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 the April 7 Community Drug Alert a second time.

“This level of overdose activity is deeply concerning and reflects an ongoing, unstable drug supply in our communities,” says Shannon Mantha, chief nursing officer and executive director of clinical services at the Health Unit. “Extending the drug alert is a necessary step to raise awareness, prevent further harm, and help people know how to protect themselves and others.”

The Health Unit is reminding the public to carry naloxone and look out for their loved ones. “We encourage everyone to check in on their friends, family and neighbors who may be at risk, and to learn how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose,” says Mantha. “Carrying naloxone, making sure your kit is well stocked and knowing how to use it could help save a life.”

The recent substances being reported are fentanyl, prescription opioids, and unknown opioids. Depending on the type of substance consumed, symptoms of 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

How to respond to poisonings

• Call 911. Stay with the person. Monitor their breathing until help arrives.
• Give Naloxone. 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.

For those who use substances, 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.

Drug testing kits for fentanyl, xylazine, and benzodiazepines, as well as naloxone kits are available at the Health Unit or participating Needle Syringe Programs, which can be located using the Find Supplies map. Community members can also access naloxone kits at participating pharmacies.

The Health Unit continues to work with community partners, have conversations with clients, and monitor reported overdoses through their Early Warning System. The alert will stay in place while overdose activity remains elevated.

For more information, visit myhealthunit.ca/naloxone.

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Quick Facts

• In April 2026, a total of 20 drug alerts were sent out by public health units in Ontario. The most common substance reported was fentanyl and other opioids, although the substance(s) causing drug poisonings/overdoses in most communities are unknown.
• Public Health units across Ontario continue to report the new variants of high-potency fentanyl. These observations highlight the continued unpredictability and toxicity of the unregulated drug supply in our communities.
• Public health units across the province have also reported contamination with veterinary tranquilizer, medetomidine (a previously identified contaminant that can decrease level of consciousness). Drug checking services have confirmed samples expected to be fentanyl were heavily contaminated with medetomidine.
• Several public health units have also reported detection of a “new” family of non-fentanyl synthetic opioids – “orphines” in Ontario’s unregulated supply, including etodezitramide and cychlorphine in samples collected in Toronto and Thunder Bay.

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