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in si de ha lto n. co m O ak vi lle B ea ve r | T hu rs da y, M ay 6, 20 21 | 24 Since the beginning of our COVID-19 vaccine rollout, we've received an overwhelmingly positive response from our community. These positive comments reflect what I've seen firsthand-- our team is going above and beyond each and every day to provide an excellent experience and protect our community. I can't thank our Public Health staff, Paramedic Services staff, community partners and local hospitals enough for making the vaccine program run smoothly. Getting the COVID-19 vaccine when it is your turn is one of the best ways we can work together to stop transmission, prevent severe illness, hospitalizations and deaths. All vaccines approved by Health Canada are safe and effective and the best vaccine you can get is the first one offered to you! Those who are eligible can book an appointment at one of our clinics or at one of the many participating pharmacy locations in Halton. We are booking appointments and vaccinating residents as quickly as supplies arrive. We have six clinics in Halton operating 7 days a week, and a dedicated team working to make booking appointments and getting vaccinated as easy as possible. We will keep opening up appointments to our community as supplies are made available from the Federal and Provincial governments. I'm pleased to share that we will be investing a total of $3.5 million in 2021 for community programs and services that support the health, safety and well-being of Halton residents through the Halton Region Community Investment Fund (HRCIF). These investments will help local organizations deliver critical services to Halton's most vulnerable residents by supporting housing needs, reducing food insecurity, addressing isolation among older adults and providing mental health services. Halton Region will continue to accept applications for funding through the HRCIF on an ongoing basis in 2021 to respond to emergent needs and address the continued impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. I encourage our community partners to learn more about opportunities for funding through the HRCIF. Applications will be reviewed regularly until all available funding has been allocated. To learn more about the HRCIF, visit halton.ca. HaltonHighlights May2021 This page has been donated by this newspaper to communicate important information to Halton residents at no cost to taxpayers. Meetings at Halton Region Supporting local organizations and partners during the COVID-19 pandemic Getting your COVID-19 vaccine is safe, easy and effective This week is the Canadian Mental Health Association's (CMHA) Mental Health Week, which reminds everyone to continue to take care of their mental health and to check in with their loved ones. Many of us may be feeling uncertain and worried about different aspects of our lives, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. During times like these, it is very important to take care of our mental health and well-being and to remember we are not alone. I encourage you to visit our Mental Health webpage on halton.ca for a list of agencies for people of all ages that provide their services online or over the phone. Don't hesitate to reach out to a loved one or health professional if you need support. For more information on mental health supports, visit halton.ca. 05 06 21 Supporting your mental health and well-being Regional Council meetings are taking place through web conferencing until further notice. Videos will be posted to halton.ca. Visit halton.ca for the full schedule. We all have a role in stopping the spread of COVID-19. Gary Carr, Regional Chair HALTONREGION COVID-19VACCINE PROGRAM To find the latest information on COVID-19 vaccines in Halton, please visit halton.ca/COVIDvaccines.