Naloxone is a lifesaving medication that can temporarily reverse an opioid poisoning by restoring normal breathing in someone whose breathing has slowed or stopped. Anyone can carry naloxone, and kits are available free of charge at most pharmacies and through many community organizations that work closely with people who use drugs.

Naloxone works quickly, usually within two to three minutes, and can be given as a nasal spray or injection. Naloxone is generally safe for people of all ages and will not harm someone who is not experiencing an opioid poisoning. However, 911 should always be called when naloxone is given because opioids can remain in the body longer than naloxone. Naloxone does not reverse the effects of benzodiazepines, medetomidine or other non-opioid drugs.

If someone appears to be experiencing a drug poisoning, call 911 immediately. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act offers some legal protection to people who provide emergency help during a drug poisoning.

The health unit reminds the public that there is no way to know for certain what substances may be present in the unregulated drug supply. To reduce the risk of drug poisoning, people who use drugs should use with someone they trust, start with a smaller amount, arrange for someone to check on them, consider using the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-NORS (6677), and always carry naloxone.

For more information about naloxone and opioid poisonings, visit the health unit’s website at smdhu.org/opioids.

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For owner Ken King, the decision to become a Business Cares Strategic Partner was inspired by a deeply personal experience. During a hospital stay at GBGH in the fall of 2025, King found himself seeing the hospital from a completely different perspective — not as a business owner, but as a patient receiving care.

During his stay, he spent time walking throughout the hospital and was struck by the donor recognition wall in the main lobby. Seeing the names of so many local families, organizations, and business leaders who had invested in the future of healthcare inspired him to do the same.

“When you see how many people have stepped up to support our hospital, it really makes an impression,” says Ken King, owner, Harvey’s / Swiss Chalet Midland. “I found myself thinking, if they can do it, I can do it too. The care I received gave me a new appreciation for what GBGH means to our community, and becoming a Business Cares partner felt like a meaningful way to give back.”

Today, Harvey’s / Swiss Chalet Midland continues to reflect the community values that have guided the business for decades. The restaurant hires locally, fosters a family-oriented culture, and invests in developing future leaders, including General Manager Meghan Stanek, a local resident who has grown with the business and represents its next generation of leadership.

As a Business Cares Strategic Partner, Harvey’s / Swiss Chalet Midland joins the We See You campaign, a community-driven effort to strengthen care at GBGH through investments in equipment, technology, and programs that help ensure patients and families receive the care they need when it matters most.

“Ken’s commitment comes from firsthand experience,” says Robyn Blanchet, key relationships officer, GBGH Foundation. “After experiencing care at GBGH himself, he was inspired not only by the team who cared for him, but by the generosity of the community members and business owners who have chosen to invest in local healthcare. We’re incredibly grateful that he decided to join them and help ensure future patients receive the same excellent care.”

Through Business Cares, Harvey’s / Swiss Chalet Midland joins a growing network of businesses who recognize that investing in health care is an investment in people. Together, these partners are helping ensure GBGH can continue delivering excellent, compassionate care for families across North Simcoe for generations to come.

To learn more about the We See You campaign, visit: http://weseeyougbgh.ca/ or to learn more about Business Cares, visit: https://gbghf.ca/get-involved/business-cares/ 

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Created by RVH physicians Dr. Giulio DiDiodato, Dr. Chris Martin, and Dr. Doug Austgarden, ASKmeGOC is a research-backed, web-based tool that supports conversations about treatment preferences, resuscitation decisions, and overall goals of care.

For many patients and caregivers, these conversations happen for the first time during a health crisis, when emotions are high and decisions need to be made quickly. ASKmeGOC is helping shift those discussions earlier, giving people more time, support, and information to reflect on what matters most to them.

ASKmeGOC helps patients and caregivers better understand their options and creates space for thoughtful conversations in hospital, primary care and community settings, rather than during urgent or emotionally overwhelming situations.

The tool is now being implemented by hospitals, primary care teams, and community organizations across the province, including the Muskoka Almaguin Ontario Health Team and several of its member organizations, Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare,  Niagara Health, Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, Sault Area Hospital, Hotel Dieu Shaver Rehabilitation Hospital, Victoria Village, RVH’s Family Medicine Teaching Unit, and other healthcare partners.

