Public Health Sudbury & Districts

05/01/2026

⚠️ Drug warning: May 1, 2026 https://www.phsd.ca/drug-warning-may-1-2026/

Public Health Sudbury & Districts is warning of ongoing elevated numbers of drug poisonings (overdoses) and unexpected reactions to substances in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts. In April, emergency medical service (EMS) calls increased to their highest level since May 2020.

The cause of the increase is unknown. While EMS call activity has declined towards more usual levels since the drug warning was issued on April 22, other signals continue to point to ongoing high numbers of overdoses, including ones that are severe. This warning highlights the need for continuing vigilance and serves as an important reminder that street drugs may be cut or mixed with substances such as benzos (benzodiazepines), xylazine, medetomidine, fentanyl, or carfentanil. If you use drugs, take steps to reduce your risk. Share this information to help save lives.

ℹ️ Key information
In the last five days, community services have reported:
• an ongoing high number of naloxone doses needed to reverse overdoses
• an ongoing high number of adverse reactions such as heavy nods (sedation)

ℹ️ 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.
• 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. This service provides 24/7 confidential and non-judgmental support, whenever and wherever you use drugs.

ℹ️ 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 are not 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.

ℹ️ 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) poisoning symptoms
Poisoning due to benzodiazepines may last for hours and may include:

• 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. https://www.phsd.ca/drug-warning-may-1-2026/

05/01/2026

May 1 is National Physicians' Day!

Physicians work tirelessly to protect health and prevent disease—partnering with other professionals to create healthier communities. Their care ensures clients receive timely treatment and preventive guidance.

04/30/2026

Drinking water advisory issued for residents of Gogama
https://www.phsd.ca/drinking-water-advisory-issued-for-residents-of-gogama/

Public Health Sudbury & Districts has issued a drinking water advisory effective immediately for all residents of Gogama. The advisory is a precautionary measure issued because of a loss of pressure in the municipal drinking water system affecting some areas of Gogama.

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 Local Services Board Building.

Once Gogama has re-established the water supply, 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.

04/30/2026

Public Health Sudbury & Districts, Manitoulin Island office is offering dental screening for children and youth 17 and under who do not have dental insurance or cannot afford dental care.

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.

Available by appointment only!
Public Health Sudbury & Districts
Manitoulin Island office, 6163 Highway 542, Mindemoya

Monday, May 11, 2026
1 to 4 p.m.

To book an appointment, call 705.522.9200, ext. 236 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).

Remember to wear a mask and stay home if you’re sick.
Details: https://www.phsd.ca/clinics-classes-events/dental-screening-clinics/

04/29/2026

Watch this month’s presentation to the Board of Health: Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Hub program

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4RDyZ8vT4o

04/28/2026

Avoid standing water inside and outside of your home after a flood.

Flood water can be dangerous. It can contain bacteria, chemicals, and waste. Avoid standing water in ditches and low lying areas after a flood until the area is fully dry.

If you do experience flooding, Public Health Sudbury & Districts has the following safety tips:

▪️Avoid direct contact with standing waters after a flood when possible.
▪️ Keep children and pets away from flooded areas and waterways like creeks and culverts.
▪️ Use safety precautions during flooding to protect yourself and others.
▪️ If you come into contact with flood waters, wash exposed skin with soap and water for at least 30 seconds.
▪️ Be aware of submerged items that may cause physical injury.
▪️ Do not go into flooded basements or rooms where electrical panels or fixtures may be affected by the water. DO NOT attempt to shut off electricity if any water is present.

Learn more about what to do during a flood: https://www.phsd.ca/health-topics-programs/emergencies-being-prepared/floods/

04/27/2026

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/

04/24/2026

Join our team!

▪️Dental Health Educator #26-140
▪️Bilingual Office Assistant (Data) #26-141
▪️Public Health Nurse #26-142

Learn about our current job opportunities and how to apply https://www.phsd.ca/join-us/

Join us if you want to become a part of a progressive, accredited public health agency that is committed to improving health and reducing social inequities in health through evidence-informed practice.

04/23/2026

Public Health Sudbury & Districts, Chapleau office is offering dental screening for children and youth 17 and under who do not have dental insurance or cannot afford dental care.

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.

Available by appointment only!

🦷Chapleau office
🏢34 Birch Street (entrance on Lorne Street), Chapleau
🗓️Thursday, May 7, 2026
⏰9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

To book an appointment, call 705.522.9200, ext. 236 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).

Remember to wear a mask and stay home if you’re sick.
Details: https://www.phsd.ca/clinics-classes-events/dental-screening-clinics/

Public Health Sudbury & Districts offers free dental screening for children and youth 17 and under who do not have dental insurance or cannot afford dental care. A registered dental hygienist will provide a visual dental screening to identify signs of urgent dental needs. Dental screening is not a f...

04/22/2026

⚠️Drug warning: April 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.

Read more: https://www.phsd.ca/drug-warning-april-22-2026/



The cause of the increase is unknown, but based on the symptoms reported, it is suspected to be highly toxic opioid drugs. It is nonetheless important to remember that street drugs may be cut or mixed with substances such as benzos (benzodiazepines), xylazine, medetomidine, fentanyl, or carfentanil. If you use drugs, take steps to reduce your risk. Share this information to help save lives.

ℹ️Key information
Community partners have reported:

▪️an increase in emergency medical services (EMS) calls for suspected opioid poisonings
▪️an increase in naloxone doses needed to reverse overdoses
▪️an increase in adverse reactions such as heavy nods (sedation)

Due to concerns about benzodiazepines (benzos) and tranquilizers (xylazine and medetomidine) mixed in with the drug supply, 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 if they are not breathing, give rescue breaths.

ℹ️How 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.

▪️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. This service provides 24/7 confidential and non-judgmental support, whenever and wherever you use drugs.
▪️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 ca/page/get-naloxone-kits-free.
▪️Start with a lower dose and go slow.
▪️Avoid mixing substances. This includes alcohol, prescription, over-the-counter, and street drugs.

ℹ️How 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 are not 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.

ℹ️How 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) poisoning symptoms

Poisoning due to benzodiazepines may last for hours and may include:

▪️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.

04/22/2026

Drinking water advisory lifted for residents of the Village of Mindemoya

https://www.phsd.ca/drinking-water-advisory-lifted-for-residents-of-the-village-of-mindemoya/

Public Health Sudbury & Districts has officially lifted the drinking water advisory that came into effect Sunday, April 12, 2026, for residents of the Village of Mindemoya. Food premises are now able to re-open.

Public Health issued the drinking water advisory because of a temporary loss of pressure in the municipal water system.

“The bacteriological quality of the water supply has been tested with no adverse results being reported,” said Cindy Rocca, a manager in Public Health’s Health Protection Division. “Residents in the affected areas may notice chlorine odours and discoloured water.”

What to do after a drinking water advisory is lifted and before using the water:
▪️Run cold water faucets for 5 minutes or until the water runs clear.
▪️Run drinking fountains for 5 minutes before using the water or until the water runs clear.
▪️Run water softeners through a regeneration cycle.
▪️Drain and refill hot water heaters.
▪️Large-volume users (for example, schools) may need to run cold water taps longer on first use.
▪️To get rid of sediment, faucet screens should be removed, rinsed, and put back in place.

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

04/22/2026

Happy National Administrative Professionals Day!

Administrative professionals keep everything running behind the scenes—supporting programs, staff, and clients with skill and dedication. Their work ensures clients experience smooth, timely services. Collaboration across teams makes this possible. They help us create healthier communities for all.