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On Tuesday night, I had the pleasure of joining the Veterans with Disabilities Task Force (VDTF) for the “Miraculous Medical Breakthroughs” event in Hartford. It was an honor to come together after I introduced a bill, that made its way into the state budget, providing $2 million in funding for a Neuromodulation Center. The facility will support disabled veterans by providing groundbreaking therapy and life changing treatment at little to no cost to our veterans. It's a privilege to support those who served and fought for our freedoms.
Dr. Christopher Conner, Neurosurgeon, UConn Health, stated that “The world is waking up to a new dawn of neuromodulation treatment." Dr. Conner is the only surgeon in Connecticut that performs this breakthrough technology that helps chronic ischemic stroke survivors regain 2-3 times greater arm and hand function than rehabilitation theory alone.
Dr. Conner was honored at the awards ceremony along with several veterans for their inspiring work to promote support for veterans with disabilities. This included, John Nute, the first person in Connecticut to receive the neuromodulation treatment.
Also in attendance were several doctors and medical staff from UConn Health and Hartford Healthcare as well as fellow legislators who supported the bill.
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Connecticut’s Opioid Services Division was established in 2018 in response to the growing overdose crisis and to expand statewide access to the prevention of opioid use disorder, opioid treatment, recovery support, harm reduction, outreach, engagement, and overdose prevention coverage with a focus on overdose deaths. This marks the third consecutive year of decreases of statewide overdose deaths.
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The division manages projects and initiatives that resulted from infusion of State Opioid Response grant funding as well as those approved by the Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee. Some of 2024’s improvements include:
- Expanded innovative services in the state, adding three and continuing to support original Harm Reduction Centers in municipalities with highest morbidity rates: Hartford, Waterbury, New Haven, and New London.
- Added outreach services via Peer Navigator Programs in two areas of the state.
- Distributed close to 60,000 naloxone kits (naloxone is a lifesaving, overdose reversal medication), exceeding the state saturation goal for the year.
- Hosted a successful and informative Harm Reduction Conference. The conference included four expert speakers from around the country, as well as two panel discussions, focused on addressing equity, and stigma, 390 individuals attended the conference: 263 in person and 127 virtually.
While we are heartened to see data going in the right direction, we know there is much more work to do to fight this public health crisis. Our hearts are heavy for the 990 individuals who lost their lives to overdose in 2024 and their loved ones whose lives have been forever altered. We remain steadfast in our mission to expand access and availability of life-saving medication, public education, harm reduction, treatment and recovery supports until no lives are lost to drug overdose.
Additional information is available on the DMHAS Opioid Services Division website at portal.ct.gov/dmhas/programs-and-services/opioid-treatment/opioid-services.
Anyone seeking services regarding opioid use disorder in Connecticut should visit www.liveloud.org or call 1-800-563-4086 any time, day or night.
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Suggested Summer Reading Lists
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Our libraries have a lot of books, and through resource sharing, we have access to even more books! For the first time, the CT State Library is offering a Suggested Summer Reading List for all grade levels.
The Suggested Summer Reading list has been compiled around this year's theme, Level up at Your Library, an all ages summer reading program. The suggested list is just that, suggested! The list has been created with accessibility in mind and it's a guidance that matches the age breakdowns and number of titles as the Department of Education reading challenge lists.
Click here to access the list.
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The annual Sounds of Summer Concert Series returns this Thursday! The community is invited to listen to live music outdoors while overlooking the banks of the Connecticut River and the Hartford skyline on Thursdays, from June 12 to July 31 from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the Great River Park Amphitheater (301 East River Drive). You are encouraged to bring a picnic basket and lawn chairs.
The 2025 lineup:
- June 12: Alvin Carter Project (Jazz)
- June 19: Shaded Soul (Vocal & Instrumental)
- June 26: The Score (Classic Party Rock)
- July 3: Cover 2 Cover (High Energy Dance Music)
- July 10: Sound Pipers (Reggae)
- July 17: La Choco Band (Latin Music)
- July 24: Mass-Conn Fusion (Jazz, Motown, R&B)
- July 31: Soul Sound Revue (7-piece Modern Music)
In the event of inclement weather, the concerts will be moved indoors to the East Hartford Community Culture Center (50 Chapman Place).
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On Saturday, June 14 from 11:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. at Alumni Park (1047 Main Street) come join the 4th annual Juneteenth celebration, a day of reflection, unity, and community spirit.
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Connecticut Open House Day, now in its 21st year, is set to take place on Saturday, June 14. Held annually on the second Saturday of June, this statewide event invites residents to explore Connecticut’s rich array of cultural, historical, and recreational attractions right in their own backyard. The hope is that this event will convert CT residents into ambassadors who will recommend these experiences by enhancing awareness and interest in the state's tourism to other visitors.
By offering free or reduced admission and exclusive access to rarely opened sites, Connecticut hopes that this event will spark something in its residents and convert them into ambassadors who will recommend these experiences to other visitors. There is a lot to offer and Connecticut tourism is open for all to enjoy!
Click here to find the list of businesses taking part.
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