‘Helps remove barriers’: Northumberland County hosting identification, wellness clinic
By West Northumberland Independent staff
Recognizing the significance of having valid identification as a first step to accessing housing, employment, healthcare, and additional essential services, Northumberland County is rolling out another identification and wellness clinic.
This upcoming clinic to be hosted in Cobourg marks the third and final in the county’s clinic series this year. The goal of the clinics has been to assist people who need help obtaining, replacing or updating identification, as navigating these processes can be challenging and time-consuming, explained county staff.
“Having valid identification is often the first step to accessing housing, employment, healthcare, and financial services and other essential supports,” said Jennifer Glover, the county’s community and social services client services manager. “This clinic helps remove barriers by bringing multiple organizations together in one location, making it easier for residents to get the assistance they need.
“Whether someone is replacing important documents, accessing community resources or is new to Northumberland and looking to connect with available services, the clinic provides a welcoming and convenient starting point.”
For the county, officials said this is part of its ongoing efforts to improve access to essential services.
The clinic is set for Wednesday, Oct. 28 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at county headquarters, which is located at 555 Courthouse Rd., Cobourg.
“Building on the positive response to previous clinics, attendees will have the opportunity to receive personalized assistance, ask questions and connect directly with organizations that can help them navigate identification applications and access other wellness-related services,” explained staff.
At the clinic, the county said attendees will have a chance to connect and get help with:
Northumberland County community and social services: Application assistance for Ontario Works and other supports.
Northumberland Paramedics community paramedicine program: Medical referrals and program details.
Service Ontario: Assistance with health cards, address changes and Ontario photo card applications.
Northumberland Help and Legal Centre: Assistance with program information, birth certificate applications and the fee waiver program.
Fleming College academic upgrading: Flexible skills on-demand and academic upgrading programs.
MP Phillip Lawrence Constituency Office: Assistance with federal programs, including permanent resident cards, passports and federal benefit programs.
Ontario Health Team of Northumberland: Information on connecting to local primary-care (physician and nurse practitioner) resources.
Career Edge: Employment Ontario service provider for job seekers and employers.
While the clinic is open to all, including walk-in participants, pre-registration is encouraged to help manage attendance and reduce wait-times, noted county officials.
Registration can be completed via Northumberland.ca/IDClinic.
For more information about transportation help or participating organizations and services, the county said people are encouraged to contact county community and social services at 1-800-354-7051.
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