Drug warning: August 11, 2025

Public Health Sudbury & Districts is warning of a rise in drug poisonings (overdoses) and unexpected reactions to substances in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts.

The cause of the increase is unknown. This serves as an important reminder that street drugs may be cut or mixed with substances such as benzos (benzodiazepines), xylazine, medetomidine, fentanyl, or carfentanil. Be cautious if using drugs and please share this information widely to help save lives.

Key information

A pink rock-like substance is reportedly being sold as fentanyl. Taking this substance is also reported to cause prolonged sedation (heavy nods). Due to concerns about benzodiazepines (benzos) and tranquilizers (xylazine and medetomidine), take steps to support someone who is sedated.

Move the person to a safe place, ideally somewhere warm and dry.
Stay with them and keep an eye on them.
Check that limbs are not restricted.
If they are having trouble breathing or not breathing, give rescue breaths.

How to prevent poisonings

A poisoning occurs when a person uses a substance, and their body cannot handle its effects. A person can pass out, stop breathing, or experience a seizure. Poisonings can be fatal or non-fatal.

Carry a naloxone kit. It can help reverse an opioid poisoning. Know how to use it (PDF).
Pick up a free naloxone kit at The Point, Réseau ACCESS Network, or ask your local hospital or pharmacy. Visit ontario.ca/page/get-naloxone-kits-free.
Avoid mixing substances. This includes alcohol, prescription, over the counter, and street drugs.
Start with a lower dose and go slow.
Avoid using drugs when you are alone.
Have a trusted person nearby or use a virtual safe consumption service like the National Overdose Response Service at 1.888.688.6677 or the Brave App. These services provide 24/7 confidential and nonjudgmental support, whenever and wherever you use drugs.

How to respond to poisonings

Call 911. Stay with the person. Monitor their breathing until help arrives.
GIVE NALOXONE. It won’t cause harm if opioids aren’t involved. The person may not wake up right away due to sedation. More doses may be needed.
If the person is unconscious, place them in the recovery position.

How to recognize poisonings

Different substances affect the body in different ways. Depending on the type of substance consumed, symptoms of a poisoning may look different.

Opioid poisoning symptoms:

bluish, purple, or greyish skin, lips, or nails (depending on skin tone)
dizziness, confusion, or inability to stay awake
choking, gurgling, or snoring sounds
slow, weak, or no breathing

Benzodiazepines (benzos) toxicity poisoning symptoms

A poisoning due to benzodiazepines (benzos) toxicity may last for hours and look like:

extreme sleepiness or passing out
poor balance or movement control
slurred speech
blackouts and memory loss

Share this warning to help raise awareness and reduce the risk of drug poisonings.

This item was last modified on August 11, 2025

Heat warning extended: August 11, 2025

Heat warning extended for the following locations:

Greater Sudbury and vicinity
Markstay – Warren, St. Charles
Espanola, Massey, and Killarney
West-Nipissing, French River

The heat warning, which began Saturday, August 9, 2025, is being extended given the hot, humid weather in the forecast. Heat warnings are extended while the weather stays at 29 degrees Celsius or above during the day and 18 degrees Celsius or above at night, or the humidex reaches 36 or above.

“Frequently check on your friends, neighbours, and relatives, especially if they are at higher risk of heat-related illness to ensure that they are staying cool and hydrated,” said Burgess Hawkins, a manager with Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ Health Protection Division.

Continuous exposure to high levels of heat can lead to dehydration and illnesses such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat fainting, heat edema (swelling of hands, feet and ankles), heat rash, heat cramps (muscle cramps), and even death. People who are at higher risk include, older adults, infants and young children, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses, people who are homeless, people who use alcohol or illicit drugs, and those who work or exercise in the heat. Those who take medications or have a health condition should consult their doctor or pharmacist to determine if they are at increased risk from the heat and follow their recommendations.

Symptoms of heat-related illness include dizziness or fainting, nausea or vomiting, headache, rapid breathing and heartbeat, extreme thirst, and decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine. If you or someone in your care experiences these symptoms, contact a health care professional. In emergencies, call 911.

