McGorty: Addiction Forum Focuses on Community Solutions
Over two hundred people packed a forum hosted by State Representatives Ben McGorty (R-122), Jason Perillo (R-113), Laura Hoydick (R-120), JP Sredzinski (R-112), and State Senator Kevin Kelly (R-21) as they opened a community discussion on Connecticut’s opioid addiction crisis on March 3rd in Shelton. The communities of Shelton and Stratford have all experienced difficult tragedies recently involving opioid abuse. Monroe, like other neighboring communities, is experiencing a rise in opioid abuse. The legislators from these three communities, including Rep. Joe Gresko (D-Stratford), partnered with Shelton Mayor Mark Lauretti, Stratford Mayor John Harkins, and Monroe First Selectman Stephen Vavrek in sponsoring the event focused on these three communities.
Rep. Ben McGorty (far left) participates with community leaders in a forum on opioid addiction.
“The problem of opioid addiction has been on the rise nationwide, and our communities are unfortunately among those feeling the impact of opioid addiction,” said Rep. McGorty. “Perhaps we did not come away from this event with a clear solution on how to solve this crisis, but we took a very important first step toward bringing the community together with its leaders to face the hard truths that go along with opioid abuse. The stories shared by survivors last night were very emotional, and serve as inspiration for us to find a solution to this epidemic. I deeply appreciate the time everyone involved took to be a part of this event.”
The forum, held at the R.D. Scant Auditorium on Corporate Drive in Shelton, featured organized discussion with the legislators and town leaders as well as DMHAS Commissioner Miriam Delphin-Rittmon, Stratford Police Chief Patrick Ridenhour, Youth Service Bureau’s Tamara Trojanowski, and testimonials from area residents in recovery.
Figures from the Office of the State Medical Examiner indicate that accidental drug deaths from all types are at al all-time high across the state, more than doubling since 2012.