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:

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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.

The People of SWPH 💙 Southwestern Public Health is guided by strong leadership from our Chief Executive Officer Cynthia ...
08/20/2026

The People of SWPH 💙

Southwestern Public Health is guided by strong leadership from our Chief Executive Officer Cynthia St. John and Medical Officer of Health Dr. Ninh Tran.

In collaboration with the Board of Health, they set the strategic vision and direction for the organization to ensure SWPH remains accountable to its communities, governing bodies, and partners. Their confidence in staff and dedication to public health drives progress toward priorities that strengthen population health, service excellence, and organizational resilience.

What motivates them most is the opportunity to support the people behind public health- the staff, partners, and communities whose collective efforts drive meaningful impact across the region.

Their optimism for the future comes from the strength of those relationships and a shared commitment to building healthier, more resilient communities.

Thank you to Minister Michael Parsa and the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services for inviting us to speak...
08/18/2026

Thank you to Minister Michael Parsa and the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services for inviting us to speak at AMO about iHEAL – an innovative program and research project that supports women experiencing intimate partner violence.

Delivered alongside Western University’s academic team, iHEAL has supported more than 100 women in its first nine months, secured more than 90 community partnerships, and is helping address service gaps in providing safety and healing for women and families experiencing intimate partner violence.

We believe iHEAL strongly aligns with MCCSS’s focus on women’s safety, equality and well-being, while addressing the longer-term health impacts of gender-based violence. We appreciate your interest in this important work, Minister Parsa.

The People of SWPH 💙 The Vaccine Preventable Diseases Team helps keep our communities healthy by making vaccines accessi...
08/18/2026

The People of SWPH 💙

The Vaccine Preventable Diseases Team helps keep our communities healthy by making vaccines accessible and supporting people through every stage of their immunization journey. From providing vaccines in schools and clinics to helping families navigate immunization requirements, the team is dedicated to protecting community health.

The Vaccine Preventable Diseases Team supports routine immunizations, responds to emerging health concerns, and plays an important role in building healthier, more resilient communities across our region.

Southwestern Public Health is seeking help to identify a dog involved in a bite incident yesterday in Tillsonburg.The in...
08/14/2026

Southwestern Public Health is seeking help to identify a dog involved in a bite incident yesterday in Tillsonburg.

The incident occurred on August 13, 2026, at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Quarter Town Line Road, near Southridge Public School.

The individual had parked his truck and was walking along the road when a large dog ran from a ditch, grabbed his right arm and dragged him approximately 10 to 15 feet. The dog was wearing a collar, but its owner is unknown.

The dog is described as large, with short black fur and a short tail. It is believed to resemble a Rottweiler.

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.

If you are the owner of the dog or have information about the incident, please contact Southwestern Public Health at 1-800-922-0096 and ask to speak with a Public Health Inspector.

The People of SWPH 💙 The Healthy Schools Team works alongside students, families, educators, and school communities to s...
08/13/2026

The People of SWPH 💙

The Healthy Schools Team works alongside students, families, educators, and school communities to support student health and well-being. From leading skill-building programs and providing public health services to connecting families with resources, they help create environments where children and youth can thrive.

At the heart of their work is a passion for helping every student feel a sense of belonging and connection.

While much of their work happens during the school year, the team also spends time planning, learning, and developing resources to ensure they're ready to support students, families, and schools year after year.

08/12/2026

💙 Feeling safe matters.
Our Planet Youth Survey found that 85% of youth in our region feel safe in their community. That’s encouraging news, because feeling safe is about more than physical safety. It’s a key part of supporting young people’s mental health, well-being, and sense of belonging.
 
Research shows that when youth feel safe and connected in their communities, they’re more likely to experience positive mental health, build healthy relationships, and develop a stronger sense of belonging. Communities that foster safety, trust, and connection help young people thrive. 
 
A sense of belonging has also been linked to better well-being, stronger social connections, and increased resilience among youth. When young people feel accepted, valued, and supported by the people and places around them, they are better equipped to navigate life’s challenges. 
Together, we can continue creating communities where all young people feel safe, connected, and supported.
 
🌱 When youth feel safe, they are more likely to feel like they belong. And when youth feel like they belong, they can thrive.
 
CommunitySafety ThrivingYouth

The People of SWPH 💙 Preparing for emergencies means planning ahead and ensuring essential services can continue during ...
08/11/2026

The People of SWPH 💙

Preparing for emergencies means planning ahead and ensuring essential services can continue during times of disruption. The Emergency Management Team helps strengthen organizational preparedness, support staff, and build resilience across SWPH.

Much of their work happens long before an emergency occurs. Through planning, relationship-building, and continuous improvement, they help ensure SWPH is prepared to respond, adapt, and continue serving our communities when it matters most.

If you find a bat in your home, stay calm and avoid touching it.If there has been no contact between the bat and any per...
08/10/2026

If you find a bat in your home, stay calm and avoid touching it.

If there has been no contact between the bat and any person or pet:
- Wear thick gloves or use a secure container to move it outside, or
- At night, open windows or doors in a dark room and allow the bat to fly out on its own.
If you find multiple bats indoors, consider contacting a pest control company to safely remove them and seal any entry points.
Remember: Simply seeing a bat does not mean you've been exposed to rabies. Avoid handling bats and contact a local wildlife rescue if you need help removing one.

Learn more about bats and rabies prevention: www.swpublichealth.ca/rabies

08/06/2026

Register now for our Parent & Caregiver Symposium: Supporting Student Mental Wellness on Aug. 15, 9AM–1PM at White Oaks Public School!
Get expert advice on wellness topics from community partners at The Middles*x-London Health Unit, Southwestern Public Health, Family Service Thames Valley and St. Leonard's Community Services, London & Region. 🧠 Transportation and childminding available.
➡️Register: www.tvdsb.ca/SummerSupport

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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