Region of Waterloo Public Health and Paramedic Services – Waterloo, ON

Regional Public Health and Emergency Services Hub

The Region of Waterloo Public Health and Paramedic Services headquarters, located at 99 Regina Street South, serves as a central pillar for community health and safety in the Waterloo area. This facility functions as a multi-disciplinary command centre, housing administrative operations for the region’s paramedic fleet as well as providing direct clinical services to the public. As part of the Regional Municipality’s mandate, the office focuses on disease prevention, health promotion, and health protection. It is distinct from a hospital; instead of acute care, the focus here is on population health, ranging from vaccine preventable diseases to food safety inspections and harm reduction strategies.

Dental and Sexual Health Clinics

A significant portion of the services offered at this location are clinical. The Public Health Dental Clinic provides essential care to eligible residents, including children enrolled in the Healthy Smiles Ontario program and seniors covered under the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program. Services often include cleanings, check-ups, and urgent care for pain relief. Additionally, the building houses a Sexual Health Clinic that offers non-judgmental, confidential services. Residents can access STI testing, treatment, and low-cost or free birth control. It is important to note that most clinical services, including sexual health and dental appointments, require booking in advance, although a ‘Welcome Space’ on the main floor assists with general inquiries and navigation.

Immunization and Family Health

The centre is a primary site for the region’s immunization efforts. It maintains vaccination records for school-aged children and operates catch-up clinics for students who have missed doses of publicly funded vaccines (such as Hepatitis B, HPV, and Meningococcal). For new parents, the facility provides breastfeeding support and access to public health nurses who can offer guidance on infant growth and development. The ‘Healthy Babies Healthy Children’ program is coordinated from here, offering home visiting services to families requiring extra support. The location also serves as a distribution point for harm reduction supplies, including the needle syringe program, ensuring safe disposal and access to clean equipment.

• Dental Services: Care for low-income seniors and children (Healthy Smiles Ontario).
• Sexual Health: Confidential STI testing, treatment, and contraception counseling.
• Vaccine Clinics: School immunization catch-up and routine vaccinations by appointment.