Take precautions and stay cool during this time of high temperatures. Take a break from the heat by spending a few hours in a cool place, for example, in a tree-shaded area, swimming facility, or an air-conditioned public building such as a shopping mall, grocery store, place of worship, public library, or home of a family member or friend. Drink plenty of cool liquids, especially water, before you feel thirsty to decrease your risk of dehydration. Avoid sun exposure by shading yourself by wearing a wide-brimmed, breathable hat or using an umbrella, and wearing loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made of breathable fabric.

Public Health Sudbury & Districts offers information on beating the heat in apartment buildings, keeping your pets safe, doing outdoor activities in heat and smog, and keeping your children safe during hot weather.

For more information on heat warnings and preventing heat-related illness, please call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200, ext. 464 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200) or visit phsd.ca.

This item was last modified on August 11, 2025

Heat warning: July 26, 2025

With hot, humid weather in the forecast for the next few days, Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a heat warning within Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ service area beginning Saturday, July 26, 2025, for the following locations:

Greater Sudbury and vicinity
West-Nipissing, French River
Espanola, Massey and Killarney

Heat warnings are issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada when the forecast rises for two days to 29 degrees Celsius or above during the day and 18 degrees Celsius or above at night, or the humidex is 36 or above.

Continuous exposure to high levels of heat can lead to dehydration and illnesses such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat fainting, heat edema (swelling of hands, feet and ankles), heat rash, heat cramps (muscle cramps), and even death. People who are most at risk include, older adults, infants and young children, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses, people who are homeless, people who use alcohol or illicit drugs, and those who work or exercise in the heat. Those who take medications or have a health condition should consult their doctor or pharmacist to determine if they are at increased risk from the heat and follow their recommendations.

“Although some individuals are at higher risk, anyone can suffer from heat-related illnesses,” said Burgess Hawkins, a manager with Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ Health Protection Division. “Everyone should take precautions.”

Tips to prevent heat-related illness:

Frequently visit or check-in on neighbours, friends, and older family members, especially those who are chronically ill, to make sure that they are cool and hydrated.
Drink plenty of cool liquids, especially water, before you feel thirsty to decrease your risk of dehydration. Thirst is not a good indicator of dehydration.
Babies under 6 months of age do not need extra water in hot weather; however, you might need to feed them more often. Follow your baby’s feeding cues. Encourage babies over 6 months and children to drink frequently. Offer the breast or if not breastfeeding, offer water.
Reschedule or plan outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day.
Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made of breathable fabric.
Never leave people or pets in your care inside a parked vehicle or in direct sunlight—even if the windows are down.
Take a break from the heat by spending a few hours in a cool place.
Take a cool bath or shower periodically, or cool down with cool, wet towels.
Prepare meals that do not need to be cooked in your oven.
Block sun out by closing awnings, curtains, or blinds during the day.
Avoid sun exposure. Shade yourself by wearing a wide-brimmed, breathable hat, or using an umbrella.

Know the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness. They include dizziness or fainting, nausea or vomiting, headache, rapid breathing and heartbeat, extreme thirst, and decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine. If you or someone in your care experiences these symptoms, contact a health care professional. In emergencies, call 911.

Call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200, ext. 464 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200) or visit phsd.ca for more information.

This item was last modified on July 26, 2025

Public Health Sudbury & Districts continues a thorough investigation into recent measles infection

Additional infections and community exposures identified

Since Public Health Sudbury & Districts reported a measles infection on Tuesday, July 22, it has been investigating the source of that measles infection and identifying other transmission that has occurred in order to prevent further spread.

Through the efforts of that investigation, Public Health has identified an initial, previously undetected introduction of measles into the area 7 weeks ago. That infection is linked to the broader measles outbreak occurring throughout North America. Through following chains of transmission from that initial infection to the one reported earlier this week, Public Health has uncovered an additional 39 measles infections in its service area. The majority of these infections have now resolved.

Public Health has identified numerous private gatherings and interactions that have led to infection spreading to these individuals. In addition, Public Health has identified some recent public locations where members of the general public may have been exposed to measles. These are listed below. Public Health is continuing its investigation by contacting individuals who were previously ill or who have been exposed to persons infected with measles.

“Over 95% of measles infections in Ontario have not been fully vaccinated; the overwhelming majority of infections we are seeing locally align with that trend,” said Dr. M. Mustafa Hirji, Acting Medical Officer of Health for Public Health Sudbury & Districts. “Since measles can cause severe illness, disability, or even death in some people, I encourage everyone to ensure they have had two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine,” said Dr. Hirji.

