Southwestern Public Health

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 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

☀️ As summer approaches, teens are thinking about parties and their independence - while parents are thinking about how to talk about alcohol and other substances without shutting the conversation down.

Our June webinar offers parents and caregivers practical, evidence-informed tools and real-life examples to navigate these talks with youth - before the summer parties start.

👉 Register here - and share this with a parent who might want to join.

https://www.talksubstance.org/support/webinars/

💬 When you think about your teen and alcohol - what feels more challenging - starting the talk, or keeping it going?

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

The incident took place at Password Park, located at 355 Burwell Rd., St. Thomas ON., at approximately 6:00pm on May 29th. The individual was playing at the park when an off-leash dog approached them and bit their hand. The dog is described as a white and black husky, medium in size. The animal owner was male, approximately 60-70 years old with grey hair.

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 have any information about the dog, please contact us.

🌈 Pride Month is here! 🌈

June marks Pride Month in many parts of the world. While Pride may be most visible during the summer, it exists year-round in our communities, through connection, belonging, and collective action to advance the rights, health, and well-being of 2SLGBTQIA+ people (Two-Spirit, Le***an, Gay, Bis*xual, Transgender, Q***r or Questioning, Inters*x and As*xual).

At Southwestern Public Health, we are committed to promoting health equity, reducing stigma, and supporting inclusive communities where everyone feels safe, seen, and valued.

▶️Take a few minutes to learn more about the history of Pride by watching this short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EQHqQEyGgc

🦷We're hosting a mobile dental clinic for kids (0–17) on June 10 in Aylmer.

When: June 10 | 2:30–5:30 PM
Where: EarlyON Aylmer, 69 Talbot St. W
What: Free checkups & fluoride treatment

No appointment needed. Call us at 1-800-922-0096 for more information.

EarlyON St. Thomas - Elgin

Hey parents! May 31 is World No To***co Day.

Did you know many ni****ne products, like vapes and pouches, are designed to appeal to youth through flavours and modern-looking devices? This can make it easier for teens to underestimate how addictive they are.

Start the conversation early and help your child understand the risks:

Let's Talk About Va**ng - The Industry Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

This World No To***co Day, take a step toward a healthier you.
Quitting isn’t easy but every attempt counts and brings you closer to success.

You’ve got this!

Learn more: www.dontquitquitting.ca OR https://www.notanexperiment.ca/