News

Honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30 marks the third annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day that coincides with Orange Shirt Day. We observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in honour of the children who never returned home, the survivors of the residential schools, the missing children, and the families and communities who continue to be affected by the ongoing and intergenerational traumas of the residential school system.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission ran from 2008 to 2015. The...

Dog bite incident in Woodstock

Southwestern Public Health wants to identify a dog that bit someone on September 7th at approximately 11:30 a.m. near the corner of Landsdowne and Sprucedale in Woodstock. A woman was working as a Crossing Guard when two women crossed the street with a dog on a pink leash. When the dog reached the curb, after crossing, it turned suddenly and bit the Crossing Guard in her leg.

The dog is described as mostly a German Shepherd, but could be a mixed breed, light brown in colour.

Identifying the dog...

Blue- Green Algae Found in Wildwood Reservoir Near St. Marys

Blue-green algae found in Wildwood Reservoir

Wildwood Reservoir posted as unsafe for swimming.

Huron Perth Public Health and Southwestern Public Health are advising people that a bloom of blue-green algae has been detected in Wildwood Reservoir. The reservoir is located at Wildwood Conservation Area, near St. Marys. Blue-green algae can produce toxins that may be harmful to the health of humans and animals when there is direct contact with or consumption of the water. Algal blooms most commonly...

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...