The Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation community is not alone in dealing with an opioid crisis.
The number of drug-related deaths in Renfrew County, as a whole, is on the rise, says the County’s Medical Officer of Health.
Dr. Jason Morgenstern says that in 2023, the County has seen an average of three suspected-drug related deaths per month; a rate that’s three times higher than pre-pandemic levels, when there was about one a month.
Of the 34 suspected drug-related deaths in the County this year, at least 12 have been specifically linked to opioids, Morgenstern says.
Opioid drug use is so concerning in Pikwakanagan that leaders in the First Nations community issued a State of Emergency earlier this month, a move the allows for more police and health care response.
“It is a dire situation across Renfrew County,” Mongenstern says. “It’s a key focus for us here at the health unit. For many of our partner health units across the province and the country, frankly, this is top of mind. It’s sad to see that the opioid crisis is ongoing and it continues to get worse.”
Morgenstern says health unit staff are working with the Pikwakanangan community, educating people on how to support those using opioids and providing more naloxone kits.
Morgenstern urges those who use drugs to not use while alone. He also says users can call the National Overdose Prevention Line at 1-888-688-NORS (6677) for support.