Important instructions:

Review the locations, dates, and times below to determine if you may have been exposed to measles.
Check your immunization records.
Learn whether to contact your health care provider or Public Health.
Monitor for symptoms.

Step 1. Review the exposure locations, dates, and times

The measles virus can spread through the air or direct contact with an infected person. The virus can live for up to 2 hours in the air or on surfaces.

Recent exposure locations:

Chi-Cheemaun ferry
- Thursday, July 17: South Baymouth to Tobermory, 11 a.m. departure, AND Tobermory to South Baymouth, 1:15 p.m. departure. Monitor for symptoms until Thursday, August 7.
- Monday, July 21: Tobermory to South Baymouth, 1:15 p.m. departure, AND South Baymouth to Tobermory, 3:30 p.m. departure. Monitor for symptoms until Monday, August 11.

Older exposures

People who were exposed on the dates listed below would have already developed illness if they were infected. Follow up with your health care provider if you have any questions or were previously ill with symptoms that could have been measles (as outlined below).

Chi-Cheemaun ferry
- Tuesday, June 24: South Baymouth to Tobermory, 11 a.m. departure, AND Tobermory to South Baymouth, 1:15 p.m. departure.
- Thursday, June 26: Tobermory to South Baymouth, 1:15 p.m. departure, AND South Baymouth to Tobermory, 3:30 p.m. departure.
- Friday, June 27: Tobermory to South Baymouth, 1:15 p.m. departure, AND South Baymouth to Tobermory, 3:30 p.m. departure.
- Saturday, June 28: South Baymouth to Tobermory, 11 a.m. departure, AND Tobermory to South Baymouth, 1:15 p.m. departure.
- Monday, June 30: Tobermory to South Baymouth, 8:45 a.m. departure, AND South Baymouth to Tobermory, 11 a.m. departure.
Manitoulin Health Centre, Mindemoya, emergency department
- Thursday, June 5, 10:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
- Saturday, June 7, 2:19 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Friday, June 27, 9:45 p.m. to Saturday, June 28, 1:30 a.m.

Step 2: Learn how to check your immunization records

If you were exposed, are fully vaccinated, and DO NOT fit into any of the groups of people listed in Step 3 (below), monitor yourself for symptoms for 21 days past your exposure.

Check your or your family’s immunization records (online or hard copy) to confirm if you’re fully vaccinated against measles. Contact your health care provider if you are unsure.
If you submitted your child’s immunization records to Public Health Sudbury & Districts, you can view them online using Immunization Connect Ontario (ICON) by visiting sdhu.icon.ehealthontario.ca. Public Health keeps records for vaccinations people received while under the age of 18.
Public Health does not keep new records for those 18 and older. Check your yellow card for your vaccination history.
If you were born before 1970, you are likely immune to measles, but consult your health care provider if you’re uncertain.
You can find information about Ontario’s routine immunization schedule online at www.ontario.ca/page/ontarios-routine-immunization-schedule (Government of Ontario).

Step 3: If you were exposed to measles, learn when to contact your health care provider or Public Health

Contact your health care provider as soon as possible to discuss vaccination if

Your child is 6 to 12 months of age and it has been LESS than 72 hours since they were exposed.
- If it has been MORE than 72 hours but LESS than 6 days since your child’s exposure OR if your child is LESS than 6 months of age, contact Public Health.
Your child is 12 months to 17 years of age and LESS than 6 days have passed since the date and time of their exposure, AND they have not received 2 doses of measles vaccine.
You are over 18 years of age and less than 6 days have passed since the date and time of your exposure, AND you have not received any doses of measles vaccine (two doses are recommended).
Note: If you were born before 1970, you are likely immune to measles due to past infection, but if you are unsure, talk to your health care provider about getting vaccinated.
You work in health care or military or are a post-secondary student and have not received 2 doses of measles vaccine (regardless of year of birth).
NOTE: If you are pregnant and HAVE received 2 doses of measles vaccine, you can contact your health care provider if you have questions.

By receiving a vaccine soon after an exposure, you can help protect yourself and your child from infection.

