Health Unit Confirms 13 Overdoses, 3 Deaths

Public Safety Alert

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 nine survivors received at least one dose of naloxone at the scene.

The Health Unit has issued a community drug alert in response to these events and is advising people who use substances to take extra precautions, as street drugs may be cut or mixed with substances such as benzos (benzodiazepines), xylazine, medetomidine, fentanyl, or carfentanil.

The Health Unit advises:

• Check your drug with a testing strip, if available – though these strips can’t detect many substances drugs may be cut with.
• 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.

For more information, visit myhealthunit.ca/naloxone.