Opioid Epidemic Information

A Message from Mayor Stewart

The opioid and heroin crisis is one of the most pressing health epidemics of our time. We know that individuals struggling with addiction to opioids and heroin is on the rise. It’s time to take matters into our own hands and do what we can to help locally. In November 2018, the City of New Britain partnered with the New Britain State’s Attorney’s office, New Britain EMS, the New Britain Fire Department, the New Britain Police Department, the Hospital of Central Connecticut, and local service providers to offer an alternative pathway to recovery. We’ve given police officers discretion when making an arrest and instead have made it easier for individuals to get connected to the services they need. In a short amount of time, we have helped countless individuals get back on their feet. We call it the H.O.P.E. initiative: Heroin, Opioid, Prevention, and Education.

To delve even deeper, we launched the New Britain Opioid Task Force in January 2019 to analyze data and trends, offer Naloxone training workshops, create a public education campaign, and more. We have set a goal of reducing opioid-related deaths by 50 percent over the next three years.

We hope that this website and the resources here are helpful.

Remember that you or your loved ones are not alone. If you need assistance getting connecting to services, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Community Services Division at 860-826-3366 or visit them in room 301 of City Hall. You can also stop by our Police Department at 10 Chestnut Street, call the non-emergency line at 860-826-3000, or stop any police officer without fear of arrest.

Together, we can create a healthier community.

Sincerely,

Mayor Erin Stewart

Opioid Epidemic Information

Communities across the nation are in the midst of an opioid overdose epidemic. More than 130 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose. Connecticut is among the top ten states for opioid overdose death rates.

The States office of the chief medical examiner has reported 1,017 Connecticut residents died from an overdose in 2018. Every city and town in our State has been affected. In the first six months of 2018 twenty nine (29) unintentional drug overdose deaths occurred here in our New Britain. Ninety two (92) percent of those deaths involved the use of opioids. These victims are our parents, brothers, sisters, children and neighbors.

In an effort to combat this growing public health crisis, Mayor Stewart has created the City of New Britain Opioid Response Task Force. This partnership is a multi-sector group of municipal agencies, community organizations, service providers and individuals that meet regularly to coordinate efforts and interventions in response to the opioid epidemic.

For more information on the task for Mallory. Deprey@newbritainct.gov

What are prescription opioids?

Opioids are a class of drugs naturally found in the opium poppy plant. Some prescription opioids are made from the plant directly, and others are made by scientists in labs using the same chemical structure. Opioids are often used as medicines because they contain chemicals that relax the body and can relieve pain. Prescription opioids are used mostly to treat moderate to severe pain, though some opioids can be used to treat coughing and diarrhea. Opioids can also make people feel very relaxed and "high" - which is why they are sometimes used for non-medical reasons. This can be dangerous because opioids can be highly addictive, and overdoses and death are common.

How do people misuse prescription opioids?

Prescription opioids used for pain relief are generally safe when taken for a short time and as prescribed by a doctor, but they can be misused. People misuse prescription opioids by:

Taking the medicine in a way or dose other than prescribed
Taking someone else’s prescription medicine
Taking the medicine for the effect it causes-to get high

Common prescription opioids include:

*hydrocodone (Vicodin)

*oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet)

*oxymorphone (Opana)

*morphine*codeine

*fentanyl

Risk Factors for Opioid Overdose

Mixing opioids with other drugs, particularly alcohol or sedatives
Resumption of use after a period of abstinence from opioid use, such as recent release from a rehabilitation center or from incarceration
Elderly persons may forget that they already took their medication and accidentally retake the same medication
Younger age groups, specifically teens or early 20s exposed to peer pressure or a social environment where there is drug use

Signs of an Opioid Overdose

What Should You do if You See an Overdose?

Call 911 Immediately!
Support the person’s breathing
Administer Naloxone (Narcan) if you have it
Lay the person on their side once they have resumed breathing
Stay with the person until the ambulance arrives

Naloxone

Naloxone (Narcan) is an opioid antagonist that can quickly and safely reverse the potentially fatal effects of an opioid overdose. There is great opportunity to prevent deaths by educating, training and ensuring that this life-saving medication is available in our community.

The Mayors Opioid Response Task Force will be working to provide Naloxone training and distribution in New Britain. By training and equipping people who are most likely to encounter or witness an overdose we can reduce overdose deaths.

To obtain Naloxone:

Most substance use treatment programs provide free Naloxone kits
Many pharmacies can prescribe and dispense Naloxone
Any doctor can prescribe Naloxone to you
Most insurance plans, including Medicaid, will cover the cost of the prescription.

