Regional Opioid and Other Drug Policy Workgroup
Prior to the onset of the opioid epidemic, this workgroup operated as the “Recovery Committee” at Housatonic Valley Coalition. The Opioid and Other Drug Policy Workgroup is comprised of a number of different treatment providers, people with lived experience and recovery supports, and meets monthly.
The group focuses on other substances and emerging trends related to vaping, benzodiazepines, and cannabis. We generally have an outside speaker at monthly meetings and we develop a legislative agenda every year. Members of our group belong to various sub-committees of the CT Alcohol and Drug Policy Council which helps us to stay connected to current statewide information and programs.
We meet at 5:30 pm on the first Thursday of each month on Zoom. Contact slorenzini@wctcoalition.org to learn more.
We all can help by fighting stigma
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What is Stigma?
Stigma is defined as a set of negative beliefs that a group or society holds about a group of people or people who demonstrate a particular behavior. Stigma is a major cause of discrimination and exclusion and it contributes to the abuse of human rights. When a person experiences stigma they are seen as less than because of their real or perceived health status. Stigma is rarely based on facts but rather on assumptions, preconceptions, and generalizations; therefore, its negative impact can be prevented or lessened through education.
Stigma can result in prejudice, avoidance, rejection, and discrimination against people who have a socially undesirable trait or engage in culturally marginalized behaviors, such as drug use (Link, 2001).
References: World Health Organization and Link (2001)
In the news
Physician's actions to help end the nations drug-related overdose and death epidemic- and what still needs to be done.
Regional and State-wide Harm Reduction Partners
Overdose Reversal Drug: Naloxone or Narcan
Naloxone, or the brand name Narcan, is a medication designed to reverse an opioid overdose. It is safe to use and anyone can obtain it at their local pharmacy. Visit drugfreect.org for more information and to locate a pharmacy near you. The FDA recently approved Narcan for over the counter sales. To learn more click here
Western CT Coalition offers monthly Narcan Training Webinars. Learn about the overdose epidemic, how to recognize the signs of an overdose, and how to obtain and administer Narcan. We are also able to distribute it within the community. Visit our home page for our current flyer,
NORA Saves
NORA is a free app from the Connecticut Department of Public Health. Use NORA to prevent, treat, and report opioid overdose.
Prevention
Safe storage and disposal of prescription drugs is a key component of prevention of substance use disorder. Click here to find a Drug Collection Box near you. Locations include police departments and pharmacies.
DMHAS Bed Availability
Website: https://portal.ct.gov/DMHAS/Programs-and-Services/Finding-Services/DMHAS-Bed-Availability
Substance Use Disorder Access Line: 1-800-563-4086
