News Releases

Health Department celebrates World No Tobacco Day, May 31

Whitby, Ontario – May 31 is World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) and Durham Region Health Department will mark this event by reminding everyone that it’s never too late to quit smoking and bringing awareness of the harms of tobacco marketing to youth.

WNTD was created by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1987 and is recognized each year on May 31 to highlight the harmful effects of tobacco. This annual event highlights the tobacco epidemic and emphasizes the important work still to be done in tobacco...

Durham Region celebrates Recreation and Parks Month with a passport adventure initiative

Whitby, Ontario - June is Recreation and Parks Month and Durham Region Health Department, in partnership with the Durham Region municipalities and Durham Tourism, is introducing an exciting passport adventure initiative for all area residents.

The passport provides an opportunity for residents to explore a variety of activities across Durham Region, with the chance to win a new bike which can be used to cycle the region’s many trails. Residents can download a digital copy of the passport by...

The Region of Durham celebrates National AccessAbility Week

Whitby, Ontario – The following statement is being issued on behalf of John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer for The Regional Municipality of Durham:

“On Sunday (May 26), National AccessAbility Week will begin across the country. This week is an opportunity for Canadians to celebrate people of all abilities; recognize the individuals, organizations and communities that are working to remove barriers; and raise awareness of issues related to accessibility and inclusion.

People...

Street Outreach Program connects unsheltered residents with critical supports

Whitby, Ontario – As homelessness continues to rise across Canada, including within Durham Region, the Region of Durham’s Street Outreach Program is supporting unsheltered residents on their path to securing permanent housing.

According to data from the Region’s By-Name List, 604 individuals are experiencing homelessness as of April 2024. To help reduce this number, the Region of Durham’s Street Outreach Program is meeting directly with unsheltered residents to connect them with supports and...

May is National Lyme Disease Awareness Month

Health Department urges everyone to take precautions against tick bites

Whitby, Ontario – May is National Lyme Disease Awareness Month. Durham Region Health Department reminds everyone that blacklegged ticks are widespread across Durham Region, especially in forested or grassy/brushy areas, and the importance of taking precautions to avoid tick bites which could lead to Lyme disease infections.

Although not all blacklegged ticks are infected with Lyme disease, some ticks may carry the bacteria...