One of the goals of harm reduction is to decrease the risks and burdens of infections and diseases caused by sharing or reusing drug use equipment. Sharing or reusing drug use equipment ("works" or "gear") increases the risks of serious bacterial infections (i.e. skin or heart) and blood-borne infections (i.e. HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C). Needle Syringe Programs have been proven to reduce the spread of infection without increasing drug use.
Our Health Unit offices in North Bay and Parry Sound offer the following:
- Needles and other harm reduction items, including pipes, foil, straws, and sharps containers
- Crystal meth, inhalation ("crack"), and snorting kits
- Disposal of used needles and other biohazardous items (i.e. used glass pipes)
- Naloxone kits, naloxone refills, and injectable naloxone
- Condoms and lubricant
- Health information and safer substance use education
- Referrals (within the Health Unit and to other community agencies)
All of the services are free and confidential.
To access the Needle Syringe Program services, look for this symbol:
Needle Syringe Program (NSP) Locations
North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit
North Bay Office
345 Oak Street West
1-800-563-2808 or 705-474-1400 ext. 5282
- Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:20 p.m.
- Tuesday: 8:30 a.m. to 5:50 p.m.
- Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 6:50 p.m.
In the North Bay office only, aside from walking in during business hours, you also have the choice to text or call in your order for supplies for pick-up within 2 hours on the same day. Here are the details:
- Call or text 705-471-5997, provide a first name and list the supplies needed and how many of each. Order can be placed between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. After 2:30 p.m., you can simply walk in to the office before closing hours.
- Wait two hours, then pick up your supplies.
Parry Sound Office
90 Bowes Street, Suite 201
705-746-5801 ext. 3213
Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:20 p.m.
Other Needle Syringe Programs
Visit Ontario's Find Supplies Map for NSPs near you.