Overdose Awareness Day

August 30, 2018

Friday is International Overdose Awareness Day, a global event aimed at shedding light on addiction and deaths from drugs.

Addiction is a crisis sweeping the nation, and Connecticut is no stranger to this fact. Just this month, we saw more than 70 overdoses on the New Haven Green during a 24-hour period. Thanks to the quick and tireless response from emergency services, we were fortunate there were no fatalities.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there were 985 overdose deaths in Connecticut last year and expect a 7.6 increase in fatalities this year.

Opioids account for the majority of drug related deaths in the U.S. and Connecticut is among the top ten states with opioid-related overdose deaths.

Overdose related deaths are all too common and entirely preventable. A Roadway of Hope and Today I Matter ceremony will be held on Capitol Grounds on August 31 at 7 p.m. The public is invited and I hope you will join me.