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 people who use substances to take extra precautions following recent reports of heightened opioid overdose activity in the Health Unit region and surrounding jurisdictions including Simcoe- Muskoka and Sudbury and Districts.

The Health Unit advises:

• Check your drug with a testing strip, if available.
• Have naloxone on-hand and ensure your kit is well stocked.
• Use in a safe space with people you trust, and who are able to respond with multiple doses of naloxone, if needed.
• If using alone, call or text the National Overdose Response Line at 1-888-688-6677 or have a friend check-in on you.
• If your high feels unusual or if you are with someone who is experiencing an overdose, call 911.

People who use substances can access drug testing kits for fentanyl, xylazine, and benzodiazepines, as well as naloxone kits at the Health Unit or participating Needle Syringe Programs, which can be located using the Find Supplies map. Community members can access naloxone kits at participating pharmacies.

This alert extension will remain in effect until May 5, 2026. The Health Unit is continuing to monitor reported overdoses through their Early Warning System and will issue further communication if current patterns continue.

For more information, visit myhealthunit.ca/naloxone.

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Media Inquiries:

Kylie Wurdell, Public Relations Specialist
 P: 705-474-1400, ext. 5221 or 1-800-563-2808
 E: communications@healthunit.ca