Public Health Sudbury & Districts

06/18/2026

Public Health Sudbury & Districts reaffirms commitment to French language services

https://www.phsd.ca/public-health-sudbury-districts-reaffirms-commitment-to-french-language-services/

At its meeting on Thursday, June 18, 2026, the Board of Health for Public Health Sudbury & Districts reaffirmed that delivering all services with the option of French is a critical part of achieving its vision of “Healthier communities for all.”

Public Health Sudbury & Districts serves a diverse population, with approximately 21% of residents identifying French as their first official language spoken. This includes longstanding Francophone families, as well as a fast-growing population of French-speaking newcomers who are choosing Sudbury and Manitoulin districts as their home. Embracing communities in ways that are culturally and linguistically appropriate is central to supporting health and well-being.

The Board reinforces the active offer of services in French, supported by staff training and meaningful partnerships with Francophone communities.

“Access to French language services is an essential part of equitable public health,” said Mark Signoretti, Chair of the Board of Health for Public Health Sudbury & Districts. “We enthusiastically fulfil our responsibility to deliver programs in ways that welcome and meet Francophone communities with complete respect for their diversity.”

“Receiving services in one’s preferred language strengthens understanding, builds trust, and enables more effective support,” said Renée St Onge, Director, Knowledge & Strategic Services and co-Chair of the agency’s Francophone Advisory Committee. “Serving our community with the option of services in French ensures public health programming reflects the needs, priorities, and lived experiences of Francophone communities across our service area.”

The Board recognizes that language access is part of high-quality public health practice and contributes to improved health outcomes. Beyond actively offering services in both French and English, Public Health Sudbury & Districts is equipped, through real-time interpretation services, to provide support in more than 250 languages, including some Indigenous languages and American Sign Language.

We strive to continue progress in serving French-speaking communities, and to that end, the agency continues to build workforce capacity, foster strong partnerships, and integrate Francophone perspectives in planning and implementation. The Board is proud to reaffirm its commitment as Francophone communities across Canada prepare to celebrate Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day on June 24.

Public Health Sudbury & Districts remains committed to promoting and protecting health through inclusive, accessible, and responsive services for all. To learn more about our Client Service Standards, visit phsd.ca.

06/18/2026

Please note that we are currently experiencing outages with our phone system. We are working to resolve the issue and will advise once systems are restored. We apologize for any inconvenience.

In the meantime, you can message us directly on social media or visit https://www.phsd.ca/contact/ for alternative ways to contact us.

06/17/2026

Join our team!

▪️Dental Hygienist #26-132
▪️Public Health Nurse #26-158
▪️Data Analyst #26-159

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.

06/17/2026

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.

06/15/2026

Join our team!

▪️Public Health Inspector #26-156
▪️Budget and Reporting Officer #26-157

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

06/10/2026

Join our team!

▪️Bilingual Office Assistant (Data) #26-150
▪️Public Health Nurse #26-154

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.

06/10/2026

Stop mosquito bites and protect yourself from West Nile virus

https://www.phsd.ca/stop-mosquito-bites-and-protect-yourself-from-west-nile-virus-2/

When spending time outside, mosquito bites are common. Everyone is at risk of getting West Nile virus. Preventing mosquito bites is important to protect yourself and your family. Mosquitoes in our area have been confirmed in past years to carry West Nile virus, and people have become ill.

West Nile virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people infected with the virus have no symptoms, but some people may experience mild symptoms, including fever, headache, body aches, mild rash, and swollen lymph glands. In rare cases, the infection can affect the brain and cause serious illness with symptoms such as severe headache, stiff neck, difficulty swallowing, nausea or vomiting, confusion, loss of consciousness, muscle weakness, and paralysis, along with high fevers. In these cases, West Nile virus infection can be fatal.

Although the overall risk of becoming infected with West Nile virus is low, Public Health reminds everyone to take simple steps to prevent mosquito bites:

▪️Use an approved insect repellent and be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
▪️Avoid going outside at dusk and dawn, as these are peak times for mosquito activity.
▪️Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes, and socks when outside.
▪️Check your window and door screens to ensure that there are no tears or holes for mosquitoes to get through.
▪️Consider the use of mesh “bug jackets” or “bug hats.”