Contact Public Health Sudbury & Districts as soon as possible to discuss receiving immune globulin if

Your child is less than 6 months of age. Contact Public Health as soon as possible after their exposure and within 6 days.
Your child is 6 to 12 months of age and MORE than 72 hours but LESS than 6 days have passed since the date and time of their exposure.
You are immunocompromised and LESS than 6 days have passed since the date and time of your exposure (regardless of your immunization status).
You are pregnant, have NOT received two doses of measles vaccine, and LESS than 6 days have passed since the date and time of your exposure.

If you or your child are eligible to receive immune globulin, Public Health will coordinate a request with the hospital. Immune globulin can help protect against infection.

Call Public Health at 705.522.9200, ext. 772 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200), Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or after hours and on weekends at 705.688.4366.

Step 4: Monitor for symptoms

Monitor yourself for symptoms for 21 days past the date of your last exposure.

Symptoms of measles can appear between 7 and 21 days after being exposed. Symptoms can include fever, runny nose, cough, red and watery eyes, small white spots in the mouth and throat (Koplik’s spots), and a red rash that starts on the face and spreads down the body (appears 3 to 7 days after other symptoms).

If you develop symptoms:

Immediately isolate yourself. Stay home and avoid all contact with people who are not immunized.
Seek testing. Call your health care provider or the walk-in clinic’s office before going so they can give you instructions to follow to protect other people, such as wearing a medical or N95 mask.
You can also call or chat online with a registered nurse to get free, secure, and confidential health advice (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) by contacting Health811 (Ontario Government)—visit health811.ontario.ca or dial 811 (TTY 1.866.797.0007).

Vaccination remains the best protection against measles—it’s safe and effective. Measles can lead to serious complications such as lung infections, swelling of the brain, seizures, and middle ear infections, and in rare cases, death.

Public Health Ontario posts detailed information about measles cases in Ontario in a weekly summary. For more information about measles, immunization, or exposures, please visit phsd.ca or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).

This item was last modified on July 25, 2025

Protect yourself from wildfire smoke

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued an air quality statement for

Greater Sudbury and vicinity
Markstay-Warren, St. Charles
West-Nipissing, French River
Espanola, Massey, and Killarney
Manitoulin Island
Gogama, Foleyet
Chapleau, Missinaibi Lake

According to Environment and Climate Change Canada (Government of Canada), smoke from wildfires (forest fires) is affecting air quality. Public Health Sudbury & Districts would like to remind residents of the health effects of wildfire smoke and how to protect yourself.

Different people can have very different reactions to the same amount of smoke. Those more likely to experience symptoms from wildfire smoke include older adults, people who smoke, pregnant people, infants and young children, people who do strenuous outdoor work or exercise, and people with existing health conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, respiratory, or heart conditions.

“Mild symptoms from wildfire smoke can usually be treated at home and may include a mild cough, headache, and eye, nose, or throat irritation,” said Jane Mantyla, a health promoter with Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ Health Protection Division.

“If you have more severe symptoms, talk to a health care provider. You can also call or chat online with a registered nurse day or night for free, secure, and confidential health advice by contacting Health811—visit health811.ontario.ca (Ontario Government), or call 811 (TTY 1.866.797.0007). In an emergency, call 911. Watch out for severe cough, wheezing, difficulty breathing, asthma attacks, dizziness, chest pain, and irregular heartbeat,” said Mantyla.

The best way to protect your health is to reduce your exposure to wildfire smoke. You can do this by limiting outdoor and strenuous physical activities, staying indoors with windows and doors closed, and using a portable air purifier (Government of Canada). If you must spend time outdoors, a well-fitted respirator type mask, such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator (which does not allow air to pass through small openings between the mask and face), may help reduce your exposure to the fine particles in smoke. If you feel unwell or have difficulty breathing, stop outdoor activities altogether.

Other precautions to take:

Check the Air Quality Health Index (Ontario Government) before going outdoors and sign up to receive air quality alerts on the WeatherCAN (Government of Canada)
Use the best quality air filter that your ventilation system can handle based on manufacturers’ recommendations. Be sure to run the fan mode and put the system on recirculate. A MERV 13 rated air filter is recommended to remove fine particulate matter.
If needed, visit community centres, libraries, or shopping malls to get a break from the smoke.
Take care of your mental health during a wildfire smoke event.

Air quality conditions can change rapidly. For more information, check the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) (Ontario Government), visit www.phsd.ca, or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200, ext. 464 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200) to speak to a public health inspector.