“This is a strong example of how community-based research can scale beyond a single organization,” said Dr. Giulio DiDiodato, Chief Research Scientist at RVH. “We designed ASKmeGOC to work in real-world settings, and now we’re seeing it adopted across hospitals, primary care, and community teams. That growth is important because, at its core, this tool is about improving the patient experience. It helps create a supportive environment where patients and caregivers can better understand their options, ask questions and make decisions that reflect their values and wishes.”

ASKmeGOC is grounded in evidence from Canada’s largest randomized clinical trial conducted in a community hospital, funded by the Alectra Fund for Healthcare & Social Innovation. The tool provides healthcare teams with a consistent approach to goals-of-care discussions while helping ensure conversations remain patient-centred and aligned with each person’s understanding of their health and treatment preferences.

In communities like Sundridge and across Muskoka, healthcare teams are already seeing the benefits of having these conversations earlier and in less pressured settings.

“By having these conversations earlier in primary care, patients and caregivers can explore their wishes in a calmer, more supportive way,” said Dr. Sarah MacKinnon, Lead Physician at Sundridge & District Medical Centre. “It helps people feel more informed and better prepared, while making sure care decisions reflect what matters most to them.”

Healthcare teams say the tool is also helping create a more coordinated experience for patients as they move between different parts of the healthcare system.

“My experience with the program has been very positive,” said Dr. Melanie Mar, Chief of Family Medicine at Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare and Medical Director of the Algonquin Family Health Team. “It’s reassuring to know patients have already had thoughtful conversations about their goals of care and better understand their options before they arrive in more acute care settings.”

By enabling trained healthcare professionals, such as nurses, paramedics, and social workers to help lead goals-of-care conversations, ASKmeGOC is also helping ensure patients and caregivers receive consistent support regardless of where they access care while reducing administrative burden for physicians.

Funding for ASKmeGOC was provided through the Health Care Unburdened Grant program. The program, supported by the Canadian Medical Association, MD Financial Management Inc. and Scotiabank, helps reduce administrative burden in healthcare so physicians can take better care of themselves and their patients. The funding is helping expand the reach of ASKmeGOC to hospitals, long term care, family health teams and community organizations across Ontario.

As adoption continues to grow, ASKmeGOC is helping more patients and caregivers across Ontario have earlier, clearer, and more supported conversations about their healthcare wishes.

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Since naming Hospice Simcoe – Seasons Centre as its charity partner in 2024, the event has raised more than $57,000 in support of hospice palliative care, grief and bereavement programs, and community services offered at no cost to individuals and families across Simcoe County.

Open to all experience levels, the Ladies Charity Shoot introduces participants to a variety of shooting sports in a safe and welcoming environment while raising funds for local families navigating grief, illness, and end-of-life care.

“The Ladies Charity Shoot continues to be one of those events that reminds us just how generous this community is,” said Kelly Hubard, Executive Director at Hospice Simcoe – Seasons Centre. “Year after year, the Barrie Gun Club, the organizing committee, volunteers, sponsors, and participants come together with incredible enthusiasm and generosity. We’re honoured by their continued support and the difference they’re making for local families.”

Proceeds from the event will help provide compassionate grief and bereavement support for children, caregiver resources, and other essential services for individuals and families facing some of life’s most difficult moments. Community fundraising events like the Ladies Charity Shoot play a vital role in ensuring these programs continue to be available at no cost.

“There are two goals to our Ladies Charity Shoot. We bring forward the awareness of firearm safety to women and help them to confront their fear and learn the truth about firearms. We have women who have attended for the last 5 years because they have so much fun. Some have gone further by obtaining their own firearms licence.” Said Karen Parisius, Ladies’ Charity Shoot Coordinator, “The other goal is to raise funds for our local charity, The Seasons Centre for Grieving Children, a charity close to my heart. They were there when my kids needed them, and now it’s my turn to give back. It’s the volunteers, the community and the businesses that come together for this special day to make it a great success. It’s a win-win for everyone. Knowledge Dispels Fear is what I always say. You have to learn before you judge.”

Hospice Simcoe – Seasons Centre extends its sincere thanks to the organizing committee, Barrie Gun Club members, volunteers, sponsors, and everyone who participated. Their continued generosity is helping provide comfort, compassion, and support to local families when they need it most.

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Muskoka, ON– The District of Muskoka has received approval from the Ministry of Long-Term Care to add two additional beds to the new Fairvern Long-Term Care Home currently under construction in Huntsville. The approval increases the home’s capacity from 160 to 162 beds and will help meet the growing need for long-term care services in Muskoka.

