HARTFORD, Conn. (WTIC) – Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz and health officials gathered at Saint Francis Hospital in Hartford on Monday for a news conference announcing new statewide efforts addressing the rise in opioid addiction.
The rates of opioid use are both alarming and growing. In fact, every day 116 Americans die from opioid related overdoses. And, three years ago, Connecticut was ranked 11th among all states for having one of the highest opioid death rates in the country.
“We have a lot of work to do,” Lieutenant Governor Bysiewicz said. “We’re here with a message and that message is we can overcome this crisis if we focus on education, prevention, treatment, support and law enforcement.”
Those attributes are all evident in the “Live Loud” campaign, which highlights the latest statewide efforts.
Live Loud stands for: Live Life With Opioid Use Disorder
The campaign provides treatment solutions, information and preventative measures for active users and their loved ones seeking help.
More information is available online at liveloud.org, which also allows users to download a free app called “NORA.”
Developed by the Connecticut Department of Public Health, “NORA” stands for Naloxone Overdose Response App. It provides information on opioids, how to recognize symptoms of a suspected overdose and instructions on administering naloxone when needed. Additionally, the app provides links to treatment and recovery resources.
“It’s about letting people know that recovery is possible and help is available,” Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Commissioner Miriam Delphin-Rittmon said. “While the reality of the opioid crisis is heartbreaking, it’s important that people to know there’s a reason to have hope.”
She continued, “Everyday there are thousands of people with opioid use disorder who are living sober, meaningful lives. This campaign reaches out to those who are actively using heroin or misusing prescription drugs and their loved ones. We want them to know that recovery is possible, that treatment is available and that support and recovery are just a click or a call away.”
The campaign will also use digital and outdoor advertising, which provides resourceful tools and opportunity to users – something that Governor Ned Lamont says is needed.
“We’re just catching up now in terms of what we can do with the opioid epidemic,” said Governor Lamont. “Let’s be blunt about this, Connecticut was ground zero in the opioid epidemic, a lot of this stuff was designed and marketed here in Connecticut and we’re going to take the lead in making sure that people know they can get a second chance.”
He added marketing is continuing to grow as well with a $5.8 million federal grant to promote treatment and outreach in the community.
The Governor closed by saying, “If you really care about people or care about a second chance, these are the ways that we can make an enormous difference in people’s lives.”
