State Rep. Rutigliano: International Overdose Awareness Day
Each year on August 31st the world recognizes International Overdose Awareness Day aimed to raise awareness of drug and alcohol overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death.
International Overdose Awareness Day represents an opportunity to mobilize and educate people and become more proactive in addiction prevention in homes, relationships and the communities we live in.
The effects of Covid has led to a rise in overdose deaths the last year and a half to the with 1,378 confirmed drug overdose deaths for 2020, with an increase of 14.3% compared to 2019. Experts cite, the isolation and distress people have been feeling during the pandemic having some people revert to harmful coping mechanisms.
In the state legislature, I have worked on several pieces of legislation to curb the opioid epidemic in our state and will continue to do more. As we emerge from the pandemic, Connecticut will be challenged to find additional solutions to our opioid problems especially as the deadly drug fentanyl proliferates on the streets.
For additional resources, you can visit:
- The Connecticut State Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services website for state information.
- The International Drug Policy Consortium website.
- The International Awareness Day website.