Carpino Participates in Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders Summit

Picture – Connecticut State Representative Christie Carpino (right) and Minnesota State Representative Cindy Pugh (left) at the Summit on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders in Minneapolis, MN.

Minneapolis, MN – State Representative Christie Carpino (Cromwell/Portland) participated in the recent Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders Summit sponsored by Women in Government (WIG).The summit focused on opioid prescription misuse and access to quality coordinated care, as well as a tour of a Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation’s outpatient addiction treatment for youth and adults. While interacting with providers and law enforcement personnel, the legislators gained insight on the struggles associated with recovery as well as possible prevention policies.

“I was able to exchange policy ideas with my legislative colleagues from across the country, without using taxpayer dollars, ” stated Rep. Carpino, who was appointed to WIG’s National Task Force on Mental Health and Substance Abuse in April of this year. “Connecticut has made great strides in addressing opioid-related tragedies but families in Cromwell and Portland still struggle when a loved one needs mental health care or substance use treatment. Other states share similar challenges and their solutions may be helpful to strengthen our local response and recovery infrastructure.”