Public Health Sudbury & Districts

01/26/2026

Updated data about substance-related incidents in Greater Sudbury, and the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts is now available on our website. To help understand the impact of substance use in our community, visit phsd.ca/health-topics-programs/alcohol-drugs/community-drug-strategy/research/opioid-surveillance/

01/23/2026

Extreme cold warning issued by Environment Canada
https://www.phsd.ca/extreme-cold-warning-issued-by-environment-canada-4/

With very cold weather in the forecast, Environment Canada issued an extreme cold warning within Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ service area beginning Friday, January 23, 2026, for the following locations:

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

Extreme cold warnings are issued by Environment Canada when very cold temperatures or wind chill is expected to reach minus 40°C for at least two hours, elevating the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Public Health Sudbury & Districts would like to remind everyone to take precautions against the cold.

Frostbite and hypothermia are the most common cold weather injuries. Frostbite occurs when the skin and underlying tissue freeze. The nose, cheeks, ears, fingers, and toes are especially susceptible areas. Hypothermia is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body loses more heat than it can generate.

Who is at risk?
Extreme cold puts everyone at risk. “Certain people are at a greater risk of frostbite and hypothermia due to exposure, physical condition or a combination of the two,” said Burgess Hawkins, a manager with Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ Health Protection Division. “Although some individuals are at higher risk, anyone can suffer frostbite or hypothermia. Everyone should take precautions.”

Those at greater risk of cold weather injuries include:

▪️older adults
▪️infants and children
▪️people with certain underlying health conditions, such as circulation problems or dementia
▪️people outside for long periods at a time, including outdoor workers and winter sports enthusiasts
▪️people with inadequate food, clothing, and heating, particularly ▪️people who are unhoused
▪️people who use alcohol or other drugs
▪️people who are take certain medications

Preventing frostbite and hypothermia
Cold weather injuries are preventable. There are steps you can take to lower the risk:

▪️Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. You can sign up for alerts from Environment Canada at https://ecalertme.weather.gc.ca/ to get notified immediately about extreme cold alerts.
▪️Limit the amount of time you spend in the cold.
▪️Dress in layers, including a wind-resistant outer layer. Wear a hat and mittens or insulated gloves. Keep your face warm by wearing a scarf, neck tube, or face mask.
▪️Wear warm, waterproof footwear.
▪️Seek shelter from the wind.
▪️Stay active but try to avoid sweating. Physical activity will help warm you by generating body heat.
▪️Stay dry. Remove wet clothing if possible and remove or ventilate outer layers of clothing if you are sweating.
▪️Speak to your doctor or pharmacist as certain medications can make you more susceptible to the cold.
▪️If you or someone in your care experiences symptoms of frostbite or hypothermia, seek warmth and contact a health care professional for help. In emergencies, call 911. For information and emergency treatment of frostbite and hypothermia, Public Health suggests reviewing the Cold-Related Emergencies: Staying Warm and Safe in Canadian Winters – Canadian Red Cross or the St. John Ambulance First Aid Reference Guide starting at Page 233.

Protect others
On very cold days, check in on neighbours who may be vulnerable to cold due to age, living conditions, health conditions, reduced mobility, or isolation.

People who work outside, have pre-existing medical conditions, use alcohol or other drugs, or are unhoused are more at risk from frostbite and hypothermia.

The possibility of severe impacts of cold weather—such as amputation, extended hospitalizations, or death—increases for people who are unhoused. To help people in these situations, consider making a financial contribution or donating warm blankets, warm socks, mittens, hats, long underwear, footwear, and outerwear to local aid groups.

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

01/22/2026

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

https://www.phsd.ca/drug-warning-january-22-2026/

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
Over the past 24 hours, community services have reported:
• increased outreach response and emergency medical services (EMS) calls for suspected drug poisonings
• heavy “nods” (sedation)
• confusion and sedation even after naloxone (Narcan®) is given

Cold weather considerations
Cold temperatures expected through the weekend may increase the risk of harm related to cold weather and substance use. To reduce risk:
• Seek medical attention for cold weather injuries, such as frostbite.
• Stay warm. Know where warming spaces and dry clothing are available.
• Keep naloxone close to your body to decrease risk of freezing. If naloxone is frozen, it must be thawed before use.
• Keep moving to keep blood flowing and maintain your body heat while out in the cold.
• Drink warm fluids to help your body stay warm and hydrated.
• Cold weather can slow how some medications work. If a person doesn’t respond right away to naloxone, continue monitoring and give additional doses every 2–3 minutes. Provide additional rescue breathing/CPR while awaiting emergency medical assistance.

