Online Chat Disclaimer

Welcome to the Niagara Region Online Chat, a free service for all Niagara residents. The service can be used to speak to Niagara Region staff about programs and services offered by Public Health and Community Services.

Carefully read the following important terms before proceeding to the online chat.

Agreeing to the Terms of Use Agreement is required for further use of, and access to, the website. When you click the "Start Chatting" button on the website, you acknowledge having read, understood and accepted the Terms of Use Agreement. If you have any questions about the terms of use, contact 905-684-7555 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7555

Important terms

Niagara Region Online Chat service allows you to chat online with a staff member. This service is not appropriate if you're in a crisis situation. If you're experiencing a medical emergency, you must call 9-1-1 immediately or visit your closest hospital emergency room. You may call or may be referred to Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 for non-emergency medical advice.
Every effort is made to ensure the information provided by the service is accurate, current and reliable
We make every effort to protect your privacy at all times. However, communications over the Internet may be subject to interception or loss that is beyond the control of Niagara Region. Niagara Region cannot guarantee the security of any transmission of data across the Internet.
Niagara Region is not responsible for and will not be liable to you or to anyone else for any damages whatsoever, including any indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages arising out of or in connection with your use or inability to use the website, even if Niagara Region has been advised of the possibilities of such damages.
This service is for residents of Niagara, Ontario only. If you live outside of Niagara we can't provide the service to you.
Online chat transcripts cannot be provided by Niagara Region after the counselling session is terminated. Clients who would like to keep a copy of their online chat session must make a copy themselves, by either downloading the transcript, emailing the transcript to themselves or by printing it themselves.

Privacy

Personal Information and Personal Health Information collected, used and disclosed by Niagara Region Public Health pursuant to the Health Protection and Promotion Act and in accordance with the Personal Health Information Protection Act for the purposes of managing the Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.

Review the Public Health Notice of Personal Health Information Practices for more information. Refer any questions related to your privacy to the Access and Privacy Office at 905-980-6000 ext. 3779 or email Freedom of Information.

Terms specific to a service or department

Children's Services
Children’s Services online chat service allows you to chat online with a Children's Services staff member about many items relating to your child, including:
- Licensed child care and home child care
- Financial assistance for child care
- Seasonal camp
- ProKids (sports and cultural programs)
- Resource consultant and behaviour consultant support
This service is available Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. (excluding statutory holidays).

For more information or questions about the service, call Children’s Services at 905-980-6000 ext. 3987.
Dental Program
You can use the service to speak to a registered dental hygienist or certified dental assistant about your own or your child's dental concerns including:
- Dental pain
- Information on free dental programs, such as Healthy Smiles Ontario and the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program
- Dental services and appointments offered at public health clinics
- Questions about parent notifications and other Public Health dental program paperwork
This service is available Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. (excluding statutory holidays).

For more information or questions about the service, call the Dental Line at 905-688-8248 or 1 888 505-6074 ext 7399.

Terms of use
- Niagara Region Public Health online chat service allows you to chat online with a registered dental hygienist or certified dental assistant. The registered dental hygienist will provide information within their scope of dental hygiene practice. The certified dental assistant will provide information within their professional boundaries and guidelines of the Ontario Dental Assisting Association.
- If you choose to provide Niagara Region Public Health dental staff with personal and / or personal health information, choosing "I agree" will be your consent to such information being collected and used by Niagara Region Public Health to respond to your inquiries and to assure quality service. Niagara Region Public Health is governed by the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) and the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). Our Public Health Notice of Personal Health Information Practices is available online.
- If you choose a virtual assessment with a registered dental hygienist, your child might be recommended dental services or be identified as having an urgent dental concern. During the virtual dental screening, the registered dental hygienist may find that your child has a dental condition(s) needing immediate treatment by a dental provider. A Parent Notification Form will be issued and must be completed and returned to the public health unit.
Niagara Parents
You can use the service to speak to a registered nurse about your pre-pregnancy, pregnancy and post-partum health including:
- Your mental health and wellness
- The health and wellbeing of your baby or young child
- Parenting
- Infant feeding (chestfeeding / breastfeeding)
- Your child’s growth and development
This online chat service is available Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. (excluding statutory holidays).

Terms of use
- Niagara Region Public Health online chat service allows you to chat online with a registered nurse. The registered nurse will not diagnose illnesses nor provide any treatment recommendations.
- If you choose to provide Niagara Region Public Health with personal and / or personal health information, choosing "I agree" will be your consent to such information being collected and used by Niagara Region Public Health to respond to your inquiries and to assure quality service. Niagara Region Public Health is governed by the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) and the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). Our Public Health Notice of Personal Health Information Practices is available online.
If you need more information or have questions about this service, call Niagara Parents at 905-684-7555 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7555.
Sexual Health
You can use this service to speak with a Public Health Nurse about your sexual health needs including:
- Information about sexually transmitted infections
- Sexually transmitted infections testing and treatment options
- Birth-control options
- Pregnancy information
- Connecting to other community resources
Terms of use
- Niagara Region Public Health online chat service allows you to chat online with a Public Health nurse. The Public Health nurse will not diagnose illnesses nor provide any treatment recommendations.
- If you choose to provide Niagara Region Public Health with personal and / or personal health information, choosing "I agree" will be your consent to such information being collected, documented and used by Niagara Region Public Health to respond to your inquiries and to assure quality service. Niagara Region Public Health is governed by the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA). Our Public Health Notice of Personal Health Information Practices is available online.
If you need more information or have questions about this service, call Sexual Health at 905-688-3817 or 1-800-263-5757.