News Archive
SubscribeHealth Unit and Partners Prepare to Take Next Step in Local Opioid Crisis Fight
With data gathered from public consultations and the recent recognition of a provincial public health emergency, the Middlesex-London Health Unit and its partners are setting the groundwork for the next phase of the local drug crisis response.
Early Successes and Solid Potential Prompt Health Unit to Launch the Nurse-Family Partnership®
London, ON – With clients telling stories of lives changed for the better by a pilot project started last February, the Middlesex-London Health Unit formally launched the Nurse-Family Parnership® (NFP) this morning. The announcement was also attended by Deputy Premier and London North Centre MPP, Deb Matthews, who first announced a $351,000 grant in September of 2015, through Ontario’s Local Poverty Reduction Fund, that led to the creation of the Canadian Nurse-Family Partnership Education (CaNE) project.
Ongoing Invasive Group A Streptococcal (iGAS) Disease Outbreak Prompts Alert
The Middlesex-London Health Unit issued an alert to local healthcare providers, hospitals and community partners today, as part of its ongoing investigation of an invasive group A streptococcus (iGAS) outbreak declared more than 18 months ago. Since April 1st, 2016 more than 132 cases of iGAS infection have been reported to the Health Unit. Of the cases, 22% required treatment in intensive care, 15% had Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome, 15% had Necrotizing Fasciitis (also called “flesh-eating” disease), and nine people have died.
Consultation Process Into Supervised Consumption Facilities Begins Today
LONDON, ON – Seeking the community’s input, insights and feedback is a critical step in finding ways to address the drug crisis that currently holds thousands of Londoners in its grip. Gathering this information through an online survey and a series of community consultation meetings are important steps in seeking a local exemption under Canada’s Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Being granted an exemption under the Act is a crucial component in the process of London being considered for the establishment of Supervised Consumption Facilities in the City.
Increase Noted in Number Of Local Pertussis Cases
London, ON – Middlesex-London Health Unit staff members have noted an increase in the number of pertussis cases over the past three months. While the agency expects to see six to eight cases of the highly contagious respiratory disease each year, the Health Unit has been following up with 15 confirmed cases since June.
Latch on Challenge on Saturday Kicks off World Breastfeeding Week
Nursing mothers from across London and Middlesex County are being invited to take part in the Latch On Challenge to celebrate the start of World Breastfeeding Week. The Latch On Challenge takes place this Saturday, at the South London Community Centre; registration begins at 10:30 a.m. followed by the Latch On Challenge at 11:00 a.m. The goal of the challenge is to have as many breastfed babies as possible latched on, or skin-to-skin, at the same time.
Hot and Sticky Start to Fall Prompts Heat Alert for London and Middlesex County
Even though the fall season officially starts today, some very summer-like and unseasonably hot weather is in store for the Middlesex-London area this weekend. Because Environment Canada’s forecast is calling for daytime high temperatures of 31º Celsius for Saturday, Sunday and Monday, the Middlesex-London Health Unit is issuing a Heat Alert for the next three days. The heat will be combined with very muggy conditions, with humidex values expected to reach the high 39.
Health Unit Reports Local Human Case of West Nile Virus
The Middlesex-London Health Unit is reminding people across London and Middlesex County to protect themselves and their families after it received a report yesterday of a local human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) infection. While it can’t be confirmed exactly where the individual was when they were bitten by the infected mosquito, they were in the local area during the time the infection would have developed. This human case is the first to be reported in the Middlesex-London area since September of 2015.
Health Unit and Local Partners Join Forces to Increase Booster Seat Use
When it comes to child safety, there’s a surprising statistic travelling Ontario’s highways and byways every day. Of the total number of children who should be seated in a booster seat when they ride in a vehicle, more than 70 percent do not, resulting in an increased risk of injury in the event of collisions or sudden stops. Because the seat belts in passenger vehicles are designed for adults and older children, smaller children can be seriously injured by the very equipment designed to keep them safe. As part of the OPP seatbelt campaign and National Passenger Safety Week, the Middlesex-London Health Unit and its Child Safety Coalition partners are highlighting the importance of booster seat use.
Breastfeeding Latch On Challenge
Join our community in celebrating the importance of breastfeeding. The goal of the challenge is to have as many breastfed babies as possible latched-on or skin-to-skin at the same time. Siblings, partners, and anyone feeding human milk (at breast or by bottle) are welcome!