On April 10, more than 30 local organizations released the Renfrew County and District Drug Strategy (RCDDS), a comprehensive plan to reduce the harms related to substance use in the region. The strategy was developed through collaboration between healthcare, addiction treatment, enforcement, government, and individuals with lived and living experience.
The RCDDS outlines 25 priorities and recommendations across four key areas: prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and community safety. The goal is to reduce drug-related harms and overdoses, improve safety, and ensure people get the help they need through a coordinated response.
Dr. Jason Morgenstern, co-chair of the RCDDS Steering Committee, said the strategy is a shared effort and will include regular progress updates. He emphasized the importance of an approach that is transparent, non-stigmatizing, and evidence-based.
Co-chair Jama Watt noted that local initiatives are already making progress. The County of Renfrew’s Mesa initiative has helped address the root causes of homelessness, substance use, and mental health. In addition, the same partners have secured funding from Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions Program for mobile outreach services, as well as provincial support for a new Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub.
The full strategy and executive summary are available at www.rcdhu.com/rcdds. Residents can follow implementation progress and track key indicators on the same website.
(Written by: Emma Butler)