Southwestern Public Health

Southwestern Public Health Proudly serving St. Thomas, Elgin County, and Oxford County with public health programs, services, and resources to support healthy, vibrant communities. c.

Commenting Guidelines

• Stay on topic. We encourage focused, thoughtful comments and discussion which respond or relate to a topic, new initiative or upcoming event. Comments which are not related to our content or attempt to derail the conversation may be removed.

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public. Therefore, please don’t post any personal information about you or anyone else!

• Be respectful. If you choose to post content, please keep in mind that you must not:

1. Mislead us or anyone else as to your identity or the origin of the posted content, or falsely claim to represent a person, organization or entity

2. Post or transmit any message, content or link to content that:

a. is abusive, hateful, homophobic, discriminatory, malicious, aggressive, threatening, violent, sexist, harassing, inflammatory, indecent, tortious, defamatory, knowingly false, misleading, deceptive, vulgar, obscene, offensive, scandalous, sexually explicit, profane;

b. incites hatred, racism, bigotry, discrimination or physical harm of any kind against any individual or class of individuals based on a protected ground in the Ontario Human Rights Code, including: ancestry, colour, race, citizenship, ethnic origin, place of origin, creed, disability, family status, marital status, gender identity, gender expression, sex (including pregnancy and breastfeeding) or sexual orientation. is unsolicited or unauthorized, such as unsolicited or unauthorized advertising, promotional material, "junk mail," "spam," "chain letter," "pyramid scheme," or any other form of solicitation (commercial or otherwise);

d. is in breach of any confidence;

e. includes personal data or information about others; or

f. can result in us being liable to anyone else under any intellectual property rights law. We may not respond to posts that violate any of these rules and we may notify the social media service provider of your violation. While we may moderate posts, we are not required to, nor should you expect that we will, take action in response to any content posted on our page or feed. The views expressed by others represent their own views and are not endorsed or approved by us, nor do we endorse or approve any events or other activities posted by a user. Southwestern Public Health supports an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and respectful work environment, free of discrimination and harassment. Our social media channels are an extension of our workplace. SWPH employees moderate our social media sites and their contents. Any conduct that is discriminatory or harassing will be removed and the user may be banned from future use of our channels. We reserve the right not to keep any content that you post on our page or feed, and to remove, edit or move, at any time, any content posted which does not comply with our Commenting Guidelines.

05/11/2026

May is Rabies Awareness Month 🐾
Do you know what to do if you’re bitten or scratched by an animal? We break it down into three steps:
1. Wash it right away
Clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes.
2. Get medical advice
A healthcare provider can assess your risk and determine if treatment (like vaccines) is needed.
3. Report the incident
Public Health will follow up to help keep everyone involved safe.
Rabies is preventable, but quick action matters. Know the steps, protect yourself, and help keep our community safe.

05/08/2026

Connection starts with a simple check-in. 💚

This Mental Health Week (May 4–10), take a moment to reach out to someone you care about. A small gesture can help someone feel seen, supported, and less alone.

You can also connect with Reach Out 24/7, a free and confidential support line for our region. Call or text 519-433-2023 anytime.

🚨Update: This boil water advisory ended on May 10th at 4:00 PM. Run your taps for at least five minutes to flush your pi...
05/08/2026

🚨Update: This boil water advisory ended on May 10th at 4:00 PM. Run your taps for at least five minutes to flush your pipes before using the water.

Southwestern Public Health has issued a Boil Water Advisory for people using the Tavistock Municipal water supply on William St., south of Wettlaufer St.

The advisory has been issued because the Medical Officer of Health was notified that a water main break and pressure loss occurred near 168 William St. on May 7, 2026, which may have compromised the water supply. The boil water advisory is being recommended as a precaution against potential contamination of the drinking water system. All users of the drinking water system located on William St., south of Wettlaufer St., are being notified of this advisory.

The Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Ninh Tran, is advising users of the Tavistock Municipal water supply on William St., south of Wettlaufer St., to bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute before using it for domestic purposes, including drinking, making infant formula or juice, brushing teeth, washing raw foods, and making ice.

Updates will be provided as more information becomes available and once the advisory can be lifted. Please direct questions to our Environmental Health Department at 1-800-922-0096.

A “Boil Water FAQ” is available on the Southwestern Public Health Unit website at https://www.swpublichealth.ca/.../boil-water-advisory.../

It's never too late to rethink the amount of alcohol you consume.Not sure where to start? ➡
05/08/2026

It's never too late to rethink the amount of alcohol you consume.

