News

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...

COVID-19 vaccination clinics are ready to administer fourth doses for 60+

Southwestern Public Health has adjusted its COVID-19 vaccination clinics to align with provincial timelines for expanded fourth dose eligibility.

Starting April 7 at 9 a.m., the health unit’s COVID-19 vaccination clinics in St. Thomas and Woodstock will welcome individuals eligible for a fourth dose on a first-come, first-served walk-in basis. Visit www.swpublichealth.ca/covid19vaccine for clinic days and hours of operation, closed noon to 1 p.m. daily.

Pop-up vaccination clinics are paused between...

St. Thomas COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic on the Move

On Friday April 1, 2022, Southwestern Public Health will move its St. Thomas COVID-19 vaccine clinic from its current Memorial Arena location to 1230 Talbot Street, the organization’s head office.

Hours of operation at 1230 Talbot Street will remain Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Visit the Southwestern Public Health vaccine page for current hours as well as vaccine pop-up clinic locations. Clinics will be closed April 15 and 18 for Good Friday...

Southwestern Public Health Receives Funding to Prevent and Reduce Tobacco use

Southwestern Public Health receives fundingto prevent and reduce tobacco use in at-risk populations

Southwestern Public Health is honoured to have been selected as a recipient of the Public Health Agency of Canada’sHealthy Canadians and Communities Fund. Over one million in funds will go towards reducing barriers to smoking cessation services for at-risk populations, including marginalized and underserved populations in the Southwestern Public Health region.

Through this project, clients will work...

Public Health Measures for Workplaces: A Letter to Employers and Business Operators

As we approach two years since COVID-19 began circulating in our community, we recognize the sacrifices businesses and organizations have made to protect public health. While COVID-19 case rates across the province (amongst those eligible for PCR testing) are declining, the highly transmissible Omicron variant is still very prevalent in our community. We cannot let our guard down yet.

The emergence of the Omicron variant has changed how public health manages cases, eligibility for testing, and...

Southwestern Public Health Seeks Information on Dog Biting Incident

Southwestern Public Health has been notified of a dog biting incident and is seeking information from the owner about the dog involved.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, February 9th, 2022, at approximately 5:45 p.m. in Embro, Ontario.

An individual was walking down the street with their family and was bit by a dog. The dog is described as a large German Shepherd mix and the owner is described as a male, in his late 30’s to early 40’s, wearing a black coat. The incident took place near the...