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CBC
a day ago
- Health
- CBC
Thunder Bay Public Health releases guide for parents of young people with addictions
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU) has launched a new resource in response to the toxic drug crisis. It offers something many say has been missing, hope. Parents Like Us: An Unofficial Guide to Caring for a Young Person Who Uses Substances was unveiled in June. The free handbook blends evidence-based guidance with lived experiences, storytelling and artwork from families who have navigated substance use firsthand. It was co-created with caregivers, youth and community partners. "This resource is a testament to the resilience of parents and caregivers who continue to show up, even in the most challenging circumstances," said one Thunder Bay parent who contributed to the project in the media release. Among the contributors is Clarence Fisher, a recovering addict, caregiver and community advocate who knows how substance use can ripple through entire families. "The unmanageability spreads into the immediate family and friends and work, so the people surrounding a person living with addictions or substance use issues," Fisher said. "Fear becomes very powerful. Having something physical that's transferring knowledge to you or tools, coping mechanisms that can help you on this journey, it's very powerful for us human beings to now have some light that shines the way for that journey." Parents Like Us is adapted from a Victoria, B.C.-based resource originally developed by Foundry and the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction. The Thunder Bay version was shaped through conversations with local focus groups and consultations that took place over a year. It goes a step further by embedding northern Ontario voices and experiences throughout. "It has local personal stories. It has advice written by parents. And then it also has different artwork and pieces and advice from youth. Because they wanted to explain how they wanted to be supported from that youth perspective," said Stephanie Diebolt, a TBDHU public health nurse who led the project. The handbook includes nine chapters covering topics such as harm reduction, overdose response, communication strategies and how to navigate complex systems. But contributors say its real strength lies in its tone. "It's not a do-it-yourself manual," said Fisher, who has been in recovery for 13 years."[I]t's basically a map to help you understand what you're experiencing and the directions that you need to go." Fisher also emphasized the importance of caregiver boundaries and self-care, which is a central theme in the guide. "There's a term that I use all the time that I can't pour from an empty cup. I'm unable to care," said Fisher, who helped his niece through recovery. "If we don't set boundaries, one thing that happens to the person who's living with addictions, it's difficult for them to really come to the realization that their lives have become unmanageable or the damage that's causing on their life." Fisher said this could lead to the caregiver "robbing" life lessons from the person living with addictions. "It was important for them to have some support in a written form that can help them feel less alone,'" adds Diebolt. Indigenous perspectives are also woven throughout the guide. The health unit says it is already exploring Ojibwe and French translations to make the resource more accessible across the region. Parents Like Us is available in print at all TBDHU offices and can also be downloaded for free at Community organizations can request up to 10 free printed copies. For Diebolt, the guide is part of a much-needed cultural shift by sharing the voices of those who often go unheard. "It was important to have a rich group that came from different backgrounds and experiences, whether it was lived experience with substance use, whether it was a dad or mom. I'm just capturing a group that could speak to different family situations in Thunder Bay," said Diebolt. "There's just a lot of people who are just doing the best they can with what they know or what's accessible to them. We're hoping that this book opens up more ideas and conversations about substance use health in general."
CBC
10-05-2025
- Health
- CBC
1st measles case confirmed in Thunder Bay, Ont., since province-wide outbreak began
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU) is reporting a lab-confirmed case of measles, which marks the first confirmed case in northwestern Ontario since the province's measles outbreak began in the fall. "The individual acquired the infection through international travel and is now recovering at home," the TBDHU said in a news release issued late Friday afternoon. "The public health investigation is unfolding. At this time, TBDHU is following up directly with known contacts, with a focus on those at higher risk. The risk to the general public is low." TBDHU is advising people of the following potential for exposure to measles on May 4: Air Canada flight AC1195 – Toronto to Thunder Bay: 9:40 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET. Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT) terminal building 11 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. ET Anyone who may have been exposed is asked to check their vaccination record and monitor for symptoms until May 25. Ontario health officials said on Thursday that there have been 1,440 probable and confirmed cases of the previously eradicated disease since the outbreak began in October. Northern Ontario's first measles case in 30 years was confirmed in North Bay in early March. Since then, cases have increased in the northeast but had not spread further west until this point. Generally, people born before 1970 are considered immune. However, anyone born in 1970 or later should check their vaccination record to make sure they have received two doses of a measles vaccine, the TBDHU said. Donna Stanley, director of health protection at the Northwestern Health Unit, told CBC News earlier this year that those who plan to travel internationally, attend post-secondary school or work in health care should consider a booster dose. Those unsure of their vaccination status are encouraged to contact their health-care provider. Symptoms of measles can include: Fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes. Small spots with white centres that appear inside the mouth. A red blotchy rash appears on the face then spreads down the body (which normally appears three to seven days after symptoms begin). People should monitor for symptoms even if they are vaccinated against measles, the TBDHU said. "Measles is a highly contagious disease that can spread easily to others through the air. Routine infant and childhood vaccination is usually given at 12 months and between four to six years of age," said Friday's news release. "The vaccine is very effective against measles, even if the vaccine was received many years ago. Anyone who has not had two doses of a measles vaccine, for example, the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine or has not had measles in the past is at risk of infection."