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



https://www.phsd.ca/drug-warning-january-22-2026/

01/22/2026

Extreme cold warning issued by Environment Canada

https://www.phsd.ca/extreme-cold-warning-issued-by-environment-canada-3/

With very cold weather in the forecast, Environment Canada issued an extreme cold warning within Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ service area beginning Thursday, January 22, 2026, for the following locations:

▪️Chapleau, Missinaibi Lake
▪️Gogama, Foleyet

Extreme cold warnings are issued by Environment Canada when very cold temperatures or wind chill is expected to reach minus 40°C for at least two hours, elevating the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Public Health Sudbury & Districts would like to remind everyone to take precautions against the cold.

Frostbite and hypothermia are the most common cold weather injuries. Frostbite occurs when the skin and underlying tissue freeze. The nose, cheeks, ears, fingers, and toes are especially susceptible areas. Hypothermia is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body loses more heat than it can generate.

Who is at risk?

Extreme cold puts everyone at risk. “Certain people are at a greater risk of frostbite and hypothermia due to exposure, physical condition or a combination of the two,” said Burgess Hawkins, a manager with Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ Health Protection Division. “Although some individuals are at higher risk, anyone can suffer frostbite or hypothermia. Everyone should take precautions.”

Those at greater risk of cold weather injuries include:

▪️older adults
▪️infants and children
▪️people with certain underlying health conditions, such as circulation problems or dementia
▪️people outside for long periods at a time, including outdoor workers and winter sports enthusiasts
▪️people with inadequate food, clothing, and heating, particularly people who are unhoused
▪️people who use alcohol or other drugs
▪️people who take certain medications

Preventing frostbite and hypothermia

Cold weather injuries are preventable. There are steps you can take to lower the risk:

▪️Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. You can sign up for alerts from Environment Canada at https://ecalertme.weather.gc.ca/ to get notified immediately about extreme cold alerts.
▪️Limit the amount of time you spend in the cold.
▪️Dress in layers, including a wind-resistant outer layer. Wear a hat and mittens or insulated gloves. Keep your face warm by wearing a scarf, neck tube, or face mask.
▪️Wear warm, waterproof footwear.
▪️Seek shelter from the wind.
▪️Stay active but try to avoid sweating. Physical activity will help warm you by generating body heat.
▪️Stay dry. Remove wet clothing if possible and remove or ventilate outer layers of clothing if you are sweating.
▪️Speak to your doctor or pharmacist as certain medications can make you more susceptible to the cold.

If you or someone in your care experiences symptoms of frostbite or hypothermia, seek warmth and contact a health care professional for help. In emergencies, call 911. For information and emergency treatment of frostbite and hypothermia, Public Health suggests reviewing the Cold-Related Emergencies: Staying Warm and Safe in Canadian Winters – Canadian Red Cross or the St. John Ambulance First Aid Reference Guide starting at Page 233.

Protect others

On very cold days, check in on neighbours who may be vulnerable to cold due to age, living conditions, health conditions, reduced mobility, or isolation.

People who work outside, have pre-existing medical conditions, use alcohol or other drugs, or are unhoused are more at risk from frostbite and hypothermia.

The possibility of severe impacts of cold weather—such as amputation, extended hospitalizations, or death—increases for people who are unhoused. To help people in these situations, consider making a financial contribution or donating warm blankets, warm socks, mittens, hats, long underwear, footwear, and outerwear to local aid groups.

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

01/22/2026

01/22/2026

Public Health shares tips on preventing frostbite and hypothermia

https://www.phsd.ca/public-health-shares-tips-on-preventing-frostbite-and-hypothermia-2/

With cold weather being a fact of life for northerners, Public Health Sudbury & Districts would like to remind everyone to take appropriate precautions against the cold. Injuries related to the cold can happen at a wide range of temperatures but occur more quickly when it’s colder. Frostbite and hypothermia are the most common and preventable injuries.

Frostbite occurs when skin freezes. In addition to feeling cold, frostbitten skin can feel numb and appear pale or grey. In more severe cases, frostbitten skin becomes hard, waxy, and can turn white or dark. Body extremities are often the first to be frozen/frostbitten. If you suspect frostbite, seek urgent medical attention.

Frostnip usually occurs before frostbite. Skin affected by frostnip may appear shiny and rosy. Frostnip is a sign that frostbite may occur shortly. If you see these signs, move to a warmer environment, or protect the skin with layers of clothing.

Hypothermia is a life-threatening condition. It occurs when the body is exposed to the cold for a long time and loses more heat than it can generate. Individuals with hypothermia might shiver, feel drowsy or confused, or have problems speaking, loss of coordination, or pale or bluish lips. Shivering can disappear in later stages of hypothermia.

For more information and emergency treatment of frostbite and hypothermia, Public Health suggests reviewing the Cold-Related Emergencies: Staying Warm and Safe in Canadian Winters – Canadian Red Cross or the St. John Ambulance First Aid Reference Guide starting at Page 233.

