Hamilton Welcomes Ukrainians

• Ukrainians in Ontario under the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) are eligible for coverage under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). The province pays for medically-necessary health services covered by OHIP.
• Learn how to apply for OHIP, including what documents are needed, or call ServiceOntario INFOline at 1-866-532-3161 (TTY: 1-800-387-5559).
• The Ontario Drug Benefit Program helps cover the cost of about 5,000 prescription drugs. Learn how to get help paying for prescription drugs
• If you have a long-term physical disability, you can get help paying for equipment and supplies through the Assistive Devices Program.

See information on the offering a range of immigration and settlement supports offered by the Province of Ontario

Access dental, vaccination newborn, infant and prenatal care

Information about local dental, newborn, infant and prenatal care, and vaccination programs.

Public Health Programs - Ukrainian(PDF, 557.91 KB)

Public Health Programs - Russian(PDF, 577.73 KB)

Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO)

For children & youth 0-17 years old, HSO provides routine and emergency dental care. HSO coverage is from August 1st until July 31st, regardless of when you apply, and can be renewed annually if you remain eligible. An HSO card will be mailed to your address to use at a dentist in your community.
Eligibility: 17 years of age or younger, income eligibility criteria (or signature of a guarantor for those who are unable to show proof of income). You must apply to the program and have your application approved prior to seeking services. *If a child or youth is experiencing a dental emergency or has essential dental treatment needs, they may be eligible for immediate HSO enrolment in order to seek immediate dental care. A visual screening to assess the dental condition is required to determine eligibility for immediate enrolment. Call 905-546-2424 ext. 5369 or visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/get-dental-care

Emergency Assistance through Ontario Works Program

Adults 18-64 years old with dental treatment needs may qualify for Emergency Assistance through Ontario Works. If eligible for Emergency Assistance, a dental card can be provided for up to 48 days of dental benefit. Contact your Ontario Works case manager at 905-546-4800 for more information.

Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP) OSDCP provides free, routine dental services, including dentures, for low-income seniors 65 years and older. OSDCP coverage is from August 1st until July 31st, regardless of when you apply, and can be renewed annually if you remain eligible. An OSDCP card will be mailed to your address. Eligibility: 65 years of age or older, income eligibility criteria (or signature of a guarantor for those who are unable to show proof of income). You must apply to the program and have your application approved prior to seeking services. If a senior is experiencing a dental emergency or has essential dental treatment needs, they may be eligible for immediate enrollment based on an emergency condition. Call us at 905-546-2424 ext. 3789 or email [email protected] for more information.

Healthy Babies Healthy Children

As part of the Healthy Babies Healthy Children (HBHC) program, all families are offered the chance to speak to a Public Health Nurse about how they are doing either during their pregnancy, after the birth of a baby, or up to when a child transitions to school. The HBHC program also offers free home visiting to families who need more support. We have cultural interpreting services available to support clients.

The HBHC program can support families with:

• Having a healthy pregnancy
• Developing a positive relationship with their child
• Promoting their child's growth and development
• Answering any questions about their child

Canadian Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP)

Public Health Nurses partner with Public Health Dietitians to deliver weekly interactive prenatal education sessions virtually, or by phone, to pregnant women at no cost. They learn about healthy eating in pregnancy, birthing and related topics. Program incentives, including food gift certificates and bus tickets, are offered to program participants. Call Health Connections 905-546-3550 for more information.

Online Prenatal Program

Free online classes to learn more about pregnancy, birth and newborn care. Call 905-546-3591

COVID-19 Vaccines

Eligibility: COVID-19 Vaccines are available for free. Everyone who is six months of age and older can receive 2 doses of COVID-19 vaccine. Some people can also get 3rd and 4th doses.

• Types of vaccines available: Pfizer (ages five years and older), Moderna (six months to under 5, 30+)

Visit www.hamilton.ca/GetYourVaccine for vaccine clinic information and to learn more.

Call the COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline at 905-974-9848, option 7 for vaccine clinic information, to learn more about vaccine eligibility and any questions. Translation is available.

Routine Vaccines

Routine Vaccines Hamilton Public Health Services’ Vaccine Program is available to provide consultation to health care providers and families. Call 905-546-2424 ext. 7556 to access our Vaccine Program Infoline or visit www.hamilton.ca/vaccines for more information.

Children’s camps run at various sites across Hamilton. Families approved for the City of Hamilton’s Child Care Subsidy qualify for camp subsidies, where spaces exist.

Camps with subsidies available through the City of Hamilton

Supie Parks program
A free program for children aged 4 to 12, with staff providing activities and programming Monday-Friday. Park locations and hours can be found at www.hamilton.ca/supie

Registered Recreation Programs
Instructed swim lessons, fitness classes, or other programs for children and families. Programs offered can be found at www.hamilton.ca/recreation. Registration fees apply to registered programs. Application for subsidy available for newcomer families.

Parks, Trails and Playgrounds
Green spaces, trails and playgrounds, free and open for public use. Locations with amenities can be found at www.hamilton.ca/parks-recreation/parks-trails-and-beaches/parkfinder

Wading Pools
Free shallow pool amenities on parks. Wading pool locations and hours can be found at www.hamilton.ca/recreation/outdoor-pools

Spray Pads
Free water features on parks. Splash pad locations can be found at www.hamilton.ca/spray-pads

Indoor Pools* and Gyms
Open swim and gymnasium programs for all ages, admission fees apply. Pool/gym locations can be found at www.hamilton.ca/recreation/recreation-centres-indoor-pools

Outdoor Pools
Open swim programs, admission fees apply. Pool locations can be found at www.hamilton.ca/recreation/outdoor-pools. Open swim programs at indoor and outdoor pools for children require direct parent supervision and/or minimum swimming ability,

Free Fitness on the Park
Free fitness program for families and those of all ages, with fitness instructors providing classes Monday-Friday on neighbourhood parks. Park locations and times can be found at www.hamilton.ca/recreation/fitness-park

Senior Centres and Clubs 
Programs for those aged 55 and older, admission fees and memberships apply. Locations and program schedules can be found at www.hamilton.ca/recreation/senior-centres-clubs 

Golf Courses
Programs and tee times for all ages, admission and membership fees apply. Locations can be found at www.hamilton.ca/golf-hamilton 

For more information on any programs or amenities, including fees and contact information, visit www.hamilton.ca/recreation, or contact Recreation by email at [email protected] or by phone at 905-546-2424 ext. 3747

CAP-C System Navigation Program

• A free service providing 1:1 support for families and children from cultural communities.
• General Information: capc.hamilton.on.ca/
• Contact: [email protected]  or 905-512-3682

Home Management Program

• The Home Management Program offers programs to teach individuals, families and groups, through practical instruction and coaching, the skills necessary to be more successful and independent in their day to day living.
• General information: www.hamilton.ca/people-programs/financial-stability-supports/support-programs/home-management-program
• Contact: [email protected] 

Boys and Girls Club Hamilton-Halton Family Engagement Program

• Support for families to collaboratively create opportunities to discover, develop and achieve.
• General Information: www.bgchh.com/family-engagement/
• Contact: [email protected]  or 905-549-2814 ext. 2416

City of Hamilton Therapeutic Coordinators

• Support for families with concerns about their child’s development. Open to children ages 0 to 3.8 years. For more information, call or email.
• Contact: [email protected] or 905-546-2424 ext. 4872