State Representative Theresa Conroy (D-Seymour) joined Senator Richard Blumenthal, U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Esty and AIDS Connecticut advocates Wednesday in Hartford to recognize Overdose Awareness Day.
The officials reaffirmed their pledge to keep fighting the stigma associated with addiction and continue working to get people the help and treatment they deserve.
Rep. Conroy said there were more than 700 overdose-related deaths in Connecticut in 2015 and the numbers of deaths have been climbing significantly each year.
“As an advanced practice registered nurse, I have seen an explosion of opioids being used as the primary treatment for pain – even moderate pain. It is an alarming epidemic, and we have to do everything possible to stop it.”
To help in the fight against addiction and overdoses, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy also announced Wednesday that the Department of Consumer Protection has developed a new, interactive online map that will allow consumers to locate pharmacies across the state where pharmacists are certified to prescribe the overdose-reversing medication naloxone – commercially known as Narcan.
The map was developed utilizing Governor Malloy’s Open Data Initiative and can be accessed by visiting www.ct.gov/DCP/naloxone.
Over the last year, the number of pharmacies making naloxone available has increased significantly, making it available at pharmacies in every region of the state. To date, there are 363 pharmacies in the state with staff that prescribe naloxone. Those who are looking to obtain a prescription for naloxone are encouraged to call the pharmacy ahead of time to make sure there are appropriate staff and supplies available.
Pharmacists with questions about the prescribing of naloxone can call DCP at 860-713-6100 or 1-800-842-2649 (toll free).
Those suffering from addiction or their loved ones who are looking for support should call the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services at 1-800-563-4086 (toll free).
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