OVERDOSE EMERGENCY RESPONSE BOXES AVAILABLE! Let's increase access to Narcan! Meriden businesses and organizations can apply for a no-cost Narcan™ Emergency Box, sign and training by clicking on the picture below or call 203-630-4221.
HARM REDUCTION
What is harm reduction? The National Harm Reduction Coalition (2021) defines harm reduction as a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use. Harm reduction is also a movement for social justice built on a belief in, and respect for, the rights of people who use drugs.
Meriden has a program that distributes harm reduction materials and links persons to treatment and recovery resources. Please click here for information on the Meriden Opioid Referral for Recovery (MORR) program or watch the short video below. Questions about the program? Please call 1-877-577-3233.
NALOXONE - Carry it!
Naloxone, also known as Narcan™, is the lifesaving opioid overdose reversal medication. It is a short acting medication that can reverse a lethal dosage of opioids by temporarily blocking the effects of the drug. Naloxone can restores someone's ability to breath allowing time to access medical attention. Naloxone can be administered into the muscle or as a nasal spray, which is fairly simple to administer and harmless if administered to an individual who is not overdosing.
WE OFFER FREE NARCAN™ TRAINING AND MEDICATION DISPOSAL BAGS. Please call Elizabeth, our Public Health Educator, at 203-630-4221 for more information. A free Narcan™ kit, CPR mask key chain, and other supplies are given to everyone that takes our training.
OVERDOSE PREVENTION AND RESPONSE
What are opioids?
Opioids are prescription medications legally prescribed by a doctor to relieve pain (e.g. Oxycontin, Percocet, Vicodin).
Opioids are also synthetically made in a lab and illegally sold on the streets (e.g. heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil).
While pain relievers are generally safe when taken for a short period of time, under a doctor’s supervision, opioids are frequently misused. Regular use of these pain killers, even when prescribed by a doctor, can result in dependence.
Why are opioids dangerous? Opioids are designed to relieve pain, but when taken in excess the body’s automatic drive to breathe is diminished. Mixing an opiate with alcohol and/or benzodiazepines, can be fatal as these substances also slow your respiratory system.
What is contributing to the rise in overdoses? A powerful synthetic opioid, fentanyl, which is 50-100x more potent than morphine is being mixed into most street drugs (heroin, cocaine, methamphetamines’, counterfeit pills). Due to it’s strength, it only takes a small amount to be a lethal dose.
Opioid Safety Tips:
Don’t Mix Drugs: especially opioids, benzodiazepines, and alcohol – they all slow your ability to breath.
Don’t use alone– use with friends, let people know when you’re using, always have a cellphone with you.
Be aware of your tolerance: Regular use builds tolerance, change in your weight, or recent abstinence can affect that. If you relapse, returning to use the same amount as you did before will increase your risk for overdose.
Quality/Strength:Drug quality/strength can be unpredictable, know your source.
Don’t share or reuse needles: Call 2-1-1 or click here for a list of local syringe exchange programs.
CARRY NARCAN! Spread the word on its benefits and encourage friends and family to carry it too!
Ask for help if you’re ready to get treatment for your addiction.Recovery from substance use disorders is possible—it’s okay to ask for help. Call Rushford's MORR program at 1-877-577-3233.
Response - Create a plan of action so everyone knows the steps to follow in case of an emergency overdose situation. Notify family and friends where you plan to store naloxone so they can easily access the kit in case of an emergency.
MERIDEN DROP BOX - SAFE DISPOSAL
Have unwanted or expired medication, vitamins or supplements in your home? Take it to the drop box at the Meriden Police Department! It is available 24/7/365. Do not flush medications down the toilet! Flushing medications causes water pollution, negatively impacting our drinking water and environment. Please watch the videos below for step-by-step instructions on how to use the medication drop box.
Do you have needles at home you need to dispose of? Watch our short PSA below:
STIGMA - Language Matters!
Stigma is perceived negative attribute that causes someone to devalue or think less of the whole person. Many individuals who have an Opioid Use Disorder often also suffer from unaddressed mental health issues, trauma, and ostracism, making the road to recovery delicate and complicated. Compassion in language used to address opioid users is key in creating social change, reducing shame, and illuminating a path to recovery.
