Southwestern Public Health - St Thomas Site

Health agency that addresses public health issues and promotes healthy living

Services include but are not limited to:

• immunization and screening for communicable diseases
• family and child health
• breastfeeding and infant care support
• dental health
• sexual health
• injury prevention
• environmental health
• physical activity
• public health standards enforcement
• research and population-based health research
• food safety

Prevents and controls disease * maintains, improves and promotes health through health education, consultation, advocacy, public policy development, legislation, mass communications, and community development

Emergency Preparedness - Organized plans to protect the health and safety of people in the case of a public hazard, or to limit damage to property or the environment

Smoking Cessation - One-on-one counseling with health promoters and public health nurses to develop a plan to assist smokers with quitting

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• Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention Enhance well-being and reduce health risks, contributing to better population health * support population health through local data collection, research, health literacy, community engagement strategies and good governance for health * incorporate health in everyday settings * provide information, education, services, and resources on the prevention of chronic diseases and injuries
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• Healthy Growth and Development Information, referrals and support on child and family health topics such as:
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• Infectious Diseases Communicable disease control and infection prevention and control * monitors and follows up with reported cases and outbreaks of communicable diseases in both the community and in health care settings
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• Sexual Health Services Sexual health clinic * health professionals test for and treat sexually transmitted infections * family planning services * confidential services * no health card required for many services
  • sexual health information
  • condoms, dental dams and lubricant
  • sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing (Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and Syphilis)
  • STI treatment
  • blood borne infection testing (HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C), and referrals to specialists as needed
  • cervical cancer screening (Pap smears)
  • anonymous, rapid HIV testing
  • pregnancy testing, options counselling and referrals as needed (prenatal care, adoption and abortion)
  • emergency contraception at cost or prescription provided to access through pharmacy
  • birth control at cost or prescriptions can be provided to access through pharmacy
  • pap test (for people with no health care provider, appointment and health card required)
  • herpes testing and treatment (appointment may be required)
  • visuals for lumps/bumps (appointment required)
  • HPV genital warts treatment (appointment required)
  • Needle Exchange Program (NEP)
  • Naloxone training and kits

Services and Programs:

• Dental Health
• Environmental Health
• Needle Exchange and Harm Reduction Program
• School Health
• Smoke-Free Ontario Act Enforcement
• Vaccine Preventable Diseases