Pharmacists who have been trained/certified to prescribe and dispense Narcan® directly to customers requesting it.

Where to get Naloxone in New Britain

Access Care Pharmacy	860-229-7000	200 Main Street
Arch Street Pharmacy	860-225-9000	333 Arch Street
Beacon Prescription	860-225-6487	543 West Main Street
CVS Pharmacy	860-229-3757	177 Columbus Blvd
CVS Pharmacy	860-224-3494	713 West Main Street
New Britain Pharmacy	860-223-0522	46 Broad Street
Target (CVS Pharmacy)	860-349-9163	475 Hartford Road
Stop & Shop Pharmacy	860-348-9830	1309 Corbin Avenue
Walgreens Pharmacy	860-826-7272	102 Washington Street

Overdose information

Use the link below to download the Instruction Video!

"Using Naloxone to Reverse an Opioid Overdose"

For free training on the use of Naloxone, contact New Britain EMS at 860-225-8787.

Safe Storage and Disposal of Prescription Medications

Opioids are controlled substances. The possession and use of controlled substances are regulated by state and federal laws.
Opioids should be stored in their original packaging inside a locked cabinet, lockbox or other secure location
Don’t keep opioids in obvious places like bathroom cabinets or kitchen counters where others might find them
Note when and how much medication you take, this will help keep track of the amount left.
If you think someone has taken your medication you should contact the police to file a report.
Never share or sell your medications. More than 70% of people who are misusing opioids get them from friends and family.
When your opioid medication has expired or you have stopped using it, you need to safely dispose of any unused medication as quickly and properly as possible.

The New Britain Police Department has a drop-off box in its lobby, located at 10 Chestnut Street.

Residents can safely dispose of unwanted drugs, including prescription medications, over the counter medicines, vitamins and supplements, and pet medicines. Items not accepted include needles or other sharp objects, hazardous waste, thermometers, and personal care products.

Medications that are flushed down the drain or disposed of in the trash can contaminate water, harm wildlife, and pollute drinking water. One study done by U.S Geological Survey has shown that broad range of chemicals—both from human and veterinarian drugs—were found in 80 percent of the streams that the department tested. These ingredients can pose hazards to humans and wildlife.

No ID is required and the service is free and confidential. The medications will be routinely brought to a waste facility for incineration.

ACCEPTED:

Medicine from household that Include:

- Prescription medications including controlled substances
- Over-the-counter medicines
- Vitamins and Supplements
- Pet Medicines

NOT ACCEPTED:

Medicine from businesses that include:

- Health care facilities
- Pharmacies or doctor offices
- Pharmaceutical representatives
- Veterinary Clinics
- No needles, sharps or syringes

Use the link below for medication drop-off information.

http://www.newbritainpolice.org/index.php/medication-drop-off

For more information on how to safely dispose of medications visit:

Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection:
http://www.ct.gov/dcp/cwp/view.asp?a=1620&Q=444606&PM=1
Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection:
http://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?a=2718&q=437868

Current Laws Related to Opioid Prevention

In 2011, a “Good Samaritan Law” was passed to protect people who call 911 seeking emergency medical services for an overdose from arrest for possession of drugs/paraphernalia. It does not protect someone from other charges or stop the police from serving a search or arrest warrant if that was already in process.

In 2012 Narcan law was passed to allow prescribers (physicians, surgeons, Physicians’ Assistants, APRNs, dentists, and podiatrists) to prescribe, dispense or administer Narcan to any person to prevent or treat a drug overdose and the prescriber is protected from civil liability and criminal prosecution.

In 2014, protection from civil liability and criminal prosecution was extended to the person administering the Narcan in response to an overdose.

In 2015, An act concerning substance abuse and opioid overdose prevention was passed to help curb heroin and prescription opioid abuse through more streamlined prescription reporting, continued education requirements for practitioners, and greater availability of the overdose reversing drug naloxone in case of emergency.

For more information, please call:

The Office of Injury Prevention

(860) 509-8251

Treatment and Recovery Support Services

To find a drug treatment center here in Connecticut visit; https://drugabuse.com/usa/drug-abuse/connecticut/

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Buprenorphine is used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to help people reduce or quit their use of heroin or other opiates, such as pain relievers like morphine.

Approved for clinical use in October 2002 by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), buprenorphine represents the latest advance in medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Medications such as buprenorphine, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, provide a whole-patient approach to the treatment of opioid dependency. When taken as prescribed, buprenorphine is safe and effective.

Unlike methadone treatment, which must be performed in a highly structured clinic, buprenorphine is the first medication to treat opioid dependency that is permitted to be prescribed or dispensed in physician offices, significantly increasing treatment access.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities.

