Southwestern Public Health

Public health inspects personal service settings once a year, based on infection prevention guidelines. These inspections ensure that the service providers follow safe practices to reduce infection risks. For services like hair, beauty, tattoo, and piercing, inspections are especially important.

Want to see a provider’s latest inspection results? You can access inspection reports for providers in Oxford, Elgin, and St. Thomas through the Health Inspect Disclosure website.

🔗https://www.swpublichealth.ca/community-health/health-inspect/ #/notfound

Join us for a drop-in s*xual health clinic at 410 Buller Street in Woodstock on June 19. No appointment is needed.

🗓 Friday, June 19
⏰ 9–11 a.m.
📍 410 Buller St., Woodstock
✅ Connect with a Public Health Nurse
✅ Access free STI testing
(chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, hepatitis B/C, syphilis)
✅ Anonymous rapid HIV testing available
✅ Talk about contraception and s*xual health needs

We proudly welcome people of all s*xual orientations, gender identities, and expressions.

Community Outreach Dinner - No Cost – All are welcome!
Friday, June 19 at 20 Flora Street, St. Thomas Anglican Church
Doors Open at 4:30pm - Dinner at 5:00pm
Eat in - Very Limited Take Out Available

Spending time being active outdoors can help boost mood, reduce stress, and support overall health 💚

Make time this month to move your body, connect with others, and enjoy the benefits of being outside.

Game, set, match! 🎾🏓

St. Thomas is home to fantastic outdoor courts where residents can enjoy tennis and pickleball all summer long.

Located at:
📍 Pinafore Park
📍 Goddeeris-Luyks Park

Whether you're competing with friends, learning a new sport, or just enjoying some time outdoors, these courts provide a fun and active way to enjoy our parks.

This Parks and Recreation Month, grab your racket and get out to play!

Your health matters- and we’re here to help 💙

From vaccines and dental care to pregnancy supports and s*xual health clinics, Southwestern Public Health offers services for every stage of life!

Find what you need today: 🔗https://www.swpublichealth.ca/classes-clinics-and-services/

Do you work outdoors in Oxford County, St. Thomas, or Elgin? Your experience with extreme heat matters.

Southwestern Public Health and the of British Columbia are partnering to better understand how heat impacts health, work, and daily life, and how we can better support people in our communities.

Who can participate?
- Outdoor workers and others affected by extreme heat, aged 18+

What’s involved?
- A 60–90-minute interview in-person
- A short intake survey

Receive a $50 gift card after completing an interview

➡️Complete the short intake survey to get started: https://shorturl.at/nUxbo

This project has been funded by Health Canada.
***Note: Engaging with this post may identify your interest publicly See less

We had a great time connecting with our community at Oxford County Pride Family Day in Woodstock this past weekend! 🌈
Southwestern Public Health was proud to be part of the celebration, sharing information about our programs and services, chatting with families, teens and adults, and having fun with our interactive prize wheel. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello!
Oxford County Pride

💙 A simple connection can make a big difference.
During Seniors Loneliness Awareness Week (June 15–21), Southwestern Public Health and GenWell are encouraging everyone to reach out to an older adult in their life.
Whether it's a phone call, a walk, a coffee, or an invitation to connect, small acts of kindness can help reduce loneliness and strengthen our communities.
This week, take a moment to reach out. You never know how much it might mean to someone.

We kicked off our first free mobile dental clinic of the year on June 10 in partnership with EarlyON St. Thomas - Elgin in Aylmer!🦷

Our Oral Health team screened 15 children and provided fluoride applications, helping little smiles stay healthy and strong.

Our mobile dental clinics bring oral health services directly into the community, making it easier for families to access care when and where they need it most.

Stay tuned, we’ll be out in the community all summer long!

🌊 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗽 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿?

Southwestern Public Health has begun its annual beach water quality testing program, helping residents and visitors make informed decisions before heading to the water.

Water samples are collected weekly at public beaches across Elgin County. Results are posted online and updated throughout the swimming season.

When reviewing beach water quality results, you'll see one of four statuses:

🟢 Green: The most recent sample did not show harmful levels of bacteria.
🔴 Red: A swimming advisory is in place and swimming is not recommended.
⛔ Closed: The beach is closed due to a significant health or safety risk.
⚪ Blank: No sample is currently available.

Before you head to the beach, remember:

☀️ Check the latest water quality results
🌧️ Avoid swimming for 48 hours after significant rainfall.
🌊 Stay out of murky water or water affected by strong winds.
🚿 Shower after swimming and wash your hands before eating.

Water conditions can change quickly, so it's important to consider current weather conditions in addition to the most recent test results.

Visit Southwestern Public Health's website to view beach water quality updates throughout the summer: www.swpublichealth.ca/beaches