Central Community Health Centre

The Centre will be closed Monday, September 2, 2024 for Labour Day. We do apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. For urgent medical needs, the centre can be contacted at 519-633-7989 for our On Call Service.

Central Community Health is thrilled to announce that we are hiring a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) to join our dedicated team! If you are passionate about providing exceptional care and making a difference in the community, we want to hear from you!
Apply Now: Send your resume and cover letter to [email protected]

Join us in our mission to provide top-notch healthcare to our community. We look forward to welcoming a new member to our team!

All of your baby's senses are stimulated when you hold them. A baby who is smiled at, talked to and cuddled will feel safe and secure. Breastfeeding is more than just giving your baby nutrients and calories for their body to grow. It strengthens the bond between you and your baby and is one of many things you can do to build a secure and loving relationship.

Speak with your CCHC primary care provider for breastfeeding support. Additionally, Southwestern Public Health offers FREE help with breastfeeding and lactation consultation for people who live in Elgin County, Oxford County, and the City of St. Thomas. Please call us at 1-800-922-0096 or sign up online at https://app.swpublichealth.ca/Forms/BreastfeedingReferralForm for individual breastfeeding support from a Public Health Nurse.

Your baby can have all the benefits of your milk even if you plan to go back to work or school. When breastfeeding is well-established, you can express milk and leave it with your baby's caregiver for feedings. Breast milk can be stored in the fridge or freezer. Use clean bottles or bags and date them. Ask your employer for flexibility so you can breastfeed or pump at work. Ask if you can use a fridge to store your breast milk. If you have childcare at work, school, or nearby, you may even be able to breastfeed during breaks.

Speak with your CCHC primary care provider for breastfeeding support. Additionally, Southwestern Public Health offers FREE help with breastfeeding and lactation consultation for people who live in Elgin County, Oxford County, and the City of St. Thomas. Please call us at 1-800-922-0096 or sign up online at https://app.swpublichealth.ca/Forms/BreastfeedingReferralForm for individual breastfeeding support from a Public Health Nurse.

While breastfeeding it is important to know you are not alone! Talk to others and utilize your community supports if you have questions or worries about breastfeeding.

Many people can give support and/or encouragement, including:
- Family and friends who have breastfed
- Other mothers who are breastfeeding
- Support groups
- Local family resource centres
- Your health care provider (doctor, nurse or midwife)
- Lactation consultants

Speak with your CCHC primary care provider for breastfeeding support. Additionally, Southwestern Public Health offers FREE help with breastfeeding and lactation consultation for people who live in Elgin County, Oxford County, and the City of St. Thomas. Please call us at 1-800-922-0096 or sign up online at https://app.swpublichealth.ca/Forms/BreastfeedingReferralForm for individual breastfeeding support from a Public Health Nurse.

Prioritizing yourself while breastfeeding is beneficial for both mom and baby. Follow these tips:
In the early days, try to rest when your baby sleeps
Accept or ask for help with housework and meals from your partner, family and friends
Have visitors over only when you feel ready
Eat healthy foods and drink when you feel thirsty. You may be extra thirsty, so try to have a glass of water every time your baby breastfeeds
Do something fun every day. Relax in the bath, take a walk with your baby, keep in touch with family and friends etc.

Speak with your CCHC primary care provider for breastfeeding support. Additionally, Southwestern Public Health offers FREE help with breastfeeding and lactation consultation for people who live in Elgin County, Oxford County, and the City of St. Thomas. Please call us at 1-800-922-0096 or sign up online at https://app.swpublichealth.ca/Forms/BreastfeedingReferralForm for individual breastfeeding support from a Public Health Nurse.

Ni****ne, cannabis, alcohol, medication, and other drugs pass into your breast milk, so the safest choice is to not use them at all while breastfeeding. If this is not feasible there are also things you can do to decrease the risk to your baby including washing hands, avoiding smoking in the house, pumping breastmilk before feeding to get rid of alcohol in your system, and speaking to your healthcare provider to ensure medications are safe for your baby.

Speak with your CCHC primary care provider for breastfeeding support. Additionally, Southwestern Public Health offers FREE help with breastfeeding and lactation consultation for people who live in Elgin County, Oxford County, and the City of St. Thomas. Please call us at 1-800-922-0096 or sign up online at https://app.swpublichealth.ca/Forms/BreastfeedingReferralForm for individual breastfeeding support from a Public Health Nurse.

Watch for signs your baby is adequately fed:
By day 6, they are having 6 or more wet diapers in 24 hours and are having bowel movements often
Weight gain - Many babies lose a bit of weight in their first few days then gain it back by the time they are about two weeks old

Remember when your baby is breastfeeding well and often, there is no need to give any other food or liquids – not even water.