The new Fairvern home is currently under construction and is expected to be completed in late 2026. The additional beds are part of ongoing efforts to ensure more seniors can access high-quality care close to home. The project is being supported through capital funding from the Ministry of Long-Term Care.

“We are pleased to receive approval for these additional beds,” said District Chair, Jeff Lehman. “Every new bed means more Muskoka residents can get the care they need closer to home and closer to loved ones.  It also means we are delivering additional value for the taxpayer in this new, leading-edge home.”

The new Fairvern home will feature:

• 162 long-term care beds
• A home-like design with familiar spaces and routines
• A care approach focused on independence, dignity, and personal choice
• Modern features to support infection prevention and control
• Improved accessibility and sustainable design
• Spaces that support connection among residents, families, staff, volunteers, and the community

“The Fairvern redevelopment is more than a new building,” said Carrie Acton, Administrator of Fairvern Long-Term Care Home. “It is an investment in how we care for seniors today and in the future. We are grateful for the support of our community, volunteers, staff, and partners who continue to help make Fairvern feel like home.”

The new Fairvern home will also implement the MuskokaCare model, a made-in-Muskoka approach to dementia care that focuses on relationships, purpose, belonging, and helping people live meaningful lives every day.

The Fairvern redevelopment is supported by capital funding from the Ministry of Long-Term Care and continues to move toward completion in late 2026.

“Our government is making historic investments to expand access to long-term care across Ontario,” said Graydon Smith, MPP for Parry Sound-Muskoka. “These additional beds at Fairvern will help ensure more seniors in Muskoka can receive high-quality care close to family and friends.”

As construction progresses, the District will continue to share updates on the project. Community members are encouraged to watch for upcoming employment and volunteer opportunities as Fairvern prepares to welcome residents to the new home.

For more information about the Fairvern redevelopment project, including project updates and timelines, visit www.engagemuskoka.ca/fairvern.

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Under an unexpectedly blue sky, long-term care residents, family members, and partners worked together to raise the poles and canvas in ceremony under the guidance of Tipi Knowledge Holders, Bud Jacobs and Norman Swanson. As the work progressed, it was clear that the hearts of many gathered were lifted as well. The day offered a meaningful opportunity for gathering, healing, and learning.

Partners extend sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed their knowledge, skills, time, and support. A special thank you is offered to Adams Bros Construction Ltd., who donated materials, and time. Their team completed the site preparation with care and skill.
The Tipi is a natural extension of Noojimowin Bimaadziwin Gamik – Indigenous Healing Room at West Parry Sound Health Centre. It is intended to serve as a welcoming seasonal space where Indigenous teachings, healing practices, education, reflection and community connections can take place.

Rooted in gratitude for the land, the Tipi provides a grounded place for residents, patients, staff, families, visitors and community members to connect with nature as part of their healing journeys. While the space exists in celebration and support of Indigenous traditions, it is intended to be inclusive and welcoming, creating opportunities for education, dialogue, healing and relationship-building among Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

The partners supporting these spaces recognize that they are not simply amenities. They are care spaces that support cultural, emotional, spiritual and community well-being. Staff, residents, patients and visitors will be invited to take part in activities that align with the purpose of the space, including sharing circles, cultural teachings and practices such as smudging, wellness and healing activities, educational workshops, community gatherings, reflection, Indigenous cultural programming and ceremonial activities led by recognized Knowledge Holders.

Those who use or visit the Tipi are asked to approach the space with respect, humility and openness to learning. When the space is needed for its truest purpose — healing, cultural support or community connection — all users are asked to honour and prioritize those needs.

Guests are encouraged to enter the space with respect for those gathered within it, an open mind, kindness, patience and an awareness that cultural teachings, healing activities or ceremonies may be taking place.

For questions, requests for support or to inquire about use of either of our healing spaces please contact:
Miryan Rutledge
Indigenous Navigator
West Parry Sound Health Centre

irutledge@wpshc.com
705-746-4540 ext. 2306

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Rooted in RVH’s strategic plan, Vitally You, the awards highlight the people and teams who bring the organization’s values to life each day through acts of compassion and kindness, a commitment to collaboration, the courage to think differently, and a drive to continuously improve the experience of patients, care partners and colleagues. Whether at the bedside, behind the scenes, or supporting the broader community, their contributions help shape a culture where people feel valued, supported and inspired to do their best work.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I extend our congratulations to this year’s award recipients,” said RVH Board Chair Kimberly Matheson. “They demonstrate what is possible when talent, compassion and purpose come together. Through their everyday actions, they inspire those around them and strengthen our culture, all while helping ensure patients and care partners receive the very best care. We are deeply grateful for the impact they make across RVH.”

