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Drugs

Simcoe Muskoka Drug Strategy

The Simcoe Muskoka Drug Strategy (SMDS) is a large partnership of agencies, organizations and individuals committed to working together to address the harms associated with the current drug toxicity crisis being experienced throughout our region. SMDS is an extension of the work previously undertaken by the Simcoe Muskoka Opioid Strategy (SMOS), which transitioned to SMDS in spring 2023.

A final report on the work implemented by SMOS can be found at, Simcoe Muskoka Opioid Strategy (SMOS) A Report on Actions (2018-2021).

As we move through 2026, our community continues to experience the serious effects of animal tranquilizers, like medetomidine in our local supply as well as increasing numbers of emergency department visits for suspected drug poisonings. Thus far in 2026 (up to October 22nd) there have been 103 suspected drug related deaths in Simcoe Muskoka.

When we talk about the drug toxicity crisis, let’s not lose sight of what truly matters. This isn’t just about statistics or substances, it’s about people. People who have been deeply affected, who deserve our compassion and care. Behind every life lost or changed are families, friends, and communities who are grieving. This crisis touches all of us, and it calls for empathy, understanding, and action.

For updated data on this crisis please visit:  smdhu.org/healthstats/drug related harms

Priorities of SMDS continue to focus on:

  • Integration of the expertise of people with lived/living experience of substance use through the creation of a People Who Use Drugs/Peer Advisory Group.
  • Exploring the expansion of local Opioid Agonist Therapy prescribing in the region, including injectable options.
  • Increasing accessibility to bereavement supports for the community of people who use drugs, their family and friends as well as those service providers who provide their care.
  • Raising awareness about a comprehensive approach to substance use including the impact of stigma and the role of harm reduction.
SMDS remains flexible in responding to emerging trends as they arise.

The Community Partner Advisory Committee currently includes representation from the following community organizations:

 

2026 Updates

October

Discussions focused on strengthening collaboration, reviewing the committee’s future role, and sharing updates on overall substance use health, harm reduction, outreach and bereavement supports.

The members recognized the impact of local and municipal drug strategies and explored their working relationship with SMDS.  As we look ahead to 2027, we will explore more intentional ways to collaborate and strengthen the impact in local communities.

Members welcomed new participants and reaffirmed the importance of meaningful collaboration and engagement with people with lived and living experience. Sharing of resources, and learning opportunities will continue to strengthen our collective response to the drug toxicity crisis.

June

The Community Partner Advisory Committee continues to adjust to the changing landscape as it relates to people who use drugs, and as such, is undertaking a comprehensive review of the terms of reference for the committee to determine the best way to move forward.

The Evaluation Framework for the SMDS CPAC introduced at the June meeting in 2025 continues, with data being collected related to the priorities identified.  

The Ontario Network of People Who Use Drugs (ONPUD) has developed a new guide for working with people with lived/ living experience (PWLLE) of substance use; although the focus is on employment, it does include best practices related to PWLLE involvement in advisory panels etc.
Read the document: Working with people with lived and living experience: A Guide for Meaningful Engagement.

This updated guide will help guide the CPAC toward meaningful engagement with PWLLE of substance use.

April

Work continues on the Evaluation Framework for the SMDS CPAC – next steps include revisiting the scope and terms of reference.  Meetings will transition to a hybrid model to allow for in-person collaboration.

February

The Evaluation Framework for the SMDS CPAC is continuing with the launch of a survey for the membership.  Results of the survey will help to determine the next steps in this work.

Educational opportunities are being planned for the membership related to substance use related psychosis and Indigenous Harm Reduction.

2025 Updates

2023/2024 Updates

Opioid Agonist Therapy (OAT) is a medical treatment for people with opioid use disorder. It reduces cravings for opioids and prevents severe withdrawal symptoms. More information can be found on Health Canada’s website:  Opioid use disorder and treatment.

2026 Updates

October

Dr. Poulin continues to work closely with local healthcare providers to support OAT prescribing and ongoing learning at agencies providing services through the HART of Simcoe County.

The Barrie and Area Family Health Team will receive training on prescribing OAT in primary care.  Expanding availability will help reduce barriers for people seeking this support.

June

Dr. Poulin continues to meet with physicians and staff within Barrie and area Ontario Health Teams about prescribing OAT in the community setting, in attempts to broaden access points for individuals seeking this method of care.  Positive results from this work are being seen, as data shows more people are accessing care

February

Training continues with local hospitals to build knowledge and competency in prescribing OAT medications upon discharge. A report on the survey of primary care providers is pending. Training is also underway for physicians supporting the Homelessness and Addiction recovery Treatment (HART) Hub. 

2025 Updates

2023/2024 Updates
2026 Updates

October

Amy Pritzker shared an update on the Street Health Initiative that began following the Street Health Symposium.  The initiative aims to strengthen connections between health care and the front line supports. 

Ongoing work will focus on advocacy, improving communication, identifying barriers to care and developing strategies to address them. A Community of Practice will bring people together to discuss and problem solve the health needs of people living unhoused across Simcoe and Muskoka.

Interested in joining the Community of Practice, please reach out to Amy through email – [email protected].

Bereavement 101 and 102 training sessions are also coming up. For more information or to register please email Amy - [email protected].

April

The second Street Health Symposium – “Moving into Action” was held on April 2, 2026.  It was a day full of meaningful discussion and collaboration. 
Dates for Bereavement 101 (free of charge) and Bereavement 102 and 103 ($30 fee) will be coming soon.

February

Amy Pritzker and Dr. Mac Chown provided an update on the Compassionate Care Without Barriers Street Health Clinic operating in Barrie.  Located in downtown Barrie, the clinic offers routine care, diagnostic testing, vaccinations and treatment for various conditions, as well as providing health education and outreach to empower clients.  The team ensures care is accessible and inclusive and does not require a health card.

A Health System Mapping meeting took place in January with the goal of building on current work and partnerships to integrate a palliative and grief-informed approach to care for all those who are street involved and unhoused.  The initiative recognizes that early intervention is key to ensuring people receive the right care at the right time.

Watch local news outlets and social media for upcoming 2026 dates for Bereavement 101, 102 and 103.

2025 Updates

2023/2024 Updates

Naloxone is a medicine that can reverse opioid poisoning.  It helps to temporarily restore normal breathing temporarily and gives someone more time until help arrives.  It’s safe, easy to use, and can save lives.

To learn more about how to use Naloxone, watch this video created by SMDHU – How to Use Naloxone and visit smdhu.org for more information.

October

Local and municipal drug strategies continue to collaborate on a tool kit to address stigma directed at people experiencing substance use challenges.  Watch for social media messages and learning opportunities.

 

Many events are being planned throughout Simcoe County and the District of Muskoka in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day. Watch for events happening in your local areas.  The global campaign marks it’s 25th anniversary this year, and as such has chosen the overall theme of “25 Years ON. Still Needed”, more information can be found on the website overdoseday.com.

A number of localized drug strategies continue to meet across Simcoe County and Muskoka.  A common theme that has emerged through discussion is the role stigma and bias plays when working to address harms associated with substance use.  Reducing stigma through an awareness campaign was recognized as a first step in working toward shifting perception of people who use drugs.

As a first step, a communication toolkit will be developed related to stigma, starting with the development of a key messages document.