Ancient Rivers Family Health Team

Don’t have a family doctor or nurse practitioner? This FREE cervical cancer screening program is for you.

Cervical cancer screening (formerly the pap test) is an important part of preventive care. Getting screened can find changes early, before cancer develops.

Get screened if you:
➡️ are 25 years or older
➡️ are a woman, Two-Spirit person, transmasculine person, or nonbinary person with a cervix
➡️ have ever had sexual contact
➡️ do not have symptoms such as unusual bleeding or discharge
➡️ are due for screening (every 5 years per Ontario guidelines)

Book your screening today:
📅 Visit: www.rcvtac.ca
📞 Call: 1-844-727-6404
ℹ️ Learn more: www.ovoht.ca/paptest
📋 Screening criteria: www.cancercareontario.ca/en/types-of-cancer/cervical/screening

Screening saves lives 💗

When breast cancer is found early, treatment is often more effective and outcomes are better. Screening is a simple way to be proactive and support your long-term health and wellbeing.

In Ontario, regular breast screening is recommended for women, Two-Spirit people, trans people, and nonbinary people ages 40 to 74 who:
• have no breast cancer symptoms
• have no personal history of breast cancer
• have not had a mastectomy
• have not had a screening mammogram within the last 11 months
• if transfeminine, have used feminizing hormones continuously for at least 5 years

If you are between the ages of 40 and 49, talk to your doctor, nurse practitioner, or call Health811 to help decide if screening is right for you.

For average-risk individuals ages 50 to 74, breast screening is recommended every 2 years.

If you have a family history of breast cancer or believe you may be at higher risk, talk to your doctor or nurse practitioner about when to start screening and whether additional options are recommended.

If you are due for screening, book your mammogram today through the Ontario Breast Screening Program or speak with your healthcare provider to learn more.

https://www.ontariohealth.ca/system/reporting/wait-times

Did you know you can self refer to our Mental Health Counselling Program?

We provide free, short term counselling (up to 8 sessions) for adults experiencing mild to moderate mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress, relationship concerns, low self esteem, and more.

This program is available to individuals who do not have access to extended health benefits covering mental health counselling and who live in Renfrew, Calabogie, and select surrounding communities.

No physician referral is required. Simply complete our online self referral form (preferred - link below and in bio) or call 343-361-3299 to self refer.

https://ocean.cognisantmd.com/intake/IntakePortal.html?eReqRef=13efd01c-db9c-4486-8643-73f6601b0057

This week, we recognize National Kinesiology Week and celebrate the contributions of Kinesiologists across Canada, including our ARFHT Kinesiologist, John.

Kinesiologists are registered healthcare professionals who help people of all ages and abilities work toward their health and wellness goals through exercise prescription, injury prevention and rehabilitation, chronic disease management, health promotion, and more. Their work helps people move better, recover from injury, prevent falls, manage chronic conditions, and stay active throughout their lives.

At ARFHT, John provides individual care and leads or co-leads several groups and workshops, including our Walking Group, Strong and Steady strength and balance exercise group, Vital Steps cardiopulmonary rehabilitation group, and Building Better Balance falls prevention workshop. To self refer for individual kinesiology services or exercise based group programs, visit our website (https://www.arfht.ca/programs-and-services/kinesiology-services/) or call our office at 343-361-3299.

Thank you to John and to Kinesiologists across Canada for the important work you do to keep Canadians healthy, active, and thriving.

Happy Pride Month 🌈 We’re proud to provide care that is inclusive, respectful, and affirming for members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Everyone deserves to feel safe, seen, and supported when accessing healthcare. This month, and every month, we’re committed to creating a space where people can show up as themselves and feel they belong.

Did you know? Our individual and group allied health-led services are offered free of charge through the Ancient Rivers Family Health Team office in Renfrew, Ontario. Residents of Renfrew, Calabogie, and surrounding areas can self refer!

Don't have a family doctor or nurse practitioner with our team? You can still access these services.

Visit our website to learn more about what we offer - our team is here for you!

🌟https://www.arfht.ca/programs-and-services/🌟

Ancient Rivers Family Health Team is currently seeking to fill the following positions:

🌟full or part time temporary Registered Dietitian
🌟part time temporary Office/Operations Coordinator
🌟full or part time permanent Nurse Practitioner

Our organization brings together physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals to support the health and well-being of people in Renfrew and the surrounding area.

If you’re interested in joining a supportive, interdisciplinary team focused on patient-centred care, we invite you to apply!

Please visit the careers section of our website for more info: https://www.arfht.ca/about/career-opportunities/

Pause and Reset: Practical Strategies for Stress Management is coming up in June!

🗓️Thursday, June 18, 2026 from 1:30-3:00pm at myFM Centre, 1 Ma-te-Way Park Dr, Renfrew, ON (in partnership with the )

Feeling stressed? This in-person workshop, led by a mental health counsellor, will give you practical, evidence-based tools to manage stress in real time. Learn techniques like breathing, grounding, muscle relaxation, and thought reframing, and create your own personalized “reset plan” to use in everyday life.

✅Open to adults (18+)
✅Maximum 30 participants
✅Free program

Please note: This workshop is educational and skill-based but is not a substitute for individualized counselling or crisis support.

Spots are limited! Learn more and register through the Groups section of our website 👉arfht.ca/groups

Screening saves lives 💙

When colorectal cancer is caught early, 9 out of 10 people can be cured. Screening is a simple way to be proactive and support your long-term health and wellbeing.

For average risk adults (age 50-74), regular colorectal screening is recommended using the FIT test every 2 years. The FIT is a free, safe, painless, at home test that only takes a few minutes and can be mailed to the lab in a pre-paid envelope provided with the test kit.

If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, talk to your doctor or nurse practitioner about when screening is right for you and which test is recommended.

Even more people will soon be eligible: starting July 1, colorectal screening in Ontario will begin at age 45 for average risk adults.

If you are due for screening, talk to your doctor or nurse practitioner about getting a FIT test, or call 811 to arrange for a test if you don’t have a primary care provider.

Paramedic Services Week recognizes the important role paramedics play in emergency response and community health. This year’s theme, “Better Care Starts Here,” highlights the vital role paramedics play in caring for, protecting, and strengthening communities across Ontario. We value the collaboration that supports seamless care across our healthcare system. Thank you paramedics!