Recipients are selected by the Board through a peer nomination process. For 2026, there were 102 unique individual and team submissions, illustrating the depth of talent within the organization and a shared commitment to excellence that continues to move RVH forward.

The 2026 RVH Board of Directors’ Awards of Excellence winners are:

Team Up Award (Individual)

Natalie Baks – Patient Service Clerk, Oncology-Outpatient Clerical

Team Up Award (Team)

Regional Privacy Team

Be Kind Award

Andrea Bertram – Senior Medical Radiation Technologist (MRT), Interventional Radiology & Angiography/Interventional

Do Great Things Award

Emily House – Decision Support Consultant, Decision Support

Inspire Trust Award

Tammy Crews – Registered Practical Nurse, Medicine Treatment Clinic

Be Bold Award

Joy Greene – Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) Navigator, Oncology Administration

Excellence in Volunteering Award

Cyrille Couvrette – RVH Volunteer

Excellence in Care (Professional Staff) Award

Dr. Mark Lewis – Chief, Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine

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The Board has tremendous gratitude for all that Donna has done, and continues to do, for Hospice Muskoka and extends our best wishes for a wonderful and very well-deserved retirement.

In 2020, at the start of the pandemic, Donna joined Hospice Muskoka as NP-Medical Director at Andy’s House, Ontario’s first Nurse Practitioner Led Hospice, which opened with three funded beds delivering much needed palliative care in south and west Muskoka.  The following year, she took on an expanded role, adding Executive Director to her portfolio and earlier this year became CEO.

Donna built and currently leads a team of staff and volunteers who oversee the ten beds at Andy’s House and numerous community programs, including a new program, Andy’s House at Home, which brings palliative care into your home.  We applaud Donna’s vision and tenacity in advocating for palliative and end of life care.  She has led the organization to its current position of excellence, achieving full accreditation from our governing body, Hospice Palliative Care Ontario, in the delivery of residential palliative care, community programs and grief and bereavement.

In her notice to the Board, Kearney shared “It is time for me to pass the torch to the next leader who will carry forward the Board’s next strategic vision,” she said. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve this organization and the community, and for the extraordinary commitment of the people who make this work possible every day.”

Over the next six months, as Donna continues to lead Hospice Muskoka with her hallmark passion and commitment, the Board will conduct a recruitment process to find the talent required to lead our organization into its next chapter.

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“The hospital has replaced its 12‑year‑old mammography machine and added a second, fully equipped mammography suite. Together, these upgrades double CGMH’s mammography capacity and introduce advanced diagnostic capabilities that extend well beyond traditional screening,” says Michael Lacroix, CGMH President and CEO. The second suite will focus on in‑depth assessments and will offer contrast‑enhanced mammography – an important tool for improved cancer detection, particularly in patients with dense breast tissue.

With this addition, CGMH will be among a select group of hospitals in Ontario offering contrast‑enhanced mammography, expected to be fully implemented by Fall 2026.

Key enhancements for patients and the community include:

• 3D‑guided (stereotactic) biopsies for greater precision in targeting abnormalities

• Contrast‑enhanced mammography to highlight potential cancers by tracking contrast dye within breast tissue (beginning Fall 2026)

These advancements are especially valuable for identifying cancers that may be hidden within dense breast tissue and not visible on ultrasound. At the heart of this work is a simple but powerful goal: to detect breast cancer at an earlier stage, supporting less invasive surgery and more effective treatment options.

“The expansion also allows one mammography unit to focus primarily on screening mammograms, helping reduce the growing waitlist and increasing access to breast‑screening services through the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP). In the past fiscal year alone, CGMH performed 7,645 mammograms, including 5,670 for OBSP patients,” says Jamey Gilroy, Manager of Diagnostic Imaging and Echocardiography.

CGMH extends its sincere thanks to the generous leadership of the late Teri Yamada and her husband Doug Moxon, who matched donations up to $375,000 through the 2024 Tree of Life campaign. Additional thanks go to 100+ Women Who Care, South Georgian Triangle, for their $25,500 contribution, and to every community member whose support helped bring this innovative technology to our hospital.

“This milestone reflects what is possible when our community comes together to invest in better health care today and into the future, as we work to bring Tomorrow’s Hospital for South Georgian Bay to fruition,” says Sandra Taylor, CGMH Foundation President and CEO.

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