News

At the time of writing – October 4, 2021 – 80% of Ontario’s population aged twelve and over is fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The journey to this remarkable accomplishment began in mid December 2020 and has required the collective effort of all levels of government, manufacturing, health care organizations and professionals, and citizens. In an unprecedented example of shared purpose, significant obstacles were overcome to give Ontario one of the highest vaccination rates in the world.

Responding...

Southwestern Public Health Seeking Expressions of Interest for Order in Council Provincial Appointments

Southwestern Public Health seeks Provincial Appointees to serve on our Board of Health. In Ontario, each health unit is governed by a board of health that is accountable for implementing the protocols and guidelines referenced in the Ontario Public Health Standards. Public Health works in the areas of protection, prevention, and promotion with a goal of healthy people in vibrant communities. We...

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission was established on the first of June 2008 to document the history and impacts of the residential schools on Canada's Indigenous communities. In the Commission’s Final Report, one of the ninety-four calls to action included establishing a statutory holiday. 

The Government of Canada recently passed legislation to designate September 30 a federal holiday called National Truth and Reconciliation Day. It is a day set aside for recognizing...

Southwestern Public Health’s Medical Officer of Health has issued a letter to all workplaces in Elgin County, Oxford County, and the City of St. Thomas recommending vaccination policies to protect their employees and the public from COVID-19.

The proposal comes during the fourth wave of the pandemic, with 82 active cases currently reported by the health unit, the majority of which are people under 40 who are not yet vaccinated.

“Workplaces have worked very hard over the past 18 months to help control...

On September 9, the Southwestern Public Health Board of Health accepted a notice of retirement from Dr. Joyce Lock, Medical Officer of Health.   

Dr. Lock has made considerable contributions to the health and well-being of all those living in Oxford County, Elgin County, and the City of St. Thomas since joining public health in 2014. Throughout Dr. Lock’s tenure with SWPH, she further established critical relationships within primary care, hospitals, and the larger health...