Speak with your CCHC primary care provider for breastfeeding support. Additionally, Southwestern Public Health offers FREE help with breastfeeding and lactation consultation for people who live in Elgin County, Oxford County, and the City of St. Thomas. Please call us at 1-800-922-0096 or sign up online at https://app.swpublichealth.ca/Forms/BreastfeedingReferralForm for individual breastfeeding support from a Public Health Nurse.

Feed often as possible during the first few weeks of your baby’s life. The more you feed the more milk you will produce as a result. Your baby will grow quickly in their first months, during these growth spurts, there will be days when your baby will be very hungry and will need to feed more often. During these times, your breast milk will change and increase to meet your baby's needs. This is part of what makes breastfeeding so beneficial, it is custom-made by each mother for her own baby and has the perfect amount of protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins and minerals your baby requires.

Speak with your CCHC primary care provider for breastfeeding support. Additionally, Southwestern Public Health offers FREE help with breastfeeding and lactation consultation for people who live in Elgin County, Oxford County, and the City of St. Thomas. Please call us at 1-800-922-0096 or sign up online at https://app.swpublichealth.ca/Forms/BreastfeedingReferralForm for individual breastfeeding support from a Public Health Nurse.

Instead of timing feeds by the clock, look for your baby's early signs of wanting to feed. Babies need to eat often in the first few weeks: at least 8 or more times in 24 hours. This will help you to make more milk and will help your baby to gain back any weight they lose in their first few days. Some babies prefer many short feeds while others like fewer, longer feeds. Do not rush your baby and take your time!

Speak with your CCHC primary care provider for breastfeeding support. Additionally, Southwestern Public Health offers FREE help with breastfeeding and lactation consultation for people who live in Elgin County, Oxford County, and the City of St. Thomas. Please call us at 1-800-922-0096 or sign up online at https://app.swpublichealth.ca/Forms/BreastfeedingReferralForm for individual breastfeeding support from a Public Health Nurse.

Watch out for your baby’s early signs of wanting to feed:

- Rooting reflex – you will see your baby turn their head and open their mouth in search of food when you touch their mouth or cheek
- Licking of lips
- Putting their hands to their mouth - babies that have their hands free can show you easily that they are hungry
- Crying

Speak with your CCHC primary care provider for breastfeeding support. Additionally, Southwestern Public Health offers FREE help with breastfeeding and lactation consultation for people who live in Elgin County, Oxford County, and the City of St. Thomas. Please call us at 1-800-922-0096 or sign up online at https://app.swpublichealth.ca/Forms/BreastfeedingReferralForm for individual breastfeeding support from a Public Health Nurse.

International Overdose Awareness Day is an opportunity for people and communities to encourage action to end one of the world’s most urgent public health crises, and remember the lives lost to drug overdose and opioid-related toxicity. CCHC recognizes the many lives lost to drug overdose and opioid-related toxicity, and the impacts of overdose in our community.

Pharmacists play a vital role in providing education and overdose support in our community. Visit your local pharmacy or primary care provider for more information on how to help and avoid drug overdose and opioid-related toxicity.

Today we celebrate friendship at Central Community Health Centre. Friendship is a cornerstone of mental well-being and community health. Let's continue to support each other, promote inclusivity, and build a healthier, happier world together. Enjoy the day with your friends! ❤️

Today, on World Hepatitis Day, lets raise awareness of rising hepatitis rates. With over 290 million people unaware they are living with the virus, awareness and early detection are crucial to prevention. Join us in raising awareness, getting tested, and advocating for better prevention and treatment options. Together, we can achieve a hepatitis-free future.

Book an appointment with your CCHC primary care provider to book a hepatis screening.

It was a perfect day on Wednesday for the Central Community Health Centre client appreciation barbeque. Thank you to everyone who helped including volunteers, CCHC staff, Elgin OHT staff and the wonderful performance by Muon Bluze, and thank you to clients for the privilege of helping you meet your healthcare goals.

We hope to see everyone at the next barbeque on August 21!

Join us on July 24th for lunch and entertainment to show appreciation to our CCHC clients. The BBQ will take place in the Curtis St. parking lot located behind CCHC (359 Talbot St). We look forward to seeing you there!

Every year Canada acknowledges National Injury Prevention Day (NIPD). Lead by Parachute Canada, a national charity dedicated to injury prevention with the goal of helping all Canadians live long lives to the fullest, NIPD is a day to raise awareness about the importance of injury prevention and the devastating effects of predictable and preventable injuries.

