London Free Press

Public health officials want say in Ontario’s $10M push for safe alcohol use

6 min read

London-area public health officials are demanding Queen’s Park allow their input into how $10 million in government funding is spent to mitigate alcohol-related harms. Board members with Southwestern Public Health, which covers Oxford and Elgin counties, unanimously passed a motion Thursday requesting public health experts be involved in allocating the money for “social responsibility,” a […]

London Free Press

Keep cannabis edibles away from trick-or-treaters: Public health nurse

2 min read

As Halloween approaches, local public-health officials have issued an unusual warning about keeping cannabis-laced candies hidden from children. Southwestern Public Health – the health unit serving Oxford and Elgin counties – on Tuesday warned citizens to keep edible cannabis products, especially ones packaged or shaped akin to Halloween treats, “out of reach of children.” “Edible […]

London Free Press

Thanks a ton! Retiree’s gardens deliver huge, fresh yields for local food bank

3 min read

AILSA CRAIG – With food banks straining under increased demand, one retiree’s gardens have grown a ton of food – a literal tonne – this year for one local agency. What began as a hobby for Frank Hogervorst has sprouted into a charitable operation from the 557-square-metre (6,000 square-feet) garden at his home near Ailsa […]

London Free Press

These St. Thomas streets are affected by ongoing boil-water advisory

2 min read

An area of St. Thomas remained under a boil-water advisory on Friday after local public-health officials issued a warning that bacteria was present in samples. Southwestern Public Health – which covers Oxford and Elgin counties, including St. Thomas – issued the warning on Wednesday evening. It was affecting about 250 properties, said city engineer Kevin […]

London Free Press

Oxford group targets prevention in face of drug overdose increase

6 min read

To raise awareness of what it calls an “alarming increase in drug overdoses globally,” a regional organization has prioritized key areas of focus as it looks to expand support for at-risk people living in Oxford County. The Oxford Mental Health and Addictions Action Coalition  – founded in 2022 and comprising members from several community organizations […]

London Free Press

West Nile Virus present in Elgin County: Health unit

3 min read

A week after Middlesex-London Health Unit confirmed several mosquitoes had tested positive for West Nile Virus in the London area, a neighbouring health unit says a bloodsucker was confirmed to carry the illness. Southwestern Public Health – the health unit for Oxford and Elgin counties including St. Thomas and Woodstock – has traps set up […]