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. In 2019, 1,200 residents of Connecticut died of accidental opioid overdoses; this is an 18% increase from 2018. In 2019, Meriden had 23 residents die from overdose (Office of the Chief Medical Examiner), and in 2020 thirty seven (37). As of April 2021, 4 Meriden residents have died from accidental overdoses (Office of the Chief Medical Examiner).

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: