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.

• Avoid posting personal or confidential information. Our social media accounts are publicly accessible and posts are visible to the

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.

Your relationship with technology sets the example. Kids watch what parents and caregivers do. Model healthy tech habits...
06/11/2026

Your relationship with technology sets the example. Kids watch what parents and caregivers do. Model healthy tech habits by being present at meals, putting phones away at bedtime, and making time for screen‑free hobbies.

🔗Explore resources in By Your Side: https://smho-smso.ca/parents-and-caregivers/navigating-digital-technology/

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

06/10/2026

After a rainfall, be sure to remove standing water from around your yard. Standing water is the perfect place for mosquitoes to lay their eggs, and this one step can help reduce mosquito populations in your community.

This week, Wendy MacMillan was presented with the 2026 Senior of the Year Award on behalf of Ontario Seniors. We work al...
06/10/2026

This week, Wendy MacMillan was presented with the 2026 Senior of the Year Award on behalf of Ontario Seniors. We work alongside Wendy who co-chairs the Elgin-St. Thomas Age Friendly Committee, and celebrate her recognition in advocating for older adults in this region. Congratulations, Wendy!

𝗪𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝗰𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 🎉

Today, Warden Giguère presented Wendy MacMillan with the 2026 Senior of the Year Award on behalf of the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility.

Since moving to Port Stanley in 2014, Wendy has dedicated countless hours to strengthening her community through volunteer service. Her contributions include serving with the Port Stanley Village Association, supporting the Elgin St. Thomas Age Friendly Committee, and helping advance initiatives that support older adults across the region.

As Co-Chair of the Elgin St. Thomas Age Friendly Committee, Wendy has played a key role in advancing age-friendly initiatives, mentoring new members, and advocating for older adults throughout Elgin County and the City of St. Thomas. She is also a dedicated GrandPal volunteer, helping foster meaningful connections between generations through local schools.

Congratulations, Wendy, and thank you for the lasting impact you continue to make in our community! 👏

View weekly updates: https://www.swpublichealth.ca/beachesWater quality testing has resumed for local public beaches in ...
06/10/2026

View weekly updates: https://www.swpublichealth.ca/beaches

Water quality testing has resumed for local public beaches in Elgin County, Oxford County, and the City of St. Thomas.
Starting today, water testing completed by Southwestern Public Health will help inform the community of the swimming status of beaches in the area, including:
⛱️ Erie Rest – Port Stanley
⛱️ Little Beach – Port Stanley
⛱️ Main Beach – Port Stanley
⛱️ Port Bruce
⛱️ Port Burwell Municipal/East/Village Beach
⛱️ Port Burwell Provincial Park Beach
⛱️ Port Glasgow
⛱️ Springwater Conservation Area Beach

06/09/2026

When income does not stretch far enough, people may have to make tough choices between essentials like housing, utilities, transportation, and food.

This can lead to skipping meals, buying cheaper foods, and feeling constant stress about making ends meet. These pressures can affect both physical and mental health.

Learn more about income, food insecurity, and local solutions: www.swpublichealth.ca/foodinsecurity

06/08/2026

Join us at an Aging Well Road Show event during Seniors Loneliness Awareness Week. Connect with local organizations, discover programs and services for older adults, enjoy refreshments, and learn about resources that support healthy aging and well-being.
📍 Plattsville Lions Community Hall
🗓 June 15 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
📍 Norwich Community Centre
🗓 June 17 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Free admission. Walk-ins welcome. Registration recommended.
Register today: bit.ly/AgingWellRoadshow or call 519-421-4211 x 3352

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

🌈Happy Pride Month!🌈2SLGBTQIA+ individuals continue to face stigma and inequities that impact mental health and overall ...
06/08/2026

🌈Happy Pride Month!🌈

2SLGBTQIA+ individuals continue to face stigma and inequities that impact mental health and overall well-being. At Southwestern Public Health, we are committed to supporting the health of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities by working to reduce stigma, promote inclusion, and help create spaces where everyone feels safe, seen, and valued.

When people feel supported and a true sense of belonging, health outcomes improve.

If you or someone you know is looking for resources and support, here are some programs and spaces that foster connection and community in our region:

📍Elgin/St. Thomas
• Rainbow Connections Hub GECO Rainbow Connections
• Q***r Qlub (Ages 12–18)
• Young Adult Social (Ages 18–30)
• Q***r Adult Social (Ages 18+)

📍Oxford County
• Oxford County Pride
• Oxford County's Rainbow Coalition
• Big Brothers Big Sisters PRISM Program
• Q***r Conversations – Woodstock Public Library (16+)
• Norwich & Area JEDI Alliance
• Oxford County Trans Clinic (Ingersoll NPLC, ages 16+)

June 7 is World Food Safety Day. This year’s theme, “From burden to solutions- safe food everywhere,” highlights how foo...
06/07/2026

June 7 is World Food Safety Day.

This year’s theme, “From burden to solutions- safe food everywhere,” highlights how foodborne illness impacts our health, communities, and economy, but also how it’s largely preventable (https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-food-safety-day/2026).

At Southwestern Public Health, we’re committed to helping keep food safe in our communities through education, inspection, and partnership.

Safe food supports healthier people, stronger communities, and better outcomes for everyone

Furry, fluffy, and adorable—but still wild. 🦝🐿️🦇Even though wild animals like raccoons, squirrels, and bats may look cut...
06/05/2026

Furry, fluffy, and adorable—but still wild. 🦝🐿️🦇

Even though wild animals like raccoons, squirrels, and bats may look cute, it’s important not to touch or feed them. Handling wild mammals can put you at risk of diseases and injuries.

If you’re worried about a wild animal that looks sick or injured, the safest option is to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitation centre near you:

🔗https://www.ontario.ca/page/find-wildlife-rehabilitator

Technology is part of everyday life, but finding balance together helps support children’s mental health. Creating a fam...
06/04/2026

Technology is part of everyday life, but finding balance together helps support children’s mental health. Creating a family screen plan with shared expectations like tech‑free meals or bedtime routines can make a big difference. Find supportive, evidence‑based guidance in the By Your Side resource hub: https://smho-smso.ca/parents-and-caregivers/navigating-digital-technology/
Thames Valley District School Board The Middles*x-London Health Unit London District Catholic School Board

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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