This item was last modified on June 9, 2025

Drinking water advisory issued for parts of the Town of Mindemoya including Douglas Street, Yonge Street (south of Douglas), King Street, and areas south of King Street

Public Health Sudbury & Districts has issued a drinking water advisory effective immediately for all residents of the Town of Mindemoya who get their water from the Mindemoya water treatment system on Douglas Street, Yonge Street south of Douglas Street, King Street, and areas south of King Street.

A drinking water advisory means that people who take their water from the municipal system should NOT use it for drinking; making juice, infant formula, or ice; cooking; washing uncooked fruit and vegetables; or brushing teeth. Boiling the water may not make it safe for drinking. For these purposes, water from an alternate source, such as bottled water, should be used. The water can be used for laundry and bathing (excluding small children who could swallow the water).

The town advises that residents can bring and fill their own containers at the nearest water filling station located at the town’s water treatment plant located at 61 Old Hwy 551, Mindemoya.

Although the town has re-established the water supply, which was interrupted due to a loss of pressure, residents should not use the water for human consumption until advised otherwise by Public Health Sudbury & Districts.

“It is possible that the loss of water pressure created conditions that compromised the safety of the drinking water,” said Burgess Hawkins, a manager in Public Health’s Health Protection Division. “Until bacteriological testing of the drinking water indicates a safe supply, the drinking water advisory will remain in effect as a precaution.”

Public Health staff will continue to monitor the situation. Public Health Sudbury & Districts will notify the municipality when the drinking water advisory is lifted and residents will be advised.

For more information, please call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200, ext. 398 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200) or visit phsd.ca.

This item was last modified on May 9, 2025

Drug warning: Increase in suspected drug poisonings (overdoses)

The Community Drug Strategies have received reports of an increase in the number of drug poisonings (overdoses) with heavy and prolonged sedation and unexpected reactions from the use of substances in the Sudbury and districts area.

While we cannot identify the substance(s) causing the poisonings, this situation serves as an important reminder to the community that street drugs may be cut or mixed with substances such as benzos (benzodiazepines), xylazine, medetomidine, fentanyl, or carfentanil. Frontline workers warn that more toxic substances may be circulating locally.

A poisoning occurs when a person uses a substance and their body is unable to handle the effects. As a result, the brain is unable to control basic life functions. The person might pass out, stop breathing, or experience a seizure. Poisonings can be fatal and non-fatal.

Prevent poisonings to save lives:

Carry a naloxone kit. Know how to use it (PDF).
Call 911 if you suspect a poisoning.
Avoid mixing drugs, including prescribed, over the counter, and street drugs.
Avoid drinking alcohol while using other drugs.
Use caution when switching substances: start with a lower dose than you usually would.
If you have not used in a while, start with a lower dose. Your tolerance may be lower.
Avoid using drugs when you are alone. Have a trusted person with you who can provide support as needed.
If you must use alone, consider the following options.
- Connect with the National Overdose Response Service at 1.888.688.6677 (NORS line). NORS is a virtual safe consumption line available 24/7 that provides confidential and nonjudgmental support, whenever and wherever you use drugs.
- Access the Brave App. The Brave App is a virtual safe consumption app available 24/7 that will anonymously and privately connect to a Brave Supporter before you use drugs alone.

Opioid poisoning symptoms include:

fingernails and lips turn blue or purplish black
skin turns bluish purple, grayish, or ashen, depending on skin tone
dizziness and confusion
the person can’t be woken up
choking, gurgling, or snoring sounds
slow, weak, or no breathing
drowsiness or difficulty staying awake

Stimulant poisonings symptoms include:

seizures
drooling or frothing from the mouth
limb spasms or rigidity
tightening or pain in the chest
not breathing or shallow breathing
signs of a stroke such as the inability to talk clearly, losing feelings in the face, arms, or legs on one side of the body

Due to benzodiazepines (benzos) toxicity, an overdose may last for hours and look like:

extreme sleepiness or passing out
poor balance and movement control
slurred speech
blackouts and memory loss

How to respond to a poisoning:

GIVE NALOXONE. This will help reverse an opioid poisoning and will do no harm if the poisoning is not due to opioids. This may improve breathing, but the person may not regain consciousness due to sedation. Additional doses may be needed.
Call 911 to get medical help and keep monitoring breathing. Stay with the person until help arrives.
If a stimulant poisoning is suspected:
- Try to keep the person awake. If they are anxious, try to get them to slow down and relax.
- Cool the person down with a damp washcloth on their forehead.
- If the person is having a seizure, remove any sharp or dangerous items around them.
If the person is unconscious, place them in the recovery position.

