The Near North District School Board sent out a letter offering assistance to students at Chippewa Secondary School who witnessed a "medical emergency" on Chippewa Street around 8:45 a.m.Tuesday morning.
Wanda Hill, the new Chippewa Principal, sent out an email to parents late Tuesday morning.
"I am writing to inform you that there was a medical emergency on Chippewa St. this morning requiring the support of North Bay Emergency Medical Services," Hill stated in the email.
"Given that this emergency occurred at 8:45 a.m. in close proximity to the school, some of our students, parents, and staff were witness to this event. I wanted to reach out to all our families to assure you that we are doing our part to mitigate any safety issues that impact our students."
The North Bay Police say it was strictly a medical incident. BayToday has learned it was an overdose.
"This was not a police matter, so I have limited information on it. EMS responded to reports of two individuals in need of medical assistance and a police response was not required," said David Woolley, Corporate Communications Officer with the North Bay Police Service.
Hill says the safety and well-being of our students and staff is paramount.
"We implement safety practices and procedures into our daily routines that ensure safe environments for all," she said.
"Every school in the Near North District School Board carries out morning inspections of the school grounds to ensure that it is safe and ready to receive students. As part of the Ontario curriculum, staff teach students how to maintain personal safety and when to seek help from an adult. These topics arise throughout the year and are tailored to meet the age and developmental understanding of all learners in Grades 7 – Grade 12. Injury prevention units provided through our Health Unit will be one of the supports utilized to teach students how to maintain personal safety within any situation or environment.
"We continue to work with community partners to find broader solutions that are within the scope of the Near North District School Board. Conversations with local partners including the North Bay Police Services, the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit and the District of Nipissing Social Services Administrative Board are on-going," she continued.
Chippewa Secondary School is located right across the street from the Low Barrier Homeless Shelter.
