Update on Health-Care Services During Active Forest Fire in Churchill Falls

Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Health Services advises the public that we continue to closely monitor the active forest fire near Churchill Falls, Labrador. A provincial emergency operations centre has been activated and we are working closely with provincial agencies, NL Hydro and other partners to ensure appropriate plans are in place to respond to this evolving situation. The health, safety and well-being of people in the area remains our top priority.

While the Churchill Falls Community Clinic remains closed, health-care services continue to be available to residents in the Labrador-Grenfell Zone at sites throughout the zone. The Labrador West Health Centre and Labrador Health Centre in Happy Valley – Goose Bay are open and operating in an “Elevated State of Readiness” in the event that services are needed to support potential additional demands at health-care facilities.

The public is reminded that due to expected rolling power and telephone outages in Labrador West, access to 911, 811 and telephone lines at Labrador West Health Centre may be impacted. If you are unable to reach 911 in an emergency after trying to call from both your cell phone and landline, the public is advised to present at the nearest emergency department.

NL Health Services recognizes that this may be a difficult time for people in our communities and encourages them to avail of mental health resources, if necessary. For a full listing of available resources, please visit: https://nl.bridgethegapp.ca/adult/mental-health-services-during-natural-disasters-and-emergencies/. Counsellors are also onsite to support evacuated residents in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

NL Health Services is committed to continuing to provide safe and quality care for people of Labrador during this situation. Our thoughts are with those who are directly impacted by the forest fires.

For the latest information on the status of wildfires in Labrador, please visit: NL Active Wildfire Dashboard.  For Emergency Response updates from NL Hydro, please visit: https://nlhydro.com/churchill-falls-emergency-response/.

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