800-841-2729.

If you or someone in your family needs help in your home, you should contact the Community Care Access Centres (CCAC). CCAC offers in-home and community-based health care.

Alternative or complementary healthcare is any practice of medicine that is not considered to be conventional in North America. There are many forms of alternative or complementary healthcare, such as naturopathic medicine , acupuncture, midwifery, chiropractic services or other forms of holistic medicine. Many of the practitioners in these areas are licensed and fall under Provincial Regulated Health Professionals legislation. OHIP may not cover the full cost of these services; private healthcare plans normally cover a percentage of services.

For more health and wellness information, visit the Region of Durham’s website. There are public services and resources available through the Health department.

Most healthcare in Durham Region is covered under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). You must meet certain requirements to be eligible for OHIP.

Visit Service Ontario to find the office closes to you to submit your application for an OHIP card. You can also get more information from Service Ontario by calling toll-free 1-800-267-8097 during their Monday to Friday office hours of 8:30am to 5:00pm or TTY/Teletypewriter toll-free 1-800-268-7095. 

You can expect to wait up to six months after arriving here before you are eligible. You should apply for OHIP as soon as you arrive.

The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) gives limited, interim health coverage for resettled refugees, protected persons, refugee claimants, and victims of human trafficking. People detained by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) are also covered.

The IFHP is for people who do not yet have provincial or personal health coverage. That is, people who cannot get or do not have Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) coverage.

Learn more about the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP): Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) - Durham Immigration.

See the local healthcare services and options to find what’s right for you in your area.

Newcomer Mental Health Services

 What we do:

• We can provide immediate mental health support and guidance in a safe and confidential environment (including ages 13+)
• Services are offered in English or through Interpretation in a client’s preferred language

 Short-term Therapeutic Counselling:

• We promote newcomer mental health and well-being during appointments and refer you to other mental health and wellness services specific to your needs
• We collaborate with and can connect you to local mental health supports for on-going counselling

  Culturally-Sensitive and Trauma-Informed

• Services are delivered by culturally competent social workers from diverse cultural backgrounds to build trust and effect communication.
• Counselling services incorporate cultural sensitivity with understanding and respect for cultural norms, values, and beliefs when supporting you with mental health and wellness concerns.
• Trauma-informed care is used to address issues with sensitivity.

For more information or to book an appointment with a Mental Health Settlement Worker, please call 1-877-761-1155 or:

For Ajax Welcome Centre:                               

Phone: 647-925-8929 or 905-686-2661 Ext. 200                       

Email: awc@welcomecentre.ca

For Oshawa Clarington Welcome Centre:

Phone: 289-255-1333 or 905-686-2661 Ext. 300                       

Email: ocwc@welcomecentre.ca

For Pickering Welcome Centre:                     

Phone: 905-420-3008

Email: pwcinfo@unemployedhelp.on.ca                                                             

If you do not have health insurance or are waiting for your coverage to begin, you can find primary health care and treatment services at Community Health Centres and uninsured clinics throughout Durham Region.

• Brock Community Health Centre
• Carea Community Health Centre
• AIDS Committee of Durham Region

Public Health also provides a number of services like flu shots to all community members.

You can also get free medical advice from Telehealth Ontario. Call any time toll-free at 1-866-797-0000. To reach them by toll-free TTY, dial 1-877-797-0007.

Durham Region has two nuclear stations - Pickering and Darlington. In the highly unlikely event of a nuclear accident, KI (potassium iodide) tablets are key to keeping you safe. KI (potassium iodide) can help reduce how much radioactive iodide enters your thyroid. All homes and businesses within 10 kilometres of either station are required to have KI tablets readily available. You can order KI tablets to be mailed to your home. 

Learn more by viewing this video. To order a free supply of KI tablets, visit the Prepare to be Safe website.