Google Translate Disclaimer

Translation on this website is provided by Google Translate, a third-party automated translator tool. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of translations performed by Google Translate, or for any issues or damages resulting from its use.

No body text has been set in widget
Drugs
print header

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). 

The summer months brought with them a significant shift in the local drug supply resulting in an increasingly toxic unregulated street supply of drugs.  This resulted in drug alerts being issued in July because of the absence of benzodiazepines in the supply that many individuals had become dependent upon as well as August, September and October related to increases in suspected drug poisoning deaths.

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:

 

2025 Updates

October

CPAC is continuing to consider priorities for 2026, while work continues on previously determined projects.

The Evaluation Framework for the SMDS CPAC introduced at the June meeting is moving forward, with the Logic Model associated with it nearing completion.  Part of the Evaluation Framework is exploring collaborative efforts among the CPAC.  A Collaboration Spectrum Tool exercise was completed with 59% feeling that the group is currently operating more as a networking table, with 50% hoping to move toward agencies systemically adjusting work to align better with each other for greater outcomes.  Further discussion on how we can move in this direction will continue.

June

CPAC is continuing to consider priorities for the 2025-2026 work groups, while work continues on previously determined priorities.
The development of an evaluation framework to guide and report back on the work of SMDS has been started.
Work on the development of a community awareness campaign focused on raising awareness about Naloxone and it’s role in responding to opioid poisonings is in it’s early stages, regular updates will be provided through these emails and on the SMDS.org website.

February 

The CPAC is currently considering priorities for the 2025-2026 work groups, while work continues on previously determined priorities.  

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.

2025 Updates

October 2025

Exciting news for Dr. Ginette Poulin!  Dr. Poulin will be reporting on the work done locally to support addiction care in acute care settings at the Issues of Substance - CCSA National Conference in Halifax this November. She will be providing an overview of the regional approach to supporting addiction care in a collective of acute care settings. This will include work done with local emergency departments across Simcoe County, including Georgian Bay General Hospital, Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre, Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital and Collingwood General and Marine Hospital.
A process and tools are being finalized to support primary care providers when implementing buprenorphine (suboxone) starts within emergency departments.

June 2025

The survey for primary care providers to identify barriers and gaps in providing OAT is complete and a report is pending.
Many new initiatives are on the horizon, more information will be shared over the coming months. 

February 2025

Response to the survey for primary care providers has been good.  There is still time to share feedback or the survey.  The survey can be accessed at:  Primary Care OAT Survey

Additional information and updates can also be found at smdhu.org/simcoe-muskoka-drug-strategy.

2023/2024 Updates

2023/2024 Updates

2025 Updates

October

A. Pritzker provided a presentation and lead discussion related to Compassion on the Streets:  A Palliative Approach to Care recognizing that palliative care is really living well for as long as possible through a holistic approach; social care; social, emotional spiritual and psychological support; community involvement; symptom management; legacy; death preparedness; family and carer support.

An invitation was extended for members to participate in the Street Health Community of practice by contacting [email protected] or by participating in education available:

  • Bereavement 101 (virtual)

- October 27th, November 3rd (both dates)

  • Bereavement 102 (Stress, Trauma and Grief)

- November 24th

  • Bereavement 103 (A Conversation about Hope)

 

June 2025 

Hospice Simcoe in partnership with Ontario Health are hosting a Barrie Street Health Symposium on Monday June 23, 2025 at the MacLaren Art Centre.

February 2025

As part of the commitment to building a compassionate community where we can support one another through grief, loss, and dying, Hospice Simcoe is offering bereavement workshops to our community partners. Bereavement 101 is free of charge, and Bereavement 102 is available for a nominal fee of $30/pp.

NEW: Bereavement 103 will be offered in late Spring 2025

Bereavement 101 – offered virtually (FREE)

When:    Friday, March 21st - 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. AND Friday, March 28th - 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Hospice Simcoe’s Clinical Coach, Amy Pritzker, MSW RSW, is happy to offer “Grief & Bereavement 101” to individuals who work or volunteer in Hospice Palliative Care or Social Services.

When we work with people, no matter our role, we are often confronted with grief and loss. This two-part training will address some of the basics of grief, including debunking common myths and misconceptions, supporting a grieving person, and what to do when grief gets messy. Delivered virtually, this interactive workshop includes videos and reflective exercises. It offers an opportunity to explore grief and loss through the lens of our own experiences and the stories of others.

Please note that this training does involve self-reflection on one's relationship with death, dying, grief and loss. We encourage participants to create a self-care plan and to structure their environment in a way that will best support them while talking about difficult subject matter.

If you are interested in attending, please register with Amy directly to hold your spot:  [email protected]

Bereavement 102 – offered virtually ($30/pp)

When:   Thursday, April 3rd - 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

For several years, we've seen an increase in traumatic bereavement from suicide, overdose and other sudden deaths. Losing someone in your life is always tricky, but when trauma (either past or present) intersects with grief, navigating the mourning process becomes even more complicated.

Building upon the foundation of Bereavement 101, Hospice Simcoe is offering Bereavement 102: Taking it Deeper. Delivered by Clinical Coach Amy Pritzker, MSW, RSW, this interactive, one-day session explores the intersection of stress, trauma, and grief. Specific attention will be given to the impact of traumatic loss on mourners. Attachment theory will also be discussed, specifically how attachment impacts the grief experience and our ability to support a grieving person.

Prerequisite: Bereavement 101

If you are interested in attending, please register with Amy directly to hold your spot:  [email protected]

2023/2024 Updates
Did you find what you were looking for today?
What did you like about this page?
How can we improve this page?
Page
Feedback

If you have any questions or concerns that require a response, please contact Health Connection directly.

Thanks for your feedback.
Failed to submit comment. Please try submitting again or contact us at the Health Unit.
Comment already submitted ...