News

Report Identifies Indirect Health Impacts of COVID-19

A new Southwestern Public Health report confirms how the pandemic has affected the livelihood and overall health of people living in Elgin County, Oxford County, and the City of St. Thomas.

The Indirect Health Impacts of COVID-19 is one of several health status reports routinely compiled by the health unit. The purpose of this Report is to help prepare for future emergency situations and inform decisions about local recovery from COVID-19.

Key findings indicate there were more mental health and substance...

Changes coming to local COVID-19 vaccination clinics

Southwestern Public Health is changing its COVID-19 vaccination operations to prepare for the summer months ahead.

Over the coming weeks, the health unit’s vaccination sites in St. Thomas and Woodstock will transition to fewer days each week to focus more effort on pop-up and mobile clinics. Starting June 6, the St. Thomas site at 1230 Talbot Street will operate Mondays and Fridays from 9AM to noon and 1PM to 4PM. Also on June 6, the Woodstock site moves to South Gate Centre and will be open Mondays...

Southwestern Public Health Encourages Community to Stay Informed about Ticks and Lyme Disease

In alignment with the release of Public Health Ontario’s 2022 Lyme Disease Risk Map, Southwestern Public Health reminds community members to familiarize themselves with tick and Lyme disease prevention information before heading outdoors this spring.

This year, Ontario’s risk map includes a new Lyme disease risk area for the Southwestern Public Health region in Malahide, Ontario.

Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria that is spread through the bite of an infected blacklegged (deer) tick. Risk areas...

Thank You from Southwestern Public Health

Southwestern Public Health Highlights Safe Needle Disposal for Earth Day

Today for Earth Day, Southwestern Public Health is highlighting steps for safe needle disposal and other sharp litter found in our communities.

“Now that the weather has started to warm, people are again visiting community parks. But, with the snow melting, they may find discarded needles and other trash in these public spaces,” says Jacqueline Deroo, Public Health Nurse at Southwestern Public Health. “We want everyone to feel confident about what to do if they come across a needle or other hazardous...

SWPH issues recommendations for Easter celebrations

Media Release

April 13, 2022

Southwestern Public Health urges caution and issues recommendations for Easter celebrations

With a long weekend approaching, families across the region are gearing up for traditional family gatherings, religious services, and other community events to mark the season. For the first time in two years, there are no legislated public health measures restricting holiday gatherings.

Southwestern Public Health’s new Acting Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Ninh Tran, asks the...