UniVoice – November 2026

Vape-Free Voices: Sudbury East Youth Ambassadors

Are you between 14 and 24 years old, or do you know someone who is? Do you want to help make a difference in your community?

 

Univi Health Centre is looking for 10 young people from Sudbury East to take part in Vape-Free Voices: Sudbury East Youth Ambassadors, a new project focused on raising awareness about vaping and its health risks.

 

This is an opportunity for local youth to learn new skills, share their ideas, and help build healthier communities.

 

Learn, Lead, and Make a Difference

Vaping is a health concern, especially among young people. Many vaping products contain nicotine, which is highly addictive. Understanding these risks can help youth make informed choices about their health.

 

As part of the project, selected participants will attend a free, two-hour training session. They will learn about the health effects of vaping, nicotine addiction, and how social media, advertising, and peer pressure can influence their choices.

 

Participants will also learn how to talk about vaping with others and share reliable health information with their friends, classmates, and community members.

 

Why Become a Youth Ambassador?

Young people understand the challenges and pressures their peers face. Their voices can help start conversations that are honest, respectful, and meaningful.

 

By joining Vape-Free Voices, participants will have the chance to build leadership and communication skills, connect with other local youth, and help raise awareness about vaping in Sudbury East.

 

No previous experience is needed. All you need is an interest in learning and a willingness to get involved.

 

How to Apply

The training session will take place on Wednesday, November 25, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

 

Only 10 spaces are available. Interested youth must complete a short application explaining why they would like to participate. Those selected will be contacted with more information.

 

Ready to get involved, or know a young person who might be interested?

 

Your voice matters. Help build a healthier Sudbury East!

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Celebrating Nurse Practitioner Week 2026

As we recognize Nurse Practitioner Week 2026, we would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the exceptional contributions of Univi’s Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and the important role they play in the health and well-being of the individuals, families, and communities we serve.

 

Nurse Practitioners are essential to delivering accessible, comprehensive, and compassionate healthcare. Through their advanced clinical expertise, commitment to health equity, and collaborative approach to care, they help address barriers to healthcare services, support individuals with complex health needs, and improve health outcomes across our communities.

 

This year’s recognition also reflects the ongoing priorities of the Nurse Practitioners’ Association of Ontario (NPAO), which continues to advocate for greater access to primary care, the full integration and recognition of Nurse Practitioners within healthcare teams, and a stronger, more equitable and sustainable healthcare system.

 

Within our agency, our NPs exemplify these priorities every day. Whether providing direct clinical care, supporting chronic disease management, promoting prevention and wellness, or working alongside interdisciplinary colleagues, their contributions extend well beyond individual appointments. They build trusting relationships, advocate for clients, and help ensure that care remains responsive to the diverse needs of our community.

 

We are especially pleased to recognize our Nurse Practitioners:

Ann Desrosiers, Valerie Barnett, Anne Despatie, Valerie Blais, Abigail Williams, Julie Lavigne, Julie Lemieux, Michael Barnett, Danielle Cormier, Gillian Clark, Erin Ethelston, and Victoria Dougan.

 

We invite you to join us in recognizing and thanking our Nurse Practitioners for the invaluable work they do throughout the year.

 

Happy Nurse Practitioner Week!

Understanding the wait for your next appointment

Waiting for an appointment can be frustrating. You may have questions, need help with a health problem, or want a routine checkup. Your health matters to you. It also matters to us.

 

At Univi Health Centre, we know you want to see your nurse practitioner or doctor as soon as possible. Here are some reasons why you may need to wait a few weeks.

 

Your care team does more than meet with patients. Between visits, they also:

• Review test results and hospital reports.
• Arrange visits with specialists.
• Review and renew prescriptions.
• Work with other health care providers to plan your care.

 

These tasks are part of caring for you. They also take time.

 

Some patients need longer visits because their health problems are more complex. Your provider needs enough time to listen, understand your needs, and plan your care.

 

Getting an appointment is a challenge across Ontario. In 2024, only 30% of Ontario adults said they received care on the same day or the next day for a non-urgent health need. This finding comes from the Canadian Institute for Health Information.

 

When you book, tell us why you need an appointment. Let us know if your health problem is new, getting worse, or making daily tasks harder. This helps our team decide what to do next.

 

If your health changes while you wait, contact us again. You do not have to wait until your booked visit to tell us.

 

Univi Health Centre’s goal is to give you the care you need at the right time. Thank you for working with us and helping us make every visit count.

 

Source: Canadian Institute for Health Information 

Men’s Mental Health: Breaking the Silence

November is a time to bring attention to men’s mental health and encourage more open conversations about emotional well-being. Campaigns such as Movember and International Men’s Day help highlight the importance of reducing stigma, supporting men through mental health challenges, and reminding everyone that asking for help is a sign of strength.

 

While mental health affects everyone, many men face unique barriers when it comes to seeking support. Social expectations, stigma, and the pressure to appear strong can sometimes prevent men from expressing their emotions or reaching out when they are struggling.

 

Why Men’s Mental Health Matters

Many men are taught from a young age to hide difficult emotions or handle problems on their own. This can lead some men to avoid talking about stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns.

 

Creating safe spaces where men feel comfortable speaking openly about their feelings is an important step toward building healthier communities.

 

Recognizing the Signs

Mental health challenges can appear differently from person to person. Some men may experience sadness or worry, while others may notice changes such as increased irritability, withdrawing from loved ones, losing interest in activities, changes in sleep, or feeling overwhelmed by everyday responsibilities.

 

Recognizing these signs early can help men access support sooner.

 

Starting the Conversation

A simple conversation can make a meaningful difference. Checking in with a friend, family member, coworker, or classmate and asking “How are you really doing?” can help someone feel supported and less alone.

 

Support does not always mean having the perfect words, it can simply mean listening, showing care, and encouraging someone to reach out for professional support when needed.

 

Building Healthier Communities

Men’s mental health is a community issue. Families, schools, workplaces, healthcare providers, and community organizations all have a role in creating environments where men feel accepted and supported.

 

This November, take time to check in with the men in your life, challenge the stigma around mental health, and remember that taking care of your mental health is an important part of overall wellness.

 

Talking helps. Support matters. Everyone deserves to feel heard.