Wednesday, August 30th, 2017 – Tomorrow, August 31st is International Overdose Awareness Day. The Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) and the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) want Connecticut residents to know that there are a number of ways they can make a difference in their communities, and help combat the opioid crisis.
“Overdose Awareness Day is a good day for all of us to remember and use the resources that are available to help us help others,” said Consumer Protection Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull, “In the past year we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of unneeded medications disposed of in drop boxes, significant growth in the number of pharmacists prescribing naloxone, and a drop in opioid prescriptions. We know this is because of the large number of people who have stepped up to do what they can.”
“We all can play a role in preventing addiction and drug overdoses by disposing of unwanted medications, learning how to use naloxone in the event of an overdose, and talking to our children and loved ones about the dangers of drugs,” said DMHAS Commissioner Miriam Delphin-Rittmon. “Whether you are someone battling addiction or know someone who is, it’s important to know that recovery is possible and help is available. Anyone who wants to be connected to treatment for addiction can call our Access Line, any time of day or night, at 1-800-563-4086.”
Here’s what Connecticut residents can do to:
- Visit your local permanent drug drop box to dispose of unneeded medication in your home. Find a list of drop boxes at www.ct.gov/dropbox.
- If you can’t get to a drop box, dispose of unneeded medication safely at home. Make sure you run medication under hot water, put it in a container with something undesirable such as used coffee grounds or used kitty litter, seal it tightly, and throw it away.
- Get a naloxone prescription, and learn how to administer the medication. You can take a look at this map to find a pharmacy near you with staff certified to prescribe naloxone. Don’t forget to call ahead to make sure a prescribing pharmacist is available, and the medication is in stock.
- Visit one of the naloxone prescribing events happening in the state tomorrow. At these events, you can get a prescription from a pharmacist, and receive training about how to administer the medication. Don’t forget to bring your insurance card for billing purposes. You can find the list of events here.
If you have questions or concerns regarding naloxone prescribing or drug drop boxes in the state, you may contact the Division of State Drug Control by emailing dcp.drugcontrol@ct.gov or by calling (860) 713-6065.
To be connected to addiction treatment or services, individuals can call the DMHAS Access Line at 1-800-563-4086, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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Media Contacts:
Department of Consumer Protection
Lora Rae Anderson
Lorarae.anderson@ct.gov
(860) 713-6019 (office)
(860) 247-8711 (cell)
Lora Rae Anderson
Lorarae.anderson@ct.gov
(860) 713-6019 (office)
(860) 247-8711 (cell)
Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
Diana Lejardi
diana.lejardi@ct.gov
(860) 418-6967 (office)
(860) 558-0024 (cell)