Parry Sound Drug Strategy

Drug-related overdose activity has surpassed levels seen during the COVID‑19 pandemic, with 42 opioid-related overdoses reported to the Health Unit over the course of April 2026, compared to 38 in September 2020.

Of the 42 overdoses, four resulted in death. This is the highest number of opioid-related overdoses reported to the Health Unit since the launch of their surveillance program in 2019.

The Health Unit has extended the April 7 Community Drug Alert a second time.

Read More: https://bit.ly/3OXgg7B

News Release: Drug-related overdose activity has surpassed levels seen during the COVID‑19 pandemic, with 42 opioid-related overdoses reported to the Health Unit over the course of April 2026, compared to 38 in September 2020.

Of the 42 overdoses, four resulted in death. This is the highest number of opioid-related overdoses reported to the Health Unit since the launch of their surveillance program in 2019.

The Health Unit has extended the April 7 Community Drug Alert a second time.

Read More: https://bit.ly/3OXgg7B

Did you see the Community Safety. That's the Point! Campaign?

Fill out the survey here: https://bit.ly/4tkw4PU.

Community Safety. That's the Point Campaign Evaluation 2026 Introduction: The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (Health Unit) recently launched a campaign entitled Community Safety. That’s the Point, relating to safe sharps handling and disposal of sharps being discarded within the community. The purpose of this campaign is to empower community me...

Upcoming webinar being offered by CATIE

Medetomidine is a veterinary tranquilizer that is increasingly being detected in the unregulated drug supply in parts of Canada. This webinar in partnership with CATIE explores what service providers need to know.

📅 May 19, 2026
🕐 1 – 2:30 pm EDT

🔗Register to learn more: https://www.catie.ca/medetomidine-in-canadas-unregulated-drug-supply

North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit has extended the Community Drug Alert. An additional 13 opioid related overdoses have been reported in Nipissing and Parry Sound District between April 6 to April 17, 2026.

Public Service Announcement: The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit has extended the Community Drug Alert issued on April 7, 2026.

Since its release, an additional 13 opioid-related overdoses have been reported in the Nipissing and Parry Sound districts, spanning from April 6 to April 17. Of the 13 additional overdoses, one resulted in death. The specific substances being reported are fentanyl, prescription opioids and unknown opioids.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4cFnDsb.

FREE Safe Sharps Handling & Disposal Training being offered by North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit

🔗 Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/k0VcnMg9zy

FREE Safe Sharps Handling & Disposal Training

Learn how to safely handle and dispose of sharps to keep yourself and your community safe. Join our online training open to everyone!
📅 April 28 • 6:30–7:30 p.m.
📅 April 30 • 12:00–1:00 p.m.

✔️ Perfect for community members, service providers, and anyone looking to build confidence in safer sharps practices.

🔗 Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/k0VcnMg9zy.

Update provided by North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit for the ongoing community drug alert.

The Community Drug Alert issued on April 7 is still in effect.

Since its release, eight more opioid-related overdoses and one death have been reported in the Nipissing District. If you or someone you know uses drugs, following these steps can help lower the risk:
- Carry naloxone and make sure your kit is full.
- Test drugs if testing strips are available.
- Use in a safe space with people you trust, and who are able to respond with multiple doses of naloxone, if needed.
- If you do use alone, call or text the National Overdose Response Line at 1‑888‑688‑6677 (free and confidential).
- Call 911 right away if your high feels off or you think someone may be overdosing.

For information on the signs and symptoms of an overdose and how to respond, visit myhealthunit.ca/naloxone.

For naloxone kits and xylazine, fentanyl and benzo test strips, visit our North Bay and Parry Sound locations.

To stay up-to-date with overdose information, view our public dashboard: https://www.myhealthunit.ca/.../substance-use-harms.aspx...

Public Service Announcement: Following an urgent public safety alert from North Bay Police Service and a notice from Nipissing First Nation, the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (Health Unit) has confirmed 13 opioid-related overdoses were reported between March 30 and April 4 across the Nipissing district.

Of the 13 overdoses, three resulted in death. Five of the ten survivors received at least one dose of naloxone at the scene.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4eejAFk.

