COVID-19 (2019 Novel Coronavirus)

Community Supports

Respiratory Illness
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Living with Covid-19

While COVID-19 has impacted all of us, there are individuals who may be at a greater risk of poor health from COVID-19 due to factors such as age, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, existing health conditions, ability, income, transportation, social isolation, or difficulty accessing culturally appropriate health services. This section is for individuals who may need extra support and also for the agencies and caregivers who provide support to individuals at risk during COVID-19.

Continue to check the Government of Canada and Ontario websites as these provide updated information on funding for individuals negatively impacted and who require extra support.

The COVID-19 Lambton County Community Resource compiles community organizations and their services that may assist you during the pandemic into one document. This resource may be downloaded and printed for easy access. For the most up-to-date information on services related to a specific topic, you can navigate using the categories below:

How can I get support on:

Staying Connected and Services for Older Adults

There are free services available to help you stay connected with others:

The Family Counselling Centre (FCC) provides single-point access for older adults in Lambton County to connect to services for health, social, or other needs. Older adults, caregivers, and family members can call one number to access a wide array of support services to help them thrive at home while reducing their risk for COVID-19. Contact 1-888-347-8737 or visit the Family Counselling Centre’s website.

• One particular program from the Family Counselling Centre is the Tel-Check Program.  It can provide regular phone calls to seniors, people with disabilities, and people who may live alone or with their families/caregivers.
• Lambton County Connects is a free phone-based program and a way for isolated community members to participate in social activities.
• The Ontario Caregiver Association offers free resources, a helpline, and live chat for those caring for loved ones, including tips during COVID-19.

You can find other local resources for Seniors in Lambton at: www.AgeFriendlySarniaLambton.ca/

Community Events & Volunteering Safely

Supporting others and volunteering are excellent ways to help our community make it through this pandemic. Continue to follow COVID-19 public health measures and restrictions when assisting others. This will help protect both of you.

Find local volunteer opportunities in Lambton County. 

Accessing Food and Health Care

• Grocery stores offering pickup or delivery services, find a location close to you.
• Food banks – find a food bank near you. 
• Meals on Wheels delivers a variety of meals right to your door. 
• The Garden Fresh Box is a low-cost food box program with pickup sites throughout Lambton County. Find locations, prices and more information here, or call Lambton Public Health at 519-383-8331 ext. 3111.

Accessing healthcare:
• There is no longer a waiting period for OHIP coverage. Find out how to apply for OHIP and get a health card at this provincial website.
• Looking for a Primary Care Provider?
• Bluewater Health – Finding a Family Doctor 
• Blue Coast Primary Care: Recruitment & Retention – Find a Physician
• Where to access healthcare (other than the hospital).

Housing

• Need to find emergency housing – Inn of the Good Shepherd – Lodge Intake at 519-344-1679.
• Need help finding housing? Call the County of Lambton Housing Services at 519-344-2062 ext. 2200. 
• For youth 16-24 contact Sarnia-Lambton Rebound and ask about Ohana’s Landing by calling: 1-519-344-2841.
• Need help with tenancy-related issues such as eviction or needing repairs? Call Community Legal Assistance Sarnia at 519-332-8055 or 1-888-916-2527.

Mental Health, Substance Use, & Abuse Services

Have you been struggling with your mental health and well-being? There are free local services in Sarnia-Lambton at MindsConnected.ca and Ontario resources on the provincial website. 

For other COVID-19-specific resources, visit one of the websites below:

• Mental Health & the COVID-19 Pandemic – Centre for Addiction and Mental Health strategies to maintain your mental health during COVID-19
• Wellness Together – Government of Canada online platform that connects you to mental health and substance use support, resources, and counseling with a mental health professional
• Big White Wall – 24/7 anonymous online platform for mental health peer support
• BounceBack Ontario – guided self-help program using workbooks, videos, and phone coaching
• Mindyourmind – interactive tools and resources to build capacity and resilience for youth and young adults

Local Services & Resources:
• Bluewater Health – Withdrawal Management Services
– Community Withdrawal Management 519-332-4673
– Residential Withdrawal Management Program 519-464-4487
• Bluewater Methadone Clinic Sarnia Location 519-337-5000
– Wallaceburg Location 519-627-5800
• Women’s Interval Home of Sarnia-Lambton– 1-800-265-1412
• Victim Services of Sarnia Lambton – 519-344-8861 x 5238

Support for loved ones:
Mental Health Commission of Canada – Caregiver Resources
The Ontario Caregiver Association – Find Support
British Columbia Centre on Substance Use – Family and Caregiver Resources 

First Nation, Metis & Inuit Services

Lambton Public Health’s service area is located on the territories of many Indigenous peoples and provides services to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people living in urban and rural communities. We recognize and value First Nations, Métis, and Inuit healing practices and the work of local Healers and Elders. Listed below are resources related to the COVID-19 pandemic from local organizations as well as from the federal and provincial organizations.   
 
Health Services
First check with local healers and elders in your community. There are supports locally you may wish to contact for information related to COVID-19:
• E’Mino Bmaad-Zijig Gamig (Aamjiwnaang Health Centre)
• Kettle & Stony Point Health Services
• The Walpole Island Health Centre
• Sarnia Lambton Native Friendship Centre in Sarnia at 519-344-6164 or email info@slnfc.org. 
• Lambton College Indigenous Student Centre
 
Other Relevant COVID-19 Resources
• Chiefs of Ontario
• Ontario Native Women’s Association
• Assembly of First Nations
• Government of Canada Indigenous YouTube channel
• COVID-19: How Indigenous people can access services and benefits
• Government of Canada COVID-19 Guidance Documents – Indigenous Communities
• The Government of Canada has released information to support First Nation and Inuit people in preparing, monitoring, and responding to COVID-19.
• Shkaabe Makwa partnered with CAMH to create a poster about self-care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Accessibility Needs

For some of us, there are physical and intellectual limitations that make the COVID-19 pandemic even more stressful. Watch this short video for more information on how to keep our loved ones safe.
 
Sector-specific guidance for Group Homes during COVID-19 is updated regularly on its own website.
 
For additional information about the resources available in Lambton County visit:
• Lambton County Developmental Services
• Community Living Sarnia-Lambton
• Pathways Health Centre for Children
• Ontario Disability Support Program
• Health Care Access Research and Developmental Disabilities

Newcomers, Immigrants & Refugees

Info sheets on COVID-19 and how to stay safe in multiple languages from Ottawa Public Health. 

The YMCA Learning and Career Centre is offering in-person services to newcomers in the Sarnia-Lambton Community. Contact 519-336-5950 for more information.

Provincial Updates, Programs and Supports

You can find the latest news releases about provincial announcements and support programs available on the Ontario Newsroom website.

Resources

Fact Sheets:

Guidance