Not sure where to start?

Resources Get HelpHealthcare ProvidersPolicyApps/ToolsVideosLinksSocial Media Resources Get HelpHealthcare ProvidersPolicyApps/ToolsVideosLinks

We’re excited to share School Mental Health Ontario’s By Your Side, a free online resource hub for Ontario parents/careg...
05/07/2026

We’re excited to share School Mental Health Ontario’s By Your Side, a free online resource hub for Ontario parents/caregivers, designed to support mental health learning and well-being for every family. 🔗 https://smho-smso.ca/parents-and-caregivers/

Thames Valley District School Board The Middles*x-London Health Unit London District Catholic School Board

Southwestern Public Health is seeking the public’s help to identify a dog involved in a bite incident in St. Thomas.The ...
05/06/2026

Southwestern Public Health is seeking the public’s help to identify a dog involved in a bite incident in St. Thomas.

The incident occurred near the corner of Gladstone and Princess Avenue in St. Thomas on May 2nd, at approximately 12:00am. The individual was walking past a woman who was out walking her dog when, as they passed, the dog bit the individual’s leg. The dog is described as a large black long-haired dog possibly a Newfoundland breed. The individual walking the dog is described as a middle-aged female who was wearing dark clothing.

Public Health wants to confirm the vaccination status of the dog to allow the victim and their health care provider to determine next steps related to rabies post-exposure prophylaxis.

This World Maternal Mental Health Day, we’re raising awareness about the need to support mental health during pregnancy ...
05/06/2026

This World Maternal Mental Health Day, we’re raising awareness about the need to support mental health during pregnancy and after birth.

In our region, more than 1 in 3 women experienced mental health concerns during pregnancy in 2022, and rates of anxiety continue to rise. While pregnancy and early parenthood can be joyful, they can also be overwhelming, and many people need extra support along the way.

Programs like Balanced Beginning offer virtual support to help individuals navigate the emotional challenges of pregnancy and postpartum.

As one participant of the program shared, “Motherhood can feel so isolating—it’s been great to know that I am not alone.”

Learn more about the support available to you: https://www.swpublichealth.ca/classes-clinics-and-services/pregnancy-and-baby-supports/balanced-beginning-cognitive-behavioural-therapy-group/

First pregnancy? Under 24?You may qualify for free nurse home visits through the Nurse‑Family Partnership.Your nurse sup...
05/05/2026

First pregnancy? Under 24?

You may qualify for free nurse home visits through the Nurse‑Family Partnership.

Your nurse supports you through pregnancy, birth, and your child’s early years.

Check eligibility and learn more today:
https://www.swpublichealth.ca/classes-clinics-and-services/pregnancy-and-baby-supports/nurse-family-partnership/

Free to eligible individuals who are pregnant with their first baby to connect with a registered nurse for pregnancy and early parenting support.

🚩Important: Do you have an emergency mobile device hidden in your home due to Intimate Partner Violence risks? View the ...
05/05/2026

🚩Important: Do you have an emergency mobile device hidden in your home due to Intimate Partner Violence risks? View the link in the post to confirm when an audible alert is expected in your area.

Public emergency test messages will be sent out in participating provinces and territories on May 6. In Ontario only, the test has been rescheduled to May 7. Test alerts help you learn what an emergency alert would look and sound like.
Find out what time the test takes place in your region: https://www.alertready.ca/testing-schedule/

Today, Southwestern Public Health recognizes Red Dress Day, honouring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and ...
05/05/2026

Today, Southwestern Public Health recognizes Red Dress Day, honouring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S).

Red Dress Day began with the REDress Project, an art installation by Métis artist Jaime Black. The empty red dresses symbolize the lives of Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people who are missing or have been taken by violence, and serve as a powerful reminder of a crisis that continues across Canada.

We are displaying red dresses today at our Woodstock and St. Thomas offices as a visible act of remembrance and commitment to ongoing learning and action.

Learn more about Red Dress Day: https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/red-dress-day

🧼Hand hygiene is a key part of Infection Prevention and Control. It helps stop germs from spreading and keeps care safer...
05/05/2026

🧼Hand hygiene is a key part of Infection Prevention and Control.

It helps stop germs from spreading and keeps care safer for everyone. On World Hand Hygiene Day, we’re reminding ourselves that cleaning our hands at the right times can prevent infections and make a real difference in healthcare, every single day.

Address

1230 Talbot Street
Saint Thomas, ON
N5P1G9

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+18009220096

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