🚨 A drug alert has been issued by Public Health Sudbury & Districts. While this warning comes from a neighbouring area, it’s important to stay informed and share widely to help protect our communities.
Find local harm reduction resources and supports for Parry Sound here: https://www.parrysounddrugstrategy.com/copy-of-resources

⚠️ Drug warning: April 7, 2026

Public Health Sudbury & Districts is warning of a rise in drug poisonings (overdoses) and unexpected reactions to substances in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts.

Read more: https://www.phsd.ca/drug-warning-april-7-2026/



The cause of the increase is unknown. This serves as an important reminder that street drugs may be cut or mixed with substances such as benzos (benzodiazepines), xylazine, medetomidine, fentanyl, or carfentanil. If you use drugs, take steps to reduce your risk. Share this information to help save lives.

ℹ️ Key information
Community partners have reported:
• an increase in naloxone distribution
• an increase in emergency medical services (EMS) calls for suspected drug poisonings
• an increase in adverse reactions such as heavy nods (sedation)
• more complex drug poisonings that do not respond to naloxone

There have also been reports of two new substances circulating in Ontario’s drug supply: nefopam (a non-opioid pain reliever) and etodezitramide (a synthetic opioid, related to cyclorphine).

Due to concerns about benzodiazepines (benzos) and tranquilizers (xylazine and medetomidine), take steps to support someone who is sedated.

• Move the person to a safe place, ideally somewhere warm and dry.
• Stay with them and keep an eye on them.
• Check that limbs are not restricted.
• If they are having trouble breathing or if they are not breathing, give rescue breaths.

ℹ️ How to prevent poisonings
A poisoning occurs when a person uses a substance, and their body cannot handle its effects. A person can pass out, stop breathing, or experience a seizure. Poisonings can be fatal or non-fatal.

• Avoid using drugs when you are alone.
• Have a trusted person nearby or use a virtual safe consumption service like the National Overdose Response Service at 1.888.688.6677. This service provides 24/7 confidential and non-judgmental support, whenever and wherever you use drugs.
• Carry a naloxone kit. It can help reverse an opioid poisoning. Know how to use it (PDF).
• Pick up a free naloxone kit at The Point, Réseau ACCESS Network, or ask your local hospital or pharmacy. Visit ontario.ca/page/get-naloxone-kits-free.
• Start with a lower dose and go slow.
• Avoid mixing substances. This includes alcohol, prescription, over-the-counter, and street drugs.

ℹ️ How to respond to poisonings
• Call 911. Stay with the person. Monitor their breathing until help arrives.
• GIVE NALOXONE. It won’t cause harm if opioids are not involved. The person may not wake up right away due to sedation. More doses may be needed.
• If the person is unconscious, place them in the recovery position.

ℹ️ How to recognize poisonings
Different substances affect the body in different ways. Depending on the type of substance consumed, symptoms of a poisoning may look different.

Opioid poisoning symptoms:
• bluish, purple, or greyish skin, lips, or nails (depending on skin tone)
• dizziness, confusion, or inability to stay awake
• choking, gurgling, or snoring sounds
• slow, weak, or no breathing

Benzodiazepines (benzos) poisoning symptoms
Poisoning due to benzodiazepines may last for hours and may include:
• extreme sleepiness or passing out
• poor balance or movement control
• slurred speech
• blackouts and memory loss

Share this warning to help raise awareness and reduce the risk of drug poisonings. https://www.phsd.ca/drug-warning-april-7-2026/

🚨 A drug alert has been issued by North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit. It’s important to stay informed and share widely to help protect our communities.
Find local harm reduction resources and supports for Parry Sound here: https://www.parrysounddrugstrategy.com/copy-of-resources

Public Service Announcement: Following an urgent public safety alert from North Bay Police Service and a notice from Nipissing First Nation, the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (Health Unit) has confirmed 13 opioid-related overdoses were reported between March 30 and April 4 across the Nipissing district.

Of the 13 overdoses, three resulted in death. Five of the ten survivors received at least one dose of naloxone at the scene.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4eejAFk.