Injuries can be intentional or unintentional and include violence, falls, motor vehicle collisions, su***de and self-harm, drowning, poisoning, sport-related injury, etc. Both intentional and unintentional injuries vary in their degree of severity, but often lead to emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations, disability, and sometimes death.

Visit https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/injury-prevention.html to learn more about preventable injury today or speak with your CCHC primary care provider.

On National PTSD Awareness Day, we stand with those affected by post-traumatic stress disorder. At Central Community Health Centre, we are committed to providing compassionate care and resources for individuals coping with PTSD. Let's work together to raise awareness, break the stigma, and support the journey towards healing and recovery.

If you’re struggling with symptoms of PTSD connect with our social work team today!

Tomorrow is Multiculturalism Day! At Central Community Health Centre, we celebrate the rich diversity that makes our community vibrant and strong. We are committed to providing inclusive, culturally sensitive care to all. Let's embrace and honor the unique traditions, perspectives, and contributions of every individual. Together, we build a healthier, more inclusive community.

Visit https://stelip.ca for local information on multiculturalism in St. Thomas, Central Elgin and Southwold Township.

June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day. Today marks an opportunity to learn more about the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and histories of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

Learning about Indigenous Peoples, places and experiences is a step forward each Canadian can take on the path to reconciliation.

This month we recognize the remarkable journeys of cancer survivors during National Cancer Survivors Month. Their stories exemplify the power of resilience, the significance of early detection, and the unwavering determination to conquer this disease. Let us stand together in admiration and support as we celebrate their strength and inspire others in the face of adversity.

Summer weather can mean extreme temperature and humidex levels as we are seeing this week. Heat waves occur when high temperatures (+30°C) last for several days or more. Exposure to such intense heat can pose significant health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions. Be prepared for extreme heat this season by monitoring weather conditions and knowing how to stay safe. Follow CCHC’s Hot Tips for extreme heat this summer.

We regret to announce the Client Appreciation BBQ, scheduled for June 19th, is cancelled due to the extreme heat wave forecasted for our area.

The safety and well-being of our community members are our top priority. With temperatures expected to soar well beyond safe levels, we believe it is in everyone's best interest to avoid outdoor activities during this period. Exposure to such intense heat can pose significant health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.

We look forward to seeing you at our next BBQ on July 24th!

In June, we celebrate all identities included in the diverse 2SLGBTQ+ umbrella such as two-spirit, le***an, gay, bisexual, transgender, q***r, questioning, intersex, asexual in our community! The health of the 2SLGBTQ+ community is affected by a range of social, structural, and discrimination factors. As a result, 2SLGBTQ+ populations have unique health needs that may not be met by existing health care services.

CCHC is proud to provide 2SLGBTQ+ friendly services for gender dysphoria and transgender health supports. Reach out to your CCHC primary care provider to learn more about what care options best suit your needs.

Happy Father’s Day to all the incredible caregivers in our community! Whether biological fathers, father figures, or mentors, we celebrate their vital role in nurturing healthy families. Wishing all dads a day of relaxation and well-deserved recognition.

Today, let’s show our support for older adults, their safety, and well-being!

Social isolation is a major risk factor for elder abuse & neglect. CCHC invites you to join us at our monthly Senior Social Group to combat social isolation by connecting with other seniors. Contact Diane at 519-633-7989 ext. 421 for more information.

The Elder Abuse Elgin committee meets quarterly to liaise with existing services to make Elgin County a place where older adults can live free from any form of abuse. For more information about the activities of the committee or to become a member, please email [email protected]

June is Stroke Awareness Month! Do you know the signs and symptoms of stroke? F.A.S.T. is an easy acronym to help you remember them—and perhaps save a life.

The signs of a stroke are drooping of the face, one arm is weaker than the other when raising, speech is slurred, and if all are present its time to call 911.

Connect with your CCHC primary care provider to assess your lifestyle risk factors for stroke today!

June is Brain Injury Awareness Month, an opportunity to bring attention to the effects of brain injuries and the measures to take to help prevent them. Brain injuries can occur at all ages and be caused by trauma from falls, car accidents, sports, assaults, or other health issues, such as stroke.

Concussions remain a serious public health issue because of their frequency and potential for serious short- and long-term consequences on brain health.

If you suspect you may have incurred a brain injury, contact your CCHC primary care provider for an examination today!

Central Community Health Centre supports 's because MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS. Learn more at www.actionanxietyday.com 💙 🧡

Are you struggling with anxiety? Connect with our CCHC Social Work team today!