HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - Connecticut officials are speaking out to raiseawareness about drug overdoses, which have increased nearly 20% compared withlast year. Gov. Ned Lamont has declared Monday as Overdose Awareness Day in the state. ``Addiction is an illness that should be treated just as any other publichealth emergency, and we cannot allow this epidemic to continue consuming ourfamilies and residents,'' Lamont said in a statement. ``We need to send themessage that this disorder can no longer hide in the shadows and be treated likesomething that shouldn't be discussed.'' The governor said there are many resources available for people seekingtreatment for drug addiction and families seeking support. Information isavailable at www.liveloud.org and 800-563-4086. Nearly 650 people in Connecticut died of unintentional drug overdoses fromJanuary to June, an 18% increase over the same period last year, according tothe state Department of Public Health. Overdose deaths are on track to surpasslast year's total of 1,200. Nearly 87% of all overdose deaths this year havebeen linked to the powerful opioid fentanyl.
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