Combating the Opioid Crisis

May 2, 2024

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Hi all,

This week, I was proud to see the Connecticut House of Representatives unanimously pass

HB 5291: An Act Concerning the Department of Public Health's Recommendations Regarding Improved Opioid Monitoring, and to speak in support of the bill.

This bill requires hospitals that treat a patient for a nonfatal overdose of an opioid drug to administer a toxicology screening of such patient with the patient’s consent and if medically appropriate.

The purpose of this legislation is to compile all comprehensive toxicology information on nonfatal overdoses in the state to better understand how non-fatal overdoses affect various populations in our state, which will inform future prevention strategies.

I was so proud to be joined by Margot Ratchman, a Daniel Hand High School senior who has represented our community in both Girls State and Girls Nation.

The opioid crisis in Connecticut remains critical, as evidenced by the staggering numbers: In 2020 alone, the state recorded 1,378 opioid overdose deaths, marking a 14.6% increase from the previous year. Notably, fentanyl or fentanyl analog-involved fatalities comprise an average of 85% of these deaths across 2020, 2021, and 2022. In addition, there are approximately 6,600 nonfatal overdose visits to emergency departments across Connecticut annually.

There is an urgent need for comprehensive reform that prioritizes harm reduction, destigmatization, and evidence-based solutions, and HB 5291 does just that.

I also wanted to highlight some of the other bills I've supported in the last couple of session to address the ongoing opioid pandemic:

SB274 (2024): An Act Concerning Opioids, which establishes the Connecticut Alcohol and Drug Policy Council within the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. This bill requires the Connecticut Alcohol and Drug Policy Council (ADPC) to create a standing subcommittee which reviews and then makes recommendations on certain services for families impacted by substance abuse. The subcommittee must make recommendations on the effectiveness of publicly funded programs in the delivery of substance abuse treatment programs and prevention services to families, and the targeted distribution of naloxone (e.g., Narcan) to parents and caregivers of people with substance use disorders. The subcommittee must submit their recommendations to the ADPC, the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), and the Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee, and certain legislative committees; and
HB 6301 (2023): A Pilot Program for an Overdose Prevention Center and Authorizing the Provision of Naloxone Through Vending Machines, which would have created a PILOT program for an overdose prevention center in the state, and authorizes the provision of naloxone (Narcan) through vending machines.

In addition, you may remember that I was fortunate enough to be chosen as one of 25 legislators from across the nation to participate in the National Conference of State Legislatures's Opioid Policy Fellows Program. This yearly program brings together legislators who are leaders on opioid addiction and overdose issues.

Together, my colleagues and I:

Built knowledge about new research, policy and innovations;
Exchanged ideas and solutions with each other related to opioid misuse and overdose and related issues; 
Connected with leading researchers and policy experts; and
Identified practical information to use in our states and develop action steps

As the opioid crisis continues in our state, I will continue to have a proactive and people-first approach to address the root causes of substance abuse and harm mitigation strategies. By fostering collaboration among lawmakers, healthcare professionals, and community stakeholders, we can build policy emphasizing prevention, education, and holistic support systems for individuals struggling with addiction.

Sincerely,

John-Michael Parker
State Representative

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State Representative

John-Michael Parker

Assistant Majority Leader Proudly Serving Durham, Madison

Combating the Opioid Crisis