Lakeridge Health Launches Women’s Health Collective to Expand Access and Build Momentum Across Durham Region

DURHAM REGION, ON – March 26, 2026 – Lakeridge Health is launching the Women’s Health Collective, a new community designed to bring women across Durham Region together to learn, connect, and take control of their health. 

The Collective represents the next step in a growing movement, one that is breaking down barriers, amplifying women’s voices, and reshaping how women access care, knowledge, and support in their communities. 

The Collective will offer educational sessions on a wide range of health topics, including those often considered taboo, while connecting women directly with health-care professionals, including physicians and community members across Durham Region. It will also provide accessible tools and reliable information to support informed decision-making and help reduce barriers within the health-care system. 

“At Lakeridge Health, our mission is to support people to live their best health,” said Cynthia Davis, President and CEO, Lakeridge Health. “The Women’s Health Collective brings that to life, creating space for women to feel heard, supported, and confident taking control of their health. This is about advancing women’s health and building stronger, healthier communities across Durham Region.” 

The launch of the Women’s Health Collective builds on the success and momentum of Lakeridge Health’s Women’s Health Symposium, co-founded by Dr. Nadia Ismiil and Shara Santan. 

Since launching in 2025, the Women’s Health Symposium has sold out two consecutive years, welcoming hundreds of attendees eager to learn and connect. Participants explored key women’s health topics, engaged directly with Lakeridge Health leaders, and connected with more than 30 community organizations, highlighting strong and growing interest in more open, accessible conversations about women’s health. 

“As both a physician and a patient, I understand how important it is for women to have access to trusted information and to feel comfortable asking questions, even the difficult or sensitive ones,” said Dr. Nadia Ismiil, Deputy Chief of Staff and Chief of Academic Affairs, Research and LHEARN at Lakeridge Health and co-founder of the Women’s Health Symposium. “We know that gaps in knowledge and access can directly impact health outcomes. The Women’s Health Collective helps bridge those gaps by creating a trusted space where women can learn, ask questions, and make more informed decisions about their health.” 

“The Women’s Health Symposium started with a simple but powerful truth: Women deserve better,” said Shara Santan, Senior Director, Strategic Communications at Lakeridge Health and co-founder of the Women’s Health Symposium. “We are often decision-makers for our families, yet our own health is too often overlooked. The strong response to our Women’s Health Symposiums reflects a growing demand for change across our communities. The Women’s Health Collective builds on that momentum, creating ongoing opportunities for women to access the support they need to take control of their health year-round.” 

Residents across Durham Region are encouraged to join the Women’s Health Collective to stay connected to upcoming events and ways to get involved. 

To join Lakeridge Health’s Women’s Health Collective, visit this link.  

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About Lakeridge Health  

Lakeridge Health is one of Ontario’s most comprehensive health systems, with five hospitals, four emergency departments, three critical care units, a long-term care home, a state-of-the-art, community-based surgical centre, and more than 30 community-based locations delivering acute, ambulatory, and long-term care. We are home to leading regional programs in cancer care, chronic kidney disease services, and critical care. In addition, we offer specialty services such as a Level 3 Trauma Centre, The Shoulder Centre, thoracic surgery, gynecology oncology, eye care, and a full continuum of mental health and addictions care. Through transformative research, dynamic academic partnerships, and over 160 active clinical studies, we are advancing medical knowledge and training the next generation of providers through the Queen’s–Lakeridge Health MD Family Medicine Program and the LHEARN Network. Supported by nearly 9,000 staff, physicians, and volunteers, and working in collaboration with the Durham Ontario Health Team and community partners, we are committed to building an integrated system of care and empowering people across Durham Region to live their best health.