To Find Help & Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid dependency by state, visit the SAMHSA treatment locator:

Buprenorphine Treatment Practitioner Locator

Find physicians authorized to treat opiod dependency with Buprenorphine by State.

Local Resources

For Prescription Opioids or Heroin Addiction Treatment Call:

1-800-563-4086

CMHA Outpatient Behavioral Health
233 Main Street, New Britain CT, 06051

(860) 224-8192

Corum Deo

363 Linwood St. New Britain CT, 06052

(860) 348-3486

HOCC Counseling Center

73 Cedar St, New Britain CT

(860) 224-5267

The Hospital of Central CT Emergency Room

100 Grand St. New Britain CT

860-224-5900

New Britain Police Non-Emergency

10 Chestnut St, New Britain CT

(860) 826-3000

Rushford

(877) 577-3233

MATCH locations across the state

Wheeler Clinic

75 Mountain Rd., New Britain CT 06052

Intake Line (860)793-3500

H.O.P.E. Initiative (Heroin, Opioid Prevention and Education)

In November 2018, the City of New Britain partnered with the State’s Attorney’s Office and area service providers to create a coordinated pathway to treatment and recovery for individuals struggling with heroin and opioid addictions. Among the partners are: The New Britain and Berlin Police Departments, the New Britain Fire Department, the Hospital of Central Connecticut and Midstate Medical Center, Community Mental Health Affiliates, Wheeler Clinic, Rushford clinic, Corum Deo, the State’s Attorney’s Office, and New Britain EMS.

Through a memorandum of understanding, officers are able to offer discretion when encountering an individual struggling with addiction on the street. Officers can forgo a possession or paraphernalia charge in order to get a person into treatment; if the person has an arrest pending—that charge will be dealt with first. Officers at the front desk of area police stations have also been trained to provide assistance to individuals looking for a path to recovery.

Through the H.O.P.E. (Heroin, Opioid Prevention and Education) initiative, officers who come in contact with heroin or opioid abusers are encouraged to check in to treatment without the fear of arrest. Police and emergency responders can bring the patient to an emergency room, where they are assessed for appropriate treatment. Patients are also offered a recovery coach and access to wrap around services.

In addition to the H.O.P.E. Initiative, Mayor Stewart in January 2019 launched the New Britain Opioid Task Force to look at additional ways to prevent opioid-related deaths. The Task Force is led by the Mayor and includes members of the City’s Community Services division and Health Departments, New Britain EMS, CMHA, the New Britain Fire Department, and other partners. Committees will focus on collecting and sharing data, a public information campaign, the development of online resources, applying for grants, offering community Naloxone training sessions, and more.

Community Resource List

When calling any of these locations, please state that you are looking for help through the HOPE program.

Berlin Police Non-Emergency

240 Kensington Rd. #2, Berlin, CT

(860) 828-7080

CMHA Outpatient Behavioral Health

125 Whiting St, New Britain CT

(860) 224-8192

Corum Deo

363 Linwood St. New Britain CT, 06052

(860) 348-3486

HOCC Counseling Centers

Southington- 98 Main St, Southington CT

(860) 276-3970

New Britain- 73 Cedar St, New Britain CT

(860) 224-5267

The Hospital of Central CT Emergency Room

100 Grand St. New Britain CT

860-224-5900- ask operator for ED Acute Behavioral Unit

81 Meriden Ave, Southington CT

§ (860) 276-5000- ask to speak with Emergency Room

Midstate Medical Center Emergency Room

435 Lewis Ave, Meriden CT

(203) 694-8200- ask operator for ED Acute Behavioral Unit

New Britain Police Non-Emergency

10 Chestnut St, New Britain CT

(860) 826-3000

Rushford (877) 577-3233

Call center is open M-F 8 am – 6 pm, Sat and Sun 8 am – 2 PM.

MATCH locations across the state

The Roadway of Hope CT- resource advocate- Meriden, CT

(203) 886-5130

Wheeler Clinic- 75 Mountain Rd., New Britain CT 06052

Intake Line (860)793-3500

Change the Script is a statewide public awareness campaign to help communities deal with the prescription drug and opioids misuse crisis. It connects town leaders, healthcare professionals, treatment professionals and everyday people with the resources they need to face prescription opioid misuse - and write a new story about what we can accomplish when we all work toward a shared goal.

Below are ready-to-use materials for distribution at the state level arranged across the three main continuum areas. Hard copy versions can be obtained by contacting the Connecticut Clearinghouse at www.ctclearinghouse.org or 1-800-232-4424.