News Archive
SubscribeApplication For Local Supervised Consumption Facility Submitted to Health Canada For Consideration
With evidence to show it will be used and a public consultation process that showed a strong desire to support those addicted to opioid drugs, the Regional HIV / AIDS Connection (RHAC) and the Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) have submitted an application to Health Canada to open a supervised consumption facility in the city.
If You Plan to Party Hard - Don’t Celebrate Alone On St. Patrick’s Day
London, ON – Weather conditions are coming together to make tomorrow a beautiful time to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. But with the sunshine, warmer temperatures and a Saturday to enjoy the festivities, the Middlesex-London Health Unit and its partners are calling on would-be revelers to plan ahead and think about their personal safety especially if they plan to drink or use drugs. Surveillance data from healthcare sources to the Health Unit has indicated a possible increase in the number of suspected opioid-related overdoses in the region over the last few weeks. This news, combined with the reality that the potentially lethal drug Fentanyl is being found mixed in with other street drugs, makes it critically important to take steps to reduce the risk of injury, overdose or death.
Board of Health Announcement Regarding Middlesex-London Health Unit Location Project
The Middlesex-London Board of Health held a special meeting at eight o’clock this morning and will hold a news conference at 11:00 a.m. to announce next steps in the health unit’s location project.
Board of Health to Initiate Court Application Process For Ruling on Location Project
Because of the decision of Middlesex County at its meeting held yesterday, the Board of Health is having to explore options and will make a court application about the Health Unit’s location project to seek clarification about the need for the consent of its funders.
Western University and Health Unit Team up for 4th Edition of Get Tested! Event
For the fourth straight year, the Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) is teaming up with Western University for the Get Tested Western! event today between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., in the University Community Centre Atrium. While 1,053 people were screened for sexually-transmitted infections last year, setting a new world record for the most STI tests done in a single day, this year’s goal is simply to screen and test as many students as possible.
Early Response Shows use and Acceptance of London TOPS Continues to Rise
Based on early indicators, London’s new Temporary Overdose Prevention Site (TOPS) is well accepted by all parties, and beginning to have an impact on the local opioid drug crisis. Since opening its doors less than a month ago, the TOPS has seen a steadily increasing number of clients. From just four clients the first day, to 44 on Tuesday, February 27th, clients are gaining confidence and trust in the facility and its staff.
Partners Invite Community to Share Thoughts, Learn and Make a Difference
LONDON, ON – London and Middlesex County residents will soon have the opportunity to comment on the draft recommendations that will form the foundation of a long-term, comprehensive strategy to address local substance use. A community partnership that includes representatives from the health, education and social services sectors, as well as from law enforcement, the private sector, municipal government and people with lived experience, has been hard at work for the last several months. Led by the Middlesex-London Community Drug and Alcohol Strategy (CDAS) Steering Committee, the group will be hosting a series of drop-in information and feedback sessions that will provide an opportunity to learn more and share thoughts that will shape the final strategy for the community.
Media Advisory: Temporary Overdose Prevention Site to Open Monday Morning
London, ON – Ontario’s first legal Temporary Overdose Prevention Site (TOPS) opens its doors on Monday, February 12th. The site at 186 King Street was announced at a news conference on January 19th, along with $130,000 in provincial funding and the granting of an exemption under the criminal code. The TOPS will be imbedded within the Regional HIV/AIDS Connection; which is also one of the sites of the Counterpoint Needle and Syringe Program and is already familiar for people who inject drugs.
Call for Frigid Overnight Temperatures Leads to Latest Cold Weather Alert
With the mercury expected to dip back down to its -15C threshold tonight, and to remain as cold for the next three nights, the Middlesex-London Health Unit is issuing the fifth Cold Weather Alert of 2018. With this latest alert, the Health Unit is reminding those planning to spend time outdoors to take precautions and dress for the conditions to avoid possible cold-related injuries. The alert is expected to remain in place until Saturday, February 10th, when the Environment Canada forecast calls for overnight low temperatures to reach -8C.
Dropping Temperatures Tonight, Continued Cold This Weekend Prompt Cold Alert
London, ON – With the current Environment Canada forecast calling for temperatures to drop quickly tonight, and to reach -15C overnight this weekend, frigid temperatures are returning to the Middlesex-London region. The Middlesex-London Health Unit is issuing a Cold Weather Alert that will be in effect starting tonight and continuing until Monday.