UniVoice – October 2026

Powering Connections to Health This October

October is Community Health and Wellbeing Month, an opportunity to recognize the important role primary health care plays in supporting healthier, stronger, and more connected communities. 

 

This year’s theme from the Alliance for Healthier Communities is “Furthering Health Equity, Powering Connections.” At Univi, we are bringing this theme to our communities by focusing on Powering Connections to Health. 

 

Connecting with primary care is about more than getting an appointment. It is also about building a strong relationship between you and your healthcare team, understanding how to navigate services, and making sure you are connected with the right care at the right time. 

 

Throughout October, we will be sharing four simple messages that can help strengthen these connections: 

 

Tell Us Why You’re Calling
When booking an appointment, sharing the reason for your visit helps our team understand your needs and connect you with the appropriate provider, service, appointment type, and level of urgency. 

 

Respect Goes Both Ways
Everyone deserves to feel safe, heard, and respected. Respectful communication, patience, listening, and understanding help build trust and create a positive healthcare environment for patients, visitors, and healthcare teams. 

 

Plan Ahead
Whenever possible, give your healthcare team enough notice for prescription renewals, forms, and other paperwork that requires review or completion. Planning ahead can help prevent avoidable delays or interruptions in your care. 

 

Can’t Make Your Appointment? Let Us Know
Plans change. If you cannot attend a scheduled appointment, letting us know as soon as possible may allow us to offer that time to another patient who is waiting for care. 

 

These small actions are part of a bigger goal: strengthening the connection between patients and their healthcare team. 

 

Providing accessible, responsive primary healthcare is a shared effort. By working together, communicating openly, and understanding how we can support one another, we can help build stronger connections to care across our communities. 

 

Throughout October, watch for more information from Univi as we explore each of these topics as part of Community Health and Wellbeing Month. 

 

Powering Connections to Health. Helping you connect with the right care, at the right time. 

 

Learn more: https://univi.ca/community-health-and-wellbeing-month/  

Annual General Meeting and Board Recognition

Univi Health Centre will hold its Annual General Meeting on October 7, 2026, bringing together community members and members of the organization to reflect on the past year and look ahead to the future. 

 

The Annual General Meeting is an important opportunity to recognize the work that has taken place across Univi, celebrate the people who contribute to our organization, and acknowledge the leadership of our Board of Directors. 

 

This year, we are especially pleased to recognize Liliane Lamothe, who is stepping down from Univi’s Board of Directors after 13 years of dedicated service. 

 

Since joining the Board in 2013, Liliane has provided valuable leadership and unwavering support for Univi Health Centre’s mission. Over more than a decade of service, she has contributed her time, knowledge, and commitment to supporting the organization and the communities we serve.

 

As she concludes her time on the Board, Liliane reflected on the importance of Univi’s presence in rural Sudbury East: 

 

“As I step down from my position on the Board of Directors of Univi Health Centre, I would like to highlight the importance of its presence in the four rural communities it serves. 

 

The Centre plays an essential role by providing local services that contribute to physical and mental health, as well as the overall well-being of the population. 

 

I have greatly appreciated the years I spent serving on the Board. This experience has been extremely rewarding, and I sincerely thank everyone whose dedication contributes to this essential mission.” 

 

We extend our sincere appreciation to Liliane for her many years of service, leadership, and commitment to Univi. Her contributions over the past 13 years have helped support the organization’s continued work in our rural communities. 

 

Thank you, Liliane, and we wish you all the best in the future! 

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an opportunity to learn more about breast cancer, understand your risk, and take steps to look after your health. 

 

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in Canada. It develops when cells in the breast begin to grow abnormally. While anyone, regardless of gender, can develop breast cancer, understanding your personal risk and knowing what changes to look for can help you make informed decisions about your health. 

 

Know Your Risk 

Several factors can affect a person’s risk of developing breast cancer. Some, such as age and family history, cannot be changed, while others may be related to lifestyle and overall health. 

 

Knowing your family health history is an important place to start. If you have questions or concerns about your personal risk, speak with your healthcare provider. 

 

Know What Is Normal for You 

Being familiar with your body can help you recognize when something has changed. Changes may include a new lump, a change in the size or shape of the breast, changes to the skin, or changes around the nipple. 

 

These changes can happen for many reasons and do not necessarily mean you have breast cancer. However, if you notice something new or unusual for you, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider. 

 

Learn About Screening 

Breast cancer screening can help detect cancer early, sometimes before signs or symptoms appear. A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast used to look for signs of breast cancer. 

 

Screening recommendations can vary depending on factors such as your age and personal risk. Talk with your healthcare provider to learn more about breast cancer screening and what may be appropriate for you. 

 

Support Your Overall Health 

Taking care of your overall health is another important part of cancer prevention. 

 

Staying physically active, eating a variety of nutritious foods, not smoking, and limiting alcohol can support your health and may help reduce the risk of certain cancers.

 

Regular health checkups also provide an opportunity to ask questions, discuss concerns, and stay informed about recommended screening. 

 

Learn, Talk and Take Care 

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder to learn about your health and encourage the people around you to do the same. 

 

Knowing your risk, paying attention to changes in your body, and learning about screening are simple ways to stay informed and take an active role in your health.

Halloween Safety

Halloween is a fun time for children and families. Between costumes, trick-or-treating, decorations, and plenty of treats, there is lots to look forward to. As a parent or caregiver, a few simple precautions can help make Halloween night fun and safe for everyone. 

 

Help Children Be Seen and Stay Safe on the Road 

Trick-or-treating often takes place after the sun goes down, making it more difficult for drivers to see children. When choosing a costume, consider bright colours, reflective tape, or other reflective materials. Giving children a flashlight or light can also help make them more visible. 

 

Remind children to use sidewalks whenever possible and to cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Encourage them to look both ways before crossing and to continue watching for vehicles as they cross. 

 

Choose a Safe Costume 

When helping your child choose a costume, make sure it is comfortable, fits properly, and allows them to move around easily. Costumes that are too long can increase the risk of trips and falls. 

 

Check that masks, hats, and other accessories do not block your child’s vision. If a mask makes it difficult to see, consider using face paint instead. Keep costumes away from candles, open flames, and other potential fire hazards. 

 

Check Treats Before They Are Eaten 

Encourage children to wait until they get home before eating their Halloween treats. 

 

Before they start enjoying their treats, check that packages are properly sealed and do not appear damaged or opened. For younger children, watch for small or hard treats that may be difficult to eat safely and choose options that are appropriate for their age. 

 

Plan for Trick-or-Treating 

Young children should be accompanied by a parent, caregiver, or trusted adult while trick-or-treating. If older children are ready to go out without an adult, encourage them to travel with friends, stay together, and follow a planned route. 

 

Before they leave, make sure you know where they are going and agree on a time for them to return home. Remind them to stay in familiar areas, visit well-lit homes, and never enter someone’s home or vehicle while trick-or-treating. 

 

Have a Safe and Happy Halloween! 

Halloween is a chance for families to have fun, get creative, and make memories together. Helping children stay visible, choosing safe costumes, checking treats, and planning ahead are simple ways parents and caregivers can help make the evening safer. 

 

From all of us at Univi, have a safe and happy Halloween!