These links were selected to answer your questions about living with heart disease and stroke during the coronavirus pandemic. If you don’t see what you need here, please refer to the full directory of services and resources.
Information about coronavirus, heart disease and stroke
Government of Canada: COVID-19 news and information for Canadians.
Protect your health
COVID-19 vaccine & heart conditions: What people in Canada should know
Federal government's vaccine page: Information about vaccines and links to your provincial or territorial vaccine page
COVID-19 symptom self-assessment tool: Find the assessment tool used in your province.
Medical and social services by phone: A listing of telehealth services in every province that can answer your health questions by phone.
Tips to self-isolate: If your healthcare provider has told you to self-isolate, follow their advice and use these tips.
COVID-19 Communication rights toolkit: For patients with COVID-19 (coronavirus) who need communication tools and supports due to speech-related disabilities.
ParticiPics: Free, searchable database of pictographic images designed for people with aphasia to communicate about coronavirus. You must open an account to access this resource.
Handwashing video: How to wash your hands if you have an upper limb affected by stroke.
Financial assistance
Government of Canada financial benefits and services: How to access assistance programs for Canadians affected by coronavirus.
Social and peer support
Heart & Stroke – Community of Survivors: Connect and talk with others living with heart disease or stroke. Heart & Stroke’s Community of Survivors and Care Supporter’s Community are Facebook groups where you can share experiences, quality information and tips for life. You'll find social and emotional support in a safe, inclusive and respectful community.
Care partner support: If you are providing care to someone with heart disease or stroke, search for services and resources for caregivers in your community.
COVID-19 tips and resources for caregivers: From the Ontario Caregiver Organization.
Mental health
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health: The COVID-19 situation is stressful for everyone and it is normal to be anxious and worried. This site is designed to provide information and suggestions for individuals and families about how best to cope in this difficult time.
COVID-19 and mental health: Resources and suggestions to help support your mental health from the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Crisis Services Canada: A collection of helpful resources.
Crisis line finder: Find crisis help in your region or country with a service from Your Life Counts.
Hope for Wellness: Find crisis line services in Indigenous languages.
Physical activity during physical distancing
If you have heart disease or if you have experienced a stroke, It is very important to follow the rehabilitation program or physical activity limits you were given by your healthcare team. Do not start a new physical activity program until you have the chance to discuss it with your healthcare team.
Exercise after stroke: Stroke is a complex condition, which can impact your ability to exercise safely. Learn about exercises you can do at home.
Exercise and wellness videos: List of online, free videos for people with mobility challenges. (PDF)
Pulse Cardiac Health: A service for people who cannot visit their cardiac rehab facility or who do not have access to one. The COVID-19 access plan is free of charge until further notice.
Get in Motion: Free, telephone-based physical activity coaching for Canadian adults with a physical disability – including stroke.
Healthy eating during physical distancing
Food bank finder: Food Banks Canada has a searchable database of approximately 450 affiliated food banks.
Indigenous COVID-19 resources
Assembly of First Nations: Important facts for First Nations people on the COVID-19 pandemic. Link to fact sheets, AFN resources and government resources.
Native Women’s Association of Canada: Resources for First Nations women and Two-Spirit people. Phone numbers for in-house elders who are available if you need support during this challenging time.
Hope for Wellness Helpline: An online chat counselling service for Indigenous peoples in English, French, Cree, Ojibway and Inuktitut. The service offers immediate mental health and crisis intervention assistance during the pandemic, or at any time.
Indigenous Services Canada: Step-by-step instructions for First Nations groups, individuals and businesses on how to apply for funding to weather the pandemic. Links to regional medical officers and information on how to protect yourself and your community.
Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services: COVID-19 information in Inuktitut, English and French.
First Nations Health Managers Association: Weekly virtual townhalls on COVID-19 for health managers, frontline health workers and First Nations communities. Attend live or listen to recordings. Link to information for health workers in Indigenous communities.
Related information
Services and resources home page
If you know of a resource that should be included in this list or you identify an error, please contact us.
Inclusion of a website or organization in the listing does not constitute an endorsement by the Heart and Stroke Foundation. The opinions and views expressed on a website or external source material are independent from those of the Heart and Stroke Foundation. You are responsible for obtaining appropriate medical advice from a physician or other qualified healthcare professional prior to acting upon any information available through this listing.