Heat Warning in Effect

Human Development and Sexual Health

Sexual health is a key component of overall health, well-being, and quality of life (SIECCAN, 2019).

  1. Teaching and Learning:

    • Use credible sexual health information and resources to teach the curriculum in ways that are both developmentally and age-appropriate for students, such as:
      • Always Changing & Growing Up: Grades 5 & 6 addresses issues surrounding adolescent growth and development, and personal hygiene.
      • Sex & U (Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada) addresses sex, lifestyle choices, contraception awareness and STIs.
      • Sexual Health Ontario provides information about STIs, contraception, fertility, healthy relationships and more.

    Note: As an alternative to traditional classroom instruction, students can explore the validated websites and resources listed above to research a topic related to sexual health and share their findings through a peer presentation. If you are a teacher and require additional support, a Lead Sexual Health Nurse can offer guidance and provide additional resources. Call the EOHU at 613-933-1375 or 1-800-267-7120 and ask to speak to a member of the School Health Team or email schoolinfoecole@eohu.ca.

    • Borrow the EOHU Sexual Health Teaching Kit. The classroom kit includes samples of STI prevention methods, and non-hormonal, hormonal and emergency contraceptive methods, along with online resources for instructional use. To reserve a kit, email schoolinfoecole@eohu.ca.
    • Stay informed by engaging in professional learning opportunities for educators, such as:

  2. Social and Physical Environment:

    • Foster a safe, inclusive and respectful environment where students feel comfortable discussing concerns and accessing resources, including:
      • Using inclusive language and practices such as preferred names and pronouns.
      • Supporting peer-led or inclusive school groups.
      • Considering gender-neutral bathrooms.
    • Review the Gender and Sexual Diversity and Disability Resources on the OPHEA website.

  3. Policies:

    Ensure school policies and student codes of conduct are inclusive, equitable, and promote positive sexual health outcomes for all students.

  4. Partnerships and Services:

    Community Clinical Sexual Health Services

    Students in need of clinical sexual health support can call the EOHU at 613-933-1375 or 1-800-267-7120 and ask for a Lead Sexual Health Nurse.

    • EOHU Sexual Health and Harm Reduction Walk-in Clinic (Hawkesbury)
      • 134 Main Street East, Suite 30
      • Mondays & Tuesdays 09:30–11:30, 13:00–15:30
    • Rockland & PR Youth Wellness Hub
      • 1517 Laurier Street, Rockland ON K4K 1C8
      • 613-577-7219
    • Cornwall & SDG Youth Wellness Hub
      • 212 Pitt Street, Cornwall ON K6J 3P6
      • 613-577-7216
    • Pitt Street Medical Centre Walk-in Clinic (Cornwall)
      • 1331 Pitt Street, Cornwall ON K6J 3T7
      • 613-932-6163
    • East Region Virtual Care Clinic
      • Register online or call 1-888-684-1999 for a virtual appointment with an NP.
    • Health811
      • Chat online or call 811

    For urgent medical issues, go to the nearest hospital.

    Other Community Services

    Inclusive Community Groups and Organizations