Central Connecticut Health District’s Response to the Opioid Crisis

Our nation, and our state are facing an opioid crisis that has devastated millions of individuals and families. Opioids, also known as narcotics, include prescription medications like Oxycodone, Vicodin, and Percocet, as well as street drugs such as heroin

Heroin and other “softer” drugs available on the street may be cut or laced with much more deadly narcotics such as fentanyl, xylazine or carfentanil, leading to a surge in overdose deaths in Connecticut and the US.

Central Connecticut Health District (CCHD) has received a grant from the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. Through the “How Can We Help Grant”, CCHD offers Recovery Coach services to individuals who desire to begin their journey of recovery from opioid addiction. Support is also available for family members navigating the emotional and practical challenges of a loved one’s substance use.

CCHD is also partnering with other local health departments to implement the Overdose to Action (OD2A) grant through the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) empowers local health departments to prevent overdoses and improve community well-being. This initiative supports the collection of accurate, timely, and comprehensive data on both nonfatal and fatal overdoses. By analyzing these data, OD2A helps CCHD better understand the evolving nature of the drug overdose crisis and develop targeted, effective prevention strategies.