News

Wishing you a Healthy School Year

Back to School with your Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Ninh Tran

Even though it’s been a few years since I was in the classroom as a student, I love this season for its return to routine and learning.

I know, however, that it’s a busy and sometimes stressful time for parents as you transition your children from the less structured summer months to a season of bus schedules, homework, and school lunches.

The team here at Southwestern Public Health is here to support you through this time of...

Series highlights, personalizes opioid crisis facing local community

MEDIA RELEASE

August 31, 2023

First story in health unit series highlights and personalizes the opioid crisis facing local community

Using stories and statistics, the the first segment in the Vital Perspectives series shines a light on one of the biggest public health crises of our time.

The opioid crisis is not a big city problem, and it’s going to take an overhaul of services - and of attitudes - to reverse the current emergency in the Southwestern Public Health region. That’s the message of the...

Bat Tests Positive for Rabies in Norwich, Ontario

August 14, 2023

Bat Tests Positive for Rabies in Norwich, Ontario

Individual receiving post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent rabies infection.

St. Thomas, ON. A bat located in Norwich Township has tested positive for rabies. The bat was sent for testing after biting an individual. That individual is receiving rabies post-exposure prophylaxis which will prevent them from contracting the virus.

Rabies is a viral disease that is spread through the saliva of animals. It affects an animal’s brain and...

Dog bite incident in Thamesford

UPDATE: THIS DOG HAS NOW BEEN FOUND.

Southwestern Public Health has been notified of a dog biting incident.

The incident happened on July 25th between 7:50PM-8:00PM at the Thamesford Public School property. The dog is described as a medium sized black lab/mix. There were 3 individuals with the dog at the time of the incident (2 males and 1 female).  The individual who came to get the dog after it bit, is described as a male with dark brown hair.

Public health seeks information about this dog to...

New therapy program for perinatal mood disorders

Southwestern Public Health launching the new no-cost program in fall 2023

The Healthy Babies, Healthy Children team at Southwestern Public Health is launching a new program this fall for perinatal mental health.

Balanced Beginning is a group-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) program for individuals who are pregnant or have a child under 18 months of age and experiencing depression, anxiety, or feeling down or overwhelmed. The no-cost, small group format is a unique service offering for...

SWPH Issues First Heat Warning of 2023

Southwestern Public Health issues heat warning for July 4 through July 5.

July 4, 2023 at 8:00 AM

Southwestern Publi­c Health (SWPH) issues heat warnings when Environment Canada forecasts temperatures that are expected to be at least 31°C and/or a Humidex value above 40°C for at least two days, with overnight temperatures at or above 20°C.

Environment Canada is forecasting hot temperatures in the SWPH region beginning Tuesday, July 4th and continuing through the evening on Wednesday, July 5th....