Where to get naloxone?

For a free naloxone kit, contact The Point at Public Health Sudbury & Districts, Réseau Access Network, or ask your local hospital or pharmacy. Or, visit www.ontario.ca/page/get-naloxone-kits-free.

Be cautious if using drugs and please distribute this information widely to help save lives.

This item was last modified on October 23, 2024

Drug warning: Increase in suspected drug poisonings (overdoses)

The Community Drug Strategies of Manitoulin and Lacloche Foothills have received reports of an increase in the number of drug poisonings (overdoses) and unexpected reactions from the use of substances in the Manitoulin and Lacloche Foothills areas.

While we cannot confirm the substance(s) causing the overdoses, this situation serves as an important reminder to the community that street drugs may be cut or mixed with substances such as benzos (benzodiazepines), xylazine, fentanyl, or carfentanil. Frontline workers warn that more toxic substances may be circulating locally.

An overdose occurs when a person uses a substance, and their body is unable to handle the effects. As a result, the brain is unable to control basic life functions. The person might pass out, stop breathing, or experience a seizure. Overdoses can be fatal and non-fatal.

Prevent overdoses to save lives:

Carry a naloxone kit. Know how to use it (PDF).
Call 911 if you suspect an overdose.
Avoid mixing drugs, including prescribed, over the counter, and street drugs.
Avoid drinking alcohol while using other drugs.
Use caution when switching substances: start with a lower dose than you usually would.
If you have not used in a while, start with a lower dose. Your tolerance may be lower.
Avoid using drugs when you are alone. Have a trusted person with you who can provide support as needed.
If you must use alone, consider the following options.
- Connect with the National Overdose Response Service at 1.888.688.6677 (NORS line). NORS is a virtual safe consumption line available 24/7 that provides confidential and nonjudgmental support, whenever and wherever you use drugs.
- Access the Brave App. The Brave App is a virtual safe consumption app available 24/7 that will anonymously and privately connect to a Brave Supporter before you use drugs alone.

Opioid overdose symptoms include:

fingernails and lips turn blue or purplish black
skin turns bluish purple, grayish, or ashen, depending on skin tone
dizziness and confusion
the person can’t be woken up
choking, gurgling, or snoring sounds
slow, weak, or no breathing
drowsiness or difficulty staying awake

How to respond to an overdose:

GIVE NALOXONE. This will help reverse an opioid overdose and will do no harm if the overdose is not due to opioids. This may improve breathing, but the person may not regain consciousness due to sedation. Additional doses may be needed.
Call 911 to get medical help and keep monitoring breathing. Stay with the person until help arrives.
If the person is unconscious, place them in the recovery position.

Where to get naloxone?

For a free naloxone kit, contact The Point at Public Health Sudbury & Districts, Réseau Access Network, or ask your local hospital or pharmacy. Or, visit www.ontario.ca/page/get-naloxone-kits-free.

Be cautious if using drugs and please distribute this information widely to help save lives.

This item was last modified on August 29, 2024

Swimming advisory lifted: Greater Sudbury—August 14, 2024

Public Health Sudbury & Districts has removed the swimming advisory signs at the following beach:

Maintenance Beach – Ramsey Lake, Greater Sudbury

The most recent water samples taken at the beach by Public Health Sudbury & Districts are within acceptable levels of bacteria for bathing beaches. As a result, the beach water quality is once again considered suitable for recreational use.

Public Health Sudbury & Districts takes routine water samples regularly during the summer from 34 local beaches. For information about beach water quality, visit our beach water testing results webpage.

This item was last modified on August 14, 2024

Drinking water advisory issued for the Town of Gore Bay

Public Health Sudbury & Districts has issued a drinking water advisory effective immediately for all residents of the Town of Gore Bay.

Once the Town of Gore Bay has re-established the water supply, which was interrupted due to a loss of pressure as a result of a watermain break, residents should not use the water for human consumption until advised otherwise by Public Health Sudbury & Districts.

