Press Releases
08/31/2018
Gov. Malloy, Lt. Gov. Wyman, Commissioners Delphin-Rittmon and Pino Statements on International Overdose Awareness Day
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy, Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Commissioner Miriam Delphin-Rittmon, and Department of Public Health Commissioner Raul Pino released the following statements on International Overdose Awareness Day:
Governor Malloy said, “The scourge of opioid addiction knows no bounds, affecting people of all races, income levels, and geographic locations. It is a complex crisis that does not have one root cause and requires a comprehensive solution. We – not just government officials, but all of us – need to do everything in our power to raise awareness of this horrendous disease, treat it, and prevent it wherever possible. Our work on this front will not be finished until our communities and our families are no longer struggling with the grave costs of this illness that has taken far too many lives in Connecticut and around the country.”
Lt. Governor Wyman, “In our nation and especially in Connecticut, we have witnessed and experienced the devastating consequences of opioid addiction and overdose on a daily basis. As we continue to keep the victims of this vicious disease and their families in our thoughts, we must continue our efforts to address this deadly epidemic. Thank you to the men and women who respond to this crisis every day as policymakers continue to work to find a solution that will prevent and treat the disease of addiction.”
Commissioner Pino said, “On this Overdose Awareness Day, we should honor the lives lost and families damaged during the opioid epidemic by acknowledging that addiction is a chronic disease, and treating those who suffer from it just as we would with any other chronic disease – with determination, resolve, data and free from the stigma that drives most addicts to hide and suffer in silence.”
Commissioner Delphin-Rittmon said, “Today is one day that collectively, across international boundaries, we pause to recognize the devastation caused by untreated substance use disorders. It is tragic that so many lives are lost to this illness through overdose. And while the number of overdoses is tragic, knowing that through our efforts, every day someone is revived or admitted into treatment or says ‘no’ for the first time, is why we continue our important work.”
- Twitter: @GovMalloyOffice
- Facebook: Office of Governor Dannel P. Malloy