Mosquitoes need only a small amount of calm, standing water to lay their eggs and for larvae to hatch. Reduce mosquito breeding areas by changing or removing standing water at least once a week from the following areas:

▪️bird baths
▪️old tires
▪️containers, barrels
▪️flowerpot saucers
▪️swimming pool covers, wading pools
▪️clogged gutters and eaves troughs
▪️clogged drainage ditches
▪️small containers like cans or bottle tops
▪️unused children’s toys

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

06/09/2026

Fluoride levels have returned to optimal levels for oral health: Vermillion Water Treatment Plant

https://www.phsd.ca/fluoride-levels-have-returned-to-optimal-levels-for-oral-health-vermillion-water-treatment-plant/

Fluoride levels in the water supply from the Vermillion Water Treatment Plant have returned to the optimal level for maximizing oral health following mechanical repairs by the operator. Residents who receive their water supply from the Vermillion Water Treatment Plant are once again receiving fluoride at levels that support oral health.

The following areas are supplied by the Vermillion Water Treatment Plant:

▪️Atikameksheng Anishnawbek
▪️Copper Cliff
▪️Little Creighton
▪️Lively
▪️Mikkola
▪️Naughton
▪️Whitefish

Optimizing the levels of fluoride in drinking water systems is a safe and effective way to prevent tooth decay and promote oral health. Public Health thanks the Vermillion Water Treatment Plant for their ongoing investment in fluoridation, and continuing commitment to supporting the dental health of residents.

Public Health Sudbury & Districts offers oral health programs and services to eligible children and older adults. For more information about these services, please call 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200), ext. 236 (children’s program) or ext. 3027 (older adults).

06/05/2026

June 6 is Anishnaabe Gizhgaad.
Public Health celebrates Anishinaabe Peoples, and honours Anishinaabe ways of knowing, culture, community strength, and the ongoing revitalization of language and tradition. We encourage you to explore the rich resources created by the Anishinabek Nation.

Anishinaabe Giizhigad is June 6! Check with your local First Nation for Anishinaabe Giizhigad celebrations.

06/05/2026

Protect yourself from heat and poor air quality this summer

https://www.phsd.ca/protect-yourself-from-heat-and-poor-air-quality-this-summer-2/

As hot, humid weather arrives, Public Health Sudbury & Districts is reminding everyone to take steps to stay safe from both extreme heat and poor air quality. Early summer poses a higher risk because our bodies have not yet adapted. When high heat, humidity, and poor air quality are combined, the health risks are even greater. Air quality in Sudbury and districts is generally good; however, wildfire smoke is a growing concern.

Tips to prevent heat-related illness
▪️Drink lots of water. Avoid drinks made with alcohol or caffeine.
▪️Avoid going out in the sun or heat when possible.
▪️Plan outdoor activities for cooler parts of the day.
▪️Wear loose-fitting, light clothing and seek shade.
▪️Cool down with a bath or shower, or cool, wet towels and a fan.
▪️Take it easy and rest as much as possible.
▪️Place a dish of ice cubes in front of your electric fan for a cooling effect.

Signs and symptoms of heat-related illness include breathing rapidly, feeling weak or fainting, being more tired than usual, cramping (usually in the legs or abdomen), headache, nausea, and confusion.

If you or someone in your care has these symptoms, take steps to cool down immediately. If needed, contact a health care professional for help. In emergencies, call 911.

Tips to protect your health when air quality is poor
▪️Reduce your exposure: spend less time outdoors and avoid strenuous physical activities. Stay inside with windows and doors closed, and use a portable air purifier (Government of Canada).
▪️If you need to be outside, wear a well-fitted respirator mask. At a minimum, wear a NIOSH-certified N95 respirator or higher-level protection. It should seal closely to your face to reduce exposure to fine particles in the air.
▪️Drink water often to keep your airways moist.
▪️Visit places with cleaner, filtered air, such as libraries or shopping malls.
▪️Use the best air filter your ventilation system can handle, based on the manufacturer’s recommendations. A MERV 13 rated filter is recommended to remove fine particles.

Mild symptoms from poor air quality can usually be treated at home and may include a mild cough, headache, and eye, nose, or throat irritation. 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.

Be aware of the risk of outdoor air quality everyday by signing up to receive air quality alerts on the WeatherCAN app (Government of Canada) and checking the Air Quality Health Index (Ontario Government).

As part of the Hot Weather Response Plan, prepared by the City of Greater Sudbury and Public Health Sudbury & Districts, information is provided to keep the public safe from hot, humid weather. 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 children safe during hot weather.

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