Join us for a discussion on the toxicity of contaminated fentanyl and treatment options in hospital and in the field using buprenorphine.
Contaminated fentanyl continues to drive toxic drug poisonings across Ontario and beyond. Join us to learn more about how buprenorphine is reshaping treatment, both in hospitals and in the field. Together, Seamus and Dr. Marion-Bellemare share their innovative approach to combatting the overdose crisis, through timely, evidence-based care.
Presenters: Seamus Murphy and Dr. Louisa Marion-Bellemare
Seamus is the Deputy Chief of Standards and Community Services for Cochrane District Paramedic Service. In 2020, CDPS became the province’s first ambulance agency to distribute Naloxone kits. Seamus was instrumental in sharing this knowledge with 25 Paramedic Services and Base Hospital Programs throughout Ontario. After 2 years of lobbying the Ministry of Health, he received approval to co-create a medical directive for the province and partnered with Dr. Marion-Bellemare, Dr. Samson, and the Timmins and District Hospital Withdrawal Management and Addictions team.
In 2023, the Community Paramedic Program led by Seamus started treatment for opiate poisonings on scene, with buprenorphine/naloxone. After the MOH extended its approval to all ambulance services in the province, the CDPS became the first in Canada to have every ambulance and Paramedic Response Unit in their Service equipped with Buprenorphine/Naloxone. Vital to this advancement in care, Seamus continues to create efficient processes and educational resources for Paramedic Services across Canada.
Dr. Marion-Bellemare graduated from and completed her residency at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. She works at the Timmins and District Hospital in the Paediatric Mental Health Department and as the co-lead for the addiction medicine program which includes the Acute Withdrawal Medical Unit, addiction medicine consult service and the community withdrawal management service. She also works in the addiction clinics in communities along the James Bay Coast. Dr Marion-Bellemare can also be found working at the Indigenous Health Care Centre and in provincial corrections.
Presented October 1, 2025, by the Provincial Human Services and Justice Coordinating Committee.
Hosted by Ally Stevenson, HSJCC Engagement and Communications Specialist, and moderated by Rachelle Larocque, Program Manager, HSJCC & Justice, Canadian Mental Health Association – Ontario Division.