Sudden spike in opioid overdoses reported in Renfrew County

The Renfrew County and District Health Unit and paramedics have issued a warning to the public after noticing a sudden increase in opioid overdoses across the region.

According to the Renfrew Country District Health Unit, the specific opioid related to the increase has not been confirmed, but it is known that purple and yellow fentanyl have been circulating communities.

“Paramedics have noticed a sharp increase in opioid overdose calls in the past few weeks and reached out to partners at RCDHU who have been working to inform the general public that these life-threatening drugs have been discovered in RCD,” acting commander Steve Osipenko, said.

RCDHU said it would like to remind residents that street drugs may contain other drugs like Xanax, for which the overdose reversal drug naloxone is not effective.

Individuals who use street drugs can reduce their risk of an overdose by putting the following measures in place, as suggested by the RCDHU:

• Don’t use alone
• Don’t mix drugs
• Go slow — the quality of street drugs is unpredictable.
• Carry naloxone/Narcan
• Know your tolerance

Should an overdose happen, call 911 immediately.

Free naloxone kits are available throughout the Renfrew County district at local pharmacies and other locations.