News Archive
SubscribeNational Non-Smoking Week: Smoke Is Smoke – Limit Your Exposure
London, ON – National Non-Smoking Week kicks off today with a reminder that smoke is smoke, whether it comes from tobacco, cannabis (marijuana) or from a hookah pipe, and your best defense is to limit your exposure. With new regulations contained within Ontario’s Cannabis Act and the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 being posted for public comment, this week is a great time to talk about the dangers of smoke, regardless of its source.
Temporary Overdose Prevention Site to Open in Downtown London
London, ON – A new tool in the struggle to solve London’s opioid drug crisis is closer to reality this morning. One week after submitting an application and two days after police announced three deaths and two hospitalizations from suspected drug overdoses this week, it was announced that a Temporary Overdose Prevention Site (TOPS) has been approved to open in the downtown core. The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has approved the application for a TOPS with one-time funding of $130,700. The TOPS will be located at 186 King Street and will share space with Regional HIV/AIDS Connection. As the Counterpoint Needle and Syringe Program currently operates there, the TOPS location is already familiar to people who use injection drugs.
Health Unit and Partners to Announce Location of Temporary Overdose Prevention Site
The Middlesex-London Health Unit and several of its partners will announce details about the location of London’s first proposed Temporary Overdose Prevention Site (TOPS). The opening of the TOPS in London is pending approval of the application the Health Unit submitted for the site on Friday, January 12th. Once operational, the TOPS will provide those who use injection drugs with a temporary location where they can use those drugs under supervision and be monitored in order to prevent overdose deaths.
Health Unit Releases Public Consultation Report on Supervised Consumption Facilities
When it comes to a critical tool in the fight against London’s opioid drug crisis, local residents have made their voices heard. The Middlesex-London Health Unit released today the report by the Centre for Organizational Effectiveness on public consultations about Supervised Consumption Facilities (SCFs). The data was gathered from 334 people who took part in nine consultations held in November; as well as the more than 2,000 responses to an online survey and four focus groups that included 56 participants representing the Indigenous community, peers and professionals. The report is an important component of the application that will be made to the Federal Government to sanction one or more SCFs in London.
Frigid Overnight Temperatures This Weekend Prompt Cold Alert
With the current Environment Canada forecast calling for overnight temperatures to reach a low of -18C this weekend, the Middlesex-London Health Unit is issuing a Cold Weather Alert and advising local agencies that provide shelter and assistance to the homeless to prepare for an increase in demand for their services. The Cold Weather Alert will be in effect starting tomorrow evening and continuing until Monday.
Health Unit and Partners Prepare To Take Next Step In Local Opioid Crisis Fight
London, ON – Earlier today, the Middlesex-London Health Unit and its partners submitted the first application for a Temporary Overdose Prevention Site (TOPS) in Ontario. With data gathered during public consultations and the recent acknowledgement of a provincial public health emergency, this will herald the next phase of the local drug crisis fight.
Health Unit Calls On Salon Clients to Consult Healthcare Providers About Possible Blood-Borne…
London, ON – The Middlesex-London Health Unit is advising clients of Cali Nails at White Oaks Mall in London, to consult their healthcare providers and discuss the risk of potential exposure to blood-borne infections, and to consider testing for Hepatitis B, C and HIV. Potential exposures may have occurred for clients who received services at the salon between May 4, 2017 and January 5, 2018.
Continued Cold Weather This Weekend Prompts Health Unit to Extend Alert
London, ON – With the current Environment Canada forecast calling for temperatures to remain below -15°C this weekend, the Middlesex-London Health Unit is extending its Cold Weather Alert until Monday, January 8. Anyone spending time outdoors, or taking part in winter activities is asked to prepare for the conditions.
Frigid Winter Temperatures Tonight, More Cold This Week Prompt Cold Alert
With a forecast overnight low of -18C, and daytime highs of just -15C for Thursday and Friday, the bone-chilling cold is expected to continue late into the week. The Middlesex-London Health Unit is issuing a Cold Weather Alert that will be in effect starting tonight and continuing until early Saturday morning. Anyone spending time outdoors this evening, or taking part in winter activities over the next several days is asked to prepare for the conditions.
Safe Food Handling A Key Part Of A Healthy And Happy Holiday Season
London, ON – The Holiday Season is here and many people across the Middlesex-London region will be celebrating with friends and family over festive meals and treats. While this time of year is something many people look forward to, it is also the time when illnesses can grab hold and take the energy out of the festivities. With influenza currently circulating in the community, and the Public Health Agency of Canada investigating 40 cases across the country of E. coli illness linked to romaine lettuce, the Middlesex-London Health Unit is calling on the community to use extra care to prevent spreading germs.