Conroy Joins Blumenthal, Etsy to Promote Overdose Awareness Day

 

 

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).

 

Valley Lawmakers Hail Passage of Bill to Combat Opioid Crisis

State Representative Theresa Conroy (D-Seymour, Beacon Falls, Derby), Rep. Linda M. Gentile (D-Ansonia, Derby) and Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr.  (D-Woodbridge) praised passage of legislation that will impact the state’s opioid crisis. The House of Representatives today approved HB 5053, An Act Increasing Access To Overdose Reversal Drugs.

 

The legislation will improve access to Naloxone, often known as Narcan, a medication that is used to treat opioid overdose; cap first-time painkiller prescriptions to a 7-day supply; strengthen the prescription monitoring program; and release health care professionals and good Samaritans from liability when they administer an opioid antagonist, such as Narcan, to treat an overdose.

 

“Heroin and prescription drug overdoses are claiming more lives in Connecticut every year,” Rep. Conroy, an APRN, said. “Expanding access to Narcan is an important step in this public health crisis. Allowing more first responders to carry Narcan will save lives.”

 

The 7-day cap on painkillers applies to first-time adult prescriptions and all prescriptions for minors, with exceptions for certain medical conditions.

 

“There are very few families who have not been touched in some way by the devastating impact of an opioid overdose,” Rep. Gentile said. “It is a public health epidemic that affects every socio-economic class, every ethnic background and every age.” 

 

The bill requires that local emergency medical services are equipped with and trained in the use of Narcan. It also allows doctors to write prescriptions for the overdose reversal drug without first getting permission from a patient’s health insurer.

 

“The world has awoken to the public health emergency that is prescription opioid addiction and the havoc it is wreaking on our friends and families,” Sen. Crisco said today. “This bill contains multiple provisions to help alleviate some of the pain and suffering caused by these addictions.”  

 

Public Health Committee House Chair, Rep. Matt Ritter (D-Hartford) said, “This bipartisan legislation acts on two fronts by making it easier for those currently struggling with opioid addiction to access Narcan and preventing new cases of addiction by capping first-time pain killer prescriptions. We have a responsibility to all those who have lost a loved one to this deadly addiction to address Connecticut’s opioid epidemic, and today we took an important step forward.”

Seybridge Pharmacy to Prescribe and Dispense Narcan

SEYMOUR - Seybridge Pharmacy announced that it will begin prescribing and dispensing Narcan to patrons seeking the drug. Narcan, also known as Naloxone, is used in the event of a suspected opioid overdose. Opioids include prescription pain medications and heroin.

“With overdoses on the rise throughout the state, it’s important to let all concerned parties know Naloxone emergency kits are readily available,” said Peter Przybylski.

In Connecticut, pharmacists are able to prescribe and dispense Narcan after completing training and being issued a certificate. Pharmacists dispensing Narcan are required to educate the patient or caregiver receiving the medication on how to administer the drug in the event of a suspected overdose, and may also provide information about addiction treatment and recovery resources. Narcan is covered by most insurance plans as well as Connecticut Medicaid.

Having Narcan on-hand to administer to somebody in the event of a suspected opioid overdose can be life-saving. In the event of a suspected overdose when Narcan is used, medical treatment should still be sought and 911 should be called.

Treatment works and recovery is possible. In March 2016, the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services launched a statewide toll-free number connecting residents seeking treatment and services for opioid addiction to local walk-in assessment centers.

People interested in seeking opioid addiction treatment and services for themselves or a loved one can call 1-800-563-4086.

For more information about obtaining Narcan at Seybridge Pharmacy, contact Peter Przybylski at 203-888-0073.