“It is possible that the loss of water pressure created conditions that compromised the safety of the drinking water,” said Jonathan Groulx, a manager in Public Health’s Health Protection Division. “Until bacteriological testing of the drinking water indicates a safe supply, the drinking water advisory will remain in effect as a precaution.”

Public Health staff will continue to monitor the situation. Public Health Sudbury & Districts will notify the Township when the drinking water advisory is lifted, and residents will be advised.

For more information, please call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200, ext. 398 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200) or visit phsd.ca.

This item was last modified on June 1, 2024

Board of Health for Public Health Sudbury & Districts votes in favour of merging with Algoma Public Health

Today the Board of Health for Public Health Sudbury & Districts met to consider and vote on a motion to merge with Algoma Public Health (APH). Following careful review and intense deliberations, Board members voted unanimously in favour of developing a joint business case to propose to the Ministry of Health a merger of the two public health agencies. Earlier in the day, however, the Board of Health for APH voted against a merger with Public Health Sudbury & Districts.

“Today’s Public Health Sudbury & Districts deliberations were in response to the Ministry of Health’s August 2023 announcement encouraging voluntary mergers and providing merger support funding for public health units. On behalf of Board members, I would like to extend our gratitude for the thoughtful and extensive work by both boards of health, the Medical Officers of Health, and staff from both public health units over the last few months to gather the information necessary to make an informed decision,” said René Lapierre, Chair, Board of Health for Public Health Sudbury & Districts.

“Throughout the process, the Board has been committed to ensuring a responsive, local public health service so we can respond to the health issues of today and the unexpected surges in demand of tomorrow. While our respective boards have decided differently, the diversity of perspectives shared during this exploration has enriched our relationships and mutual understanding,” said Lapierre.

Proposing a potential merger to the Ministry of Health requires agreement from both boards of health. As the Board of Health for Public Health Sudbury & Districts voted to support the potential merger and the Board of Health for Algoma Public Health voted against, a merger proposal will not be submitted to the Ministry.

“Our health system is under considerable strain, and we know that it’s critical to invest in a strong public health system to keep us healthy—from kids to seniors and from oral health to safe drinking water. We have longstanding and excellent relationships with Algoma Public Health—from frontline staff to senior leadership—and I know that both agencies remain committed to acting in the best interests of local communities to achieve the health equity that our areas deserve,” said Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, Medical Officer of Health and Chief Executive Officer for Public Health Sudbury & Districts. “Today’s decisions mean that our existing relationships continue and we look forward to future collaborations in support of local public health,” said Dr. Sutcliffe.

Following direction from the Board of Health in November 2023, staff and Board members from Public Health Sudbury & Districts engaged with Algoma Public Health in a feasibility study funded by the Ministry of Health. The study gathered information and explored the merits and risks of a merger with Algoma Public Health. Today’s Public Health Sudbury & Districts Board of Health decision was informed by this comprehensive study and the Board’s assessment of the potential impact of a merger on the agency’s ability to deliver public health programs and services to area communities.

The Board of Health will continue to seek to build on the agency’s nearly 70 years of delivering public health programs and services, developing pivotal community connections, and working with partners to improve opportunities for health for all. Skilled public health professionals and stable leadership have been cornerstones to the agency’s effectiveness, and its commitment to evidence informed practice will remain a primary focus in the future.

Board of Health members are committed to improving opportunities for health and creating healthier communities for all. Proceedings (agendas, minutes, and motions) for the Board are available online. To learn more about local public health programs and services, please contact Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200) or visit www.phsd.ca.

This item was last modified on February 20, 2024

Public Health Sudbury & Districts welcomes returning Board of Health members

The Board of Health for Public Health Sudbury & Districts welcomed returning Board members at its first meeting of the year on Thursday, January 18, 2024. René Lapierre and Mark Signoretti were re-elected as Chair and Vice Chair, respectively for 2024.

The 2024 Board of Health for Public Health Sudbury & Districts includes elected and public representatives from communities across Greater Sudbury and the districts of Sudbury and Manitoulin. Members are committed to improving opportunities for health and creating healthier communities for all.

Board of Health proceedings (agendas, minutes, and motions) are available online. To learn more about local public health programs and services, contact Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200) or visit www.phsd.ca.

This item was last modified on February 1, 2024