To prevent cold-related injuries:

▪️Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly.
▪️Limit the amount of time you spend in the cold.
▪️Dress in layers, with a wind-resistant outer layer. Wear a hat and mittens or insulated gloves. Keep your face warm by wearing a scarf, neck tube, or face mask.
▪️Wear warm, waterproof footwear.
▪️Seek shelter from the wind.
▪️Stay active. Walking or running will help warm you by generating body heat but try to avoid sweating.
▪️Stay dry. Remove wet clothing if possible and remove or ventilate outer layers of clothing if you are sweating.
▪️Speak to your doctor or pharmacist as certain medications can make you more susceptible to the cold.
On very cold days, check in on neighbours who may be vulnerable to cold due to age, living conditions, health conditions, reduced mobility, or isolation.

People who work outside, have pre-existing medical conditions, use alcohol or other drugs, or who are unhoused are more at risk of frostbite and hypothermia.

The possibility of severe, non-fatal impacts of cold weather—such as amputation or extended hospitalizations—increases for people who are unhoused. To help people in these situations, consider making a financial contribution or donating warm blankets, warm socks, mittens, hats, long underwear, footwear, and outerwear to local aid groups.

For more information on preventing cold weather injuries, please visit www.phsd.ca or call 705.522.9200, ext. 464 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).

01/20/2026

👏Congratulations to Dr. Emily Groot, recipient of the 2025 New Voices Award!

🏆 Congratulations to Dr. Emily Groot, NOSM University Associate Professor and Program Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, and Associate Medical Officer of Health at Public Health Sudbury and Districts. She’s the recipient of the 2025 New Voices Award from The Clinical Teacher and the Association for the Study of Medical Education.


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🏆 Félicitations à la Dre Emily Groot, professeure agrégée et directrice du programme de santé publique et de médecine préventive de l'Université de l'EMNO, ainsi que médecin-hygiéniste adjointe à Santé publique Sudbury et districts, qui a reçu le 2025 New Voices Award de The Clinical Teacher and l’Association for the Study of Medical Education.


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Public Health Sudbury & Districts
ASME - Association for the Study of Medical Education

01/20/2026

Public Health Sudbury & Districts is offering free dental screening for children and youth 17 and under who do not have dental insurance or cannot afford dental care. These screenings will be available on selected school PA Days throughout the 2025-2026 school year.

A registered dental hygienist will provide a visual dental screening to identify signs of urgent dental needs. Dental screening is not a full checkup, but it is a quick and efficient way to determine the condition of an individual’s oral health.

No appointment necessary!

Drop in to 1300 Paris Street, Sudbury, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on

✅Friday, January 30, 2026
✅Friday, June 5, 2026

Details: https://www.phsd.ca/clinics-classes-events/dental-screening-clinics/

For more information, call 705.522.9200, ext. 236 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).

01/19/2026

The latest Public Health in Focus is now available! Check out the work of Public Health at https://www.phsd.ca/about/public-health-in-focus/

In this issue:
- Student placement program invests in the workforce of tomorrow
- Strengthening partnerships with First Nations organizations
- Public Health staff shares evidence-based resources to promote healthy growth and development
- Stay safe from illness and continue practising protective measures

01/16/2026

Public Health issues sewage system permits and provides comments on land severances and zoning or minor variances in accordance with the Ontario Building Code (OBC).

Public Health recently increased fees for Part VIII of the Ontario Building Code. The increased fees are required to address operational and delivery costs.

For our updated fee schedule, please visit phsd.ca/health-topics-programs/sewage-systems/fee-schedule/

01/15/2026

Public Health Sudbury & Districts welcomes returning Board of Health members

https://www.phsd.ca/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 15, 2026. Mark Signoretti and Mike Parent were re-elected as Chair and Vice Chair, respectively for 2026.

The 2026 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, and meetings are streamed live.

Recordings of the presentations by delegations to the Board of Health will be posted on the agency’s YouTube channel (within two weeks of meetings). 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.

Standing (left to right): Dr. Mustafa Hirji (Acting Medical Officer of Health and Chief Executive Officer), Natalie Tessier, Mark Signoretti (Chair), Abdullah Masood, Natalie Labbée, Robert Barclay, Michel Brabant, Mike Parent (Vice-Chair), Rachel Quesnel (Executive Assistant and Secretary to the Board of Health). Absent: Angela Recollet, Ryan Anderson, Renée Carrier, Amy Mazey, Ken Noland.

01/14/2026

The Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP) provides dental care to seniors who qualify. If you are unable to afford dental care, this program may be for you. For more information, call 705.522.9200, ext. 3027 or visit phsd.ca/seniorsdental.