North Simcoe Muskoka Hospice Palliative Care Network

09/05/2026

Back-to-school season can bring a lot of feelings to the surface.

For some, this time of year quietly deepens the ache of missing someone — a child, a parent, a sibling, a friend — who would have been part of the routines, the photos, the first-day nerves, and the after-school stories.

For others, it stirs a longing for the day they’ll get to experience back-to-school as a parent: holding a tiny hand on the way to class, packing a first backpack, or walking into a school as a family.

If this season feels heavier for you, you’re not alone. Your feelings make sense. Be gentle with yourself, reach out to someone you trust, and know that there is care and support around you.

Wishing everyone navigating grief or longing a little extra kindness as the school year begins.

Remember to be gentle with yourself.
We see you.
You are not alone.

09/04/2026

Myth vs. Fact Friday!!

Myth: Reaching out to a hospice organization means giving up.

Fact: Hospice is active, whole-person care that focuses on comfort, dignity, and support for the patient and family when cure is no longer the goal. Local hospice programs bring nurses, social workers, and volunteers into homes and community settings.

Choosing hospice isn’t surrender—it’s a proactive choice to prioritize quality of life, symptom relief, and meaningful time with loved ones. Care can start early in a serious illness and continues alongside treatments that aim to control symptoms, not just at the very end.

In our area, teams from various community hospices offer visiting volunteers, caregiver support, complementary therapies, and bereavement services—often with no referral required.

Know someone supporting a loved one? Share this post, or pass along the contact info for your local hospice. Sometimes the bravest step is simply reaching out.

09/03/2026

Are your wishes for the future protected? Join Hospice Georgian Triangle for “Advance Care Planning with Thai Shelton” and take the first step in making your voice heard. 🌿

🗓️ Tuesday, September 15th
🕜 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
📍 Campbell House, Lighthouse Room, 240 Erie St, Collingwood

Learn how to reflect on what matters most, decide who will speak for you, and share your wishes with loved ones. All participants will receive a FREE Advance Care Planning Workbook!

Don’t leave your future to chance—empower yourself and your family with peace of mind.
RSVP today: [email protected]

09/02/2026

Registration Deadline is Today - Fundamentals of Hospice Palliative Care (FHPC)

The Fundamentals of Hospice Palliative Care program is a highly interactive, introductory course for all healthcare providers, support workers, and volunteers interested in enhancing their knowledge of Hospice Palliative Care.

Course Components:
Three, 3-hour virtual in-class Case-Based Learning sessions
Self-directed online learning modules x 11
Two Peer-to-peer exchanges
One reflective Activity
All course components are mandatory, including attendance at all virtual in-class learning sessions.

Start Date: September 17th, 2026
Duration: Approximately 9 weeks
Fee: $40
Pre-requisites: None
🔗 Register by end of day September 2nd: https://nsmhpcn.ca/fhpc/

09/01/2026

Ready to be a change-maker?

Join the Waiting Room Revolution and help us put people first in hospice care. As an ambassador, you’ll inspire others, build community, and make a lasting difference.

Sign up for our training session on September 17th and start your journey of impact and compassion. 💚

Upcoming WRR Ambassador Training:
Date: Thursday, September 17th, 2026
Registration Deadline: September 3rd
Location: Hospice Orillia office, 169 Front St. S., Orillia, ON
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
RSVP: RSVP: https://hospiceorillia.ca/wrr/ or scan QR Code
Notes: Light refreshments will be provided.

Join the social movement today!

09/01/2026

Reminder!! We have officially moved to Envoke for our monthly newsletters! If you haven't received your copy, please check your junk folder (as mark us as a safe sender)!

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08/31/2026

We stand with everyone who has experienced the unimaginable loss of someone significant to an overdose. Today, and every day, we hold space for grief, remembrance, compassion, and hope.

Overdose can happen to anyone. Awareness, honest conversations, and reducing stigma can save lives.

Please remember:
• Do not mix prescription medications with alcohol or other substances unless a health-care professional has confirmed it is safe.
• Make sure your pharmacist and health-care providers know all medications, supplements, and substances you take.
• People returning to substance use after a period of abstinence or relapse may be at greater risk of overdose because their tolerance may be lower than before.

No one should have to face grief or loss alone. Let’s choose compassion over judgment and support one another with care.

Today on International Overdose Awareness Day, we stand together across the globe declaring it's time for change. We are showing up, speaking up, and saying loudly - let's end overdose! 💜

08/30/2026

🕊️ Today is National Grief Awareness Day 🕊️

Grief is a natural and deeply personal response to loss. It isn’t a straight line — it’s a journey filled with ups and downs, twists and turns. There is no “right” way to grieve, and everyone’s experience looks different.

On this National Grief Awareness Day, we encourage you to take a moment to reflect, remember, and honour your own grief journey or the journey of someone you love. 💜

📞 To learn more about grief support programs available in your area, visit: https://211ontario.ca/search/

#211

08/28/2026

Myth vs. Fact Friday: Overdose Awareness

🚫 Myth: “Overdose only happens to people who use drugs regularly.”

✅ Fact: Overdose can happen to anyone—on a first use, after a break, or when substances are mixed. It affects people using illicit drugs, prescription medications, over-the-counter products, or alcohol. Mixing opioids with other depressants (like benzodiazepines, sleep aids, or alcohol) greatly increases the risk of slowed or stopped breathing—even medications taken as prescribed can become dangerous when combined or taken in higher doses. Tolerance changes, unpredictable drug supply (including fentanyl contamination), and drug interactions mean overdose is not limited to “regular” or “street” drug use.

🕯️ International Overdose Awareness Day is August 31. Join us in remembering those lost, supporting families, and breaking the stigma. Everyone can help: carry naloxone, learn the signs of overdose, and reach out for support without fear or judgment. Remember, accidental overdose can happen to anyone!

Together, we can save lives and bring hope to our community. 💜

08/27/2026

Get ready—Hot Rods for Hospice is almost here! 🚗💨

Join us for an action-packed day of classic cars, tasty BBQ, and a chance to win big in our 50/50 raffle (up to $5,000!). All proceeds support Hospice Orillia’s compassionate care in our community.

Event Details:
🗓️ Saturday, September 12
📍 ODAS Park, Severn (Directions: https://ow.ly/xC7V50ZG3tj)
🚙 Car check-in: 7:30–9 a.m.
🏁 Car show: 9 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
🎟️ 50/50 draw: 2:30 p.m.

Don’t miss our charity BBQ—thanks to Friends Diner, Orillia Bakery & Deli, Jason’s No Frills and Complete Rent-Alls (Orillia)!

Pre-register now for your exclusive swag bag: https://hospiceorillia.ca/carshow or call (705) 325-0505 ext. 207.

Bring your family, invite your friends, and let’s make a difference together!