Opioid and Substance Abuse Prevention

It is no secret that in recent years communities across the nation have been faced with rising numbers of deaths associated with opioid use disorder. From January to April 27, 2022, Meriden has had 6 residents die from accidental opioid overdose. In 2021, 21 Meriden residents (1,361 total residents in Connecticut) died of accidental opioid overdoses (Office of the Chief Medical Examiner). In 2020 that number for Meriden was 37, and in 2019 the number was 23.

Opioids are a class of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and pain relievers available legally by prescription, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, and many others. A person with opioid use disorder may be using illegal OR legal opioids - both types interact with a person's opioid receptors in the same way and can result in significant impairment, such as health problems, disability, and failure to meet major responsibilities at work, school, or home.

The Meriden Department of Health and Human Services and community stakeholders meet regularly through the Meriden Healthy Youth Coalition to coordinate efforts and interventions in response to the opioid epidemic.  This Coalition includes community organizations, behavioral health agencies, healthcare providers, Police and Fire Departments, EMS services, the Board of Education, treatment professionals, peer support groups and elected officials. For more information on the Meriden Healthy Youth Coalition please visit www.meridenhealthyyouthcoalition.com. 

WE OFFER FREE NARCAN TRAINING AND MEDICATION DISPOSAL BAGS. Please call our Public Health Educator at 203-630-4288 for more information.

MERIDEN RESOURCES FOR EDUCATION, PREVENTION ACTIVITIES, TREATMENT AND RECOVERY:

CONNECTICUT RESOURCES AND DATA:

HELPFUL RESOURCES/EDUCATION: