News

International Overdose Awareness Day - August 31

International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event held each year on August 31st to raise awareness of overdose, reduce the stigma around drug-related death and remember those we have lost due to this tragedy. It also acknowledges the grief felt by family and friends of those who have died due to an overdose.

International Overdose Awareness Day spreads the message that the tragedy of overdose death is preventable.

A recent report has shown that opioid overdose deaths have surged in Ontario...

Southwestern Public Health hosting multiple vaccine pop-up clinics at local schools

Southwestern Public Health is hosting multiple COVID-19 vaccine pop-up clinics to encourage a healthy start to the school year.

As of August 25, 66% of individuals aged 12-19 have been vaccinated with at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and only 54% have been fully vaccinated. With less than two weeks remaining before the start of school, increasing these rates is critical for preventing COVID-related absences from in-class learning.

“We can all agree that students belong in the classroom. We...

Extreme Heat Warning Issued for August 24 - 26

Southwestern Public Health issues heat warning August 24 - August 26

August 24, 2021 at 1:30 PM

Southwestern Public Health issues extreme heat alerts when Environment Canada forecasts temperatures that are expected to be at least 31°C and overnight temperatures are at or above 20°C for two days, or the Humidex is forecasted to be at least 40°C for two days.

Environment Canada is forecasting warm temperatures throughout the Southwestern Public Health region to continue through Wednesday, August 25th...

SWPH Looks for Information in Dog Bite Incident

Southwestern Public Health was alerted to a dog biting incident and is asking for support in identifying and contacting the owner of the dog involved.

The incident occurred on Friday, August 20, 2021, at approximately 12:30 p.m. at Dutton Farm and Auto Shop (277 Currie Road, Dutton).

The dog was described as a large breed with brindle colouring, possibly a Pyrenean Mastiff. The owner was at the mechanic shop for a tire repair while the dog was in the vehicle. When the mechanic entered the car for...

St. Thomas COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Moving to Smaller Location

Following the administration of 94,000 doses at the site, the large space is no longer needed

Six months after it opened, the COVID-19 Mass Immunization Clinic in St. Thomas will be scaled back in size and moved to the health unit’s 1230 Talbot Street location. The Memorial Arena location will administer its final vaccine on the afternoon of Friday September 10 and the 1230 Talbot Street location will open the morning of Monday September 13.

Since its March launch, more than 94,000 doses of vaccine...

Everyone born in 2009 or earlier is eligible for COVID-19 vaccine.

With the school year approaching and the Delta variant spreading quickly; the Health Unit wants to maximize protection

Following direction from Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Southwestern Public Health has expanded access to COVID-19 vaccines by inviting all children who turn 12 in 2021 for the COVID-19 vaccine. This opportunity is for anyone born in 2009, even if they have not yet celebrated their twelfth birthday. This change is effective immediately.

“As much as we are enjoying...