Overdose Awareness, Suicide Prevention & Severe Weather

September 2, 2021
As we recover from Ida, begin a new school year, and continue to battle COVID, I’d like to provide some information and resources on two important topics that touch many of our lives – overdose and suicide - as well as provide storm safety information. We need to talk about both overdose and suicide. In fact, one campaign by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is “Talk Saves Lives.” I hope you will take a few moments to read through, as you never know how your knowledge and access to resources might be important for a family member, friend, neighbor, or yourself.
Overdose Awareness Day

Tuesday was International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD). I joined events in both Hartford and here in Fairfield. In Hartford, I was pleased to join Fairfielder Brian McManus of CCAR, Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery. The Fairfield Health Department, Fairfield Police, and Fairfield CARES Community Coalition joined communities around the world in hosting a candlelight vigil here in Fairfield. The vigil offered resources, testimonials honoring those we have lost, music, remembrance, community and understanding. Special thanks to Reini Knorr and Santina Jaronko for their efforts planning the event and to all of the courageous speakers who shared their journey with the community. If you missed it, you can watch here.

From 2015 – 2021, there have been 38 recorded overdose deaths in Fairfield. Tuesday was a reminder that overdoses don't discriminate, and that help is available for those seeking treatment and those in recovery. These are our neighbors.

In 2020, there were 1,374 accidental drug intoxication deaths in the state of Connecticut, a 15.7% increase in overdoses from 2019.
  • 93% involved an opioid
  • 84% involved fentanyl
  • 21% involved a mix of any opioid and benzodiazepines (Drugs often taken for anxiety)

Some Ways Accidental Overdoses Can Occur:

  • A person consumes a drug (prescription drug or illicit drug) that contains other substances like fentanyl
  • A person takes prescription medication that they are prescribed, but they take a higher dose or take it more often than they are supposed to
  • A person mixes alcohol with other drugs (prescription or illicit)
  • A person mixes benzodiazepines with alcohol or other drugs
  • A person consumes too much of any drug or alcohol
  • Using drugs alone

Below are resources for those who may be in need.

Overdose Basics
Mental Health & Substance Use Treatment
Recovery Resources
September is Suicide Prevention Month

Many times suicide is preventable. Each of us can take an active role in helping those in crisis by understanding the issues surrounding mental health and suicide. One way you can do so is to pay careful attention to risk factors such as

  • Mental disorders
  • Alcohol or substance abuse
  • Loneliness
  • Major physical illnesses
  • Previous suicide attempt(s)
  • Family history of suicide
  • Financial concerns
  • Relationship breakups

You can also learn more about how to spot warning signs, such as someone talking or writing about death, dying or suicide, threatening to hurt or kill themselves, hopelessness, dramatic mood changes. These are just a few examples.

Suicide Prevention Resources

  • If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, you can call 2-1-1, which is easy to remember
  • You can also reach out to the Suicide Hotline – 1(800) 273-TALK
  • If you or someone you love is facing an immediate threat to self or others, please call 911 

For more information please click here and encourage others to do the same.

Information About Flash Flooding

Here in Fairfield and throughout the state, the impact of IDA  has meant a half a foot of rain, flooded basements, especially along the Rooster River, and flooded vehicles – almost 30 last night according to our chief. Tragically, one CT State Trooper lost his life when his cruiser was swept away by flood waters.

Though the flash flood warnings have passed, flood warnings will remain in effect through Saturday in many parts of the state. Don’t forget, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” if you are on the roadway during a storm. Please click the buttons below to make sure you are prepared for future inclement weather. As one of our public works directors said to me today, IDA was a 100 year storm, but we have had a number of them in the past few years. Many families along the Rooster River experienced extreme flooding just 3 years ago. Preparing for more frequent and intense weather events is important.

Make a Plan
Build a Kit