News

Community Drug Alert

The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (Health Unit) has extended the Community Drug Alert issued on April 7, 2026 for a second time. 

Throughout April 2026, there were 42 reported opioid-related overdoses across the Nipissing and Parry Sound Districts. Of the 42 overdoses, 4 resulted in death.  If you use substances: 

• Check the drug with a testing strip
• Pick up free naloxone kits at the Health Unit
• Call 911  if your high feels unusual
• Don't use drugs alone Use with someone you trust

Read more in our...

Health Unit Extends Drug Alert a Second Time as Overdose Activity Exceeds Pandemic Levels

NEWS RELEASE

NORTH BAY, ON — Drug-related overdose activity has surpassed levels seen during the COVID‑19 pandemic, with 42 opioid-related overdoses reported to the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (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...

Tick Talk: Health Unit Brings Awareness to Ticks, Disease Prevention

NEWS RELEASE

For immediate release: May 4, 2026

NORTH BAY, ON – As a new season brings warmer temperatures and people spend more time outdoors, the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (Health Unit) is encouraging the public to become more aware of ticks. The campaign comes after the Health Unit recorded its highest number of Lyme disease cases in 2025, with 71 per cent of cases reporting local tick exposure.

Ticks are small blood-sucking insects that cannot fly. They live in wooded, tall...

Health Unit Extends Community Drug Alert

Public Service Announcement

NORTH BAY, ON – The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (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.

The Health Unit is urging...

Health Unit Reminds Residents to Test Private Drinking Water After Flooding Events

NORTH BAY, ON – Following recent periods of heavy rainfall and localized flooding, the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (Health Unit) is urging residents who rely on private drinking water systems to test their drinking water.

Significant weather events, such as flooding, heavy rain, rapid snowmelt or saturated ground, can overwhelm natural soil filtration and introduce harmful bacteria into drinking water supplies. Contamination can occur without any changes in taste, colour, or odour,...