News Media

Timmins, Ontario — On December 2nd, official notice of approval and support from the Ontario government for a voluntary merger between the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) and the Timiskaming Health Unit (THU) was received. Both boards of health have also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening public health across the region as Northeastern Public Health/Santé publique du Nord-Est.

Timmins, Ontario — World AIDS Day is observed annually on the first day of December in communities around the world. In recognition of World AIDS Day, the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) area will once again be decorated in red scarves.

Timmins, Ontario — Wednesday, November 13, 2024. The Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) is advising the public that there has been an increase in cases of pertussis.

Timmins, Ontario — Wednesday, October 16, 2024. The Porcupine Health Unit's fall vaccination campaign is now underway. Residents can book their flu and COVID-19 vaccine appointments on the PHU website or by calling their local health unit office. Vaccines are also available through healthcare providers and participating pharmacies across the region.

Timmins, Ontario — Thursday, August 28, 2024. The Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) and Timiskaming Health Unit (THU) are currently working towards a voluntary merger and are committed to further strengthen public health programs and services in Northeastern Ontario. The health units have collected feedback about branding from internal staff through virtual sessions with VS Marketing and surveys. Community partners have also participated in virtual sessions. Additional feedback from community partners and the public is the next valuable step in the process of developing the brand of the new organization. We are launching a short survey to gather information to shape the health unit’s new identity.

Timmins, Ontario — Wednesday, August 28, 2024. The Porcupine Health Unit has been notified that a crow has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNv). Although the risk to the public is low, the Porcupine Health Unit felt it was important to share the result and will continue to monitor for WNv.

Timmins, Ontario — Tuesday, July 9, 2024. Appointment bookings for immunization and sexual health services at the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) in Timmins are now available online. Clients can book appointments at their convenience, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, using the new online booking system on the PHU website.

Timmins, Ontario — Tuesday, June 25, 2024. The Porcupine Health Unit, along with community partners on the Opioid Emergency Response Task Force, are mobilizing a Red Alert due to concerning increases in suspected opioid-related toxicity events, affecting multiple communities in the Porcupine Health Unit’s geographical area.

Timmins, Ontario — Monday, April 8, 2024 - The Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) is dedicated to supporting a safe school environment by enforcing the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) for the 2023-2024 school year. The enforcement of this legislation was temporarily paused in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As per ISPA, R.S.O.1990, it is mandatory for all Ontario students to be up-to-date with their vaccinations or have a valid exemption on file to attend in-person classes.

Timmins, Ontario — Thursday, March 21, 2024. World Tuberculosis (TB) Day is observed every year on March 24, one of eight official global public health campaigns marked by the World Health Organization. Communities around the world shines a light on TB on March 24 by lighting up landmarks in red. This year, the Porcupine Health Unit is joining Stop TB Canada and the global movement to recognize World TB Day by lighting up the Timmins landmark signs in red.

Timmins, Ontario — Monday, March 18, 2024. The Porcupine Health Unit along with key partners of the Opioid Emergency Task Force are advising ALL people who use substances, even if only recreationally, that tainted substances are circulating causing opioid poisonings (overdoses).

Timmins, Ontario — Monday, January 29, 2024. The Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) is teaming up with the Timmins Rock Junior A hockey team for a special event on Family Day. They will launch the “Heads Up!” campaign at their home game against the Hearst Lumberjacks on Monday, February 19, at 2:00 p.m., at the McIntyre Arena.

Timmins, Ontario — Tuesday, December 5, 2023. Respiratory illness season is upon us. The Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) is reporting that influenza is circulating in the region along with COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Timmins, Ontario — Wednesday, November 29, 2023. The Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) is committed to offering fair and safe health care to French-speaking clients. As part of this work, we are launching a short survey on the service experiences of French-speaking clients.

Timmins, Ontario — Monday, November 27, 2023. Every year, communities around the world recognize the first day of December as World AIDS Day. This year, the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) encourages people to learn more, get tested, take measures to reduce the risk, and show support.

Timmins, Ontario — Friday, October 20, 2023. On behalf of the Opioid Emergency Response Task Force, the Porcupine Health Unit is issuing an alert as a result of a sudden increase in reported suspected opioid-related overdoses in Timmins and the surrounding area.

Timmins, Ontario — Wednesday, October 4, 2023. Starting this week, the Porcupine Health Unit is changing the way it reports local COVID-19 and influenza activity.

Timmins, Ontario — Wednesday, August 30, 2023. The Boards of Health for the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) and for the Timiskaming Health Unit (THU) are taking steps towards a voluntary merger to strengthen public health in the communities they serve.

Timmins, Ontario — Monday, August 14, 2023. The Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) is set to launch a five-year pilot project in Timmins, becoming the first community in Northern Ontario to implement the Planet Youth Guidance Program.

Timmins, Ontario — Thursday, June 22, 2023. With the ongoing Special Air Quality Statements and heat warnings being issued for our region due to smoke from wildfires and extreme heat, the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) is reminding residents to take precautions to reduce the risk of exposure.

Timmins, Ontario — Monday, May 15, 2023. Since 2021, the Porcupine Health Unit has been working with schools in the region to promote and improve the safety, sustainability, and efficiency of walking and wheeling to/from school through the Active School Travel initiative.

Timmins, Ontario - Wednesday, April 12, 2023. Results of the two mental health surveys conducted by the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) report that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues to negatively affect mental health.

Timmins, Ontario — Tuesday, March 7, 2023. Additional suspected opioid-related overdose deaths have occurred in the last several days.

Timmins, Ontario — Tuesday, March 7th 2023.Throughout the month of March, the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) Registered Dietitians (RDs) will be celebrating Nutrition Month.

Timmins, Ontario — Thursday, March 2, 2023. The Opioid Emergency Response Task Force is issuing an alert due to an increased risk with the circulating opioid supply across Cochrane District.