RCDHU Issues Overdose Alert: Understanding Opioid Trends in Renfrew County

Last week the Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) issued an overdose alert for Renfrew County as a result of suspected overdose deaths in the Renfrew and Arnprior area. While investigations into the deaths are still ongoing, RCDHU Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Jason Morgenstern, said opiates have been at the forefront of illicit drug consumption in the Ottawa Valley. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/773/files/2026/01/morgenstern-1-260120.mp3 Opiate overdoses can temporarily be reversed by the use of naloxone (also known as its trademark, Narcan) which can afford someone the critical moments they need to be treated by a healthcare professional. However, naloxone is only effective against opiates. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/773/files/2026/01/morgenstern-2-260120.mp3 To combat overdoses RCDHU has put out some life-saving tips for people using illicit drugs. Firstly is to always call 9-1-1 in-case of an overdose; in the event of a contaminated substance naloxone will have a waning effect so the response from emergency crews is vital. For those who are worried for getting in trouble, don’t be. Drug addiction can stem from many factors including trauma, poverty and sometimes just being in the wrong place at the wrong time. There is also the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, which can protect individuals from simple charges in the event of an overdose. Morgenstern stresses to be addicted is to be human, the path to recovery requires cooperation and compassion. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/773/files/2026/01/morgenstern-4-260120.mp3 As a health agency RCDHU wants nothing but recovery and long-lives for anyone affected by substance addiction, so they have some services on-hand to offer help. First there is the Overdose Prevention Hotline at 1-888-688-6677 RCDHU will also help individuals navigate these systems to anyone that may need additional assistance. They stress anyone who uses or knows a regular user of street-drugs to carry a naloxone kit which are distributed for free from most pharmacies in Renfrew County. (Written by Mik Horvath)