'Fairfield Is Not Immune': Vigil To Raise Overdose Awareness

FAIRFIELD, CT — A candlelight vigil planned for Tuesday night strives to bring awareness to the serious national, international and local issue of drug overdose.

Tuesday is International Overdose Awareness Day and the Fairfield CARES Community Coalition, in conjunction with the Fairfield Health Department and Police Department, will host the fourth annual Overdose Awareness Vigil at 7 p.m. on Sherman Green.

“Fairfield is not immune to accidental drug overdoses,” said state Rep. Cristin McCarthy Vahey, D-133, who co-chairs the CARES coalition.

Since 2015, she said, there have been 38 deaths in town due to overdoses, with 28 occurring at home and over 60 percent involving the drug fentanyl — a highly addictive synthetic opioid known to be at least 50 times as strong as morphine.

Statewide, the drug has been responsible for an even higher percentage of overdose deaths.

“In 2020 we saw a significant increase in the number of deaths related to opioid overdoses,” McCarthy Vahey said. “As we face the COVID pandemic, we can’t forget to focus on continuing to prevent opioid deaths.”

According to provisional estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020 saw a record high for overdose deaths, with more than 90,000 nationwide.

These deaths rose by almost 30 percent since the pandemic began and have virtually doubled since 2013.

Statewide, there were about 1,375 overdose deaths last year, an increase of more than 14 percent from 2019, representing more than 170 deaths.

“We want families who have faced this terrible grief and loss to know they have our support,” McCarthy Vahey said. “And we want to reduce the stigma for all who are struggling with addiction.”

The vigil will include testimonials from overdose survivors and recovering addicts, music, remembrance of those who have died, and general community.

McCarthy Vahey said that the vigil is also a chance to inform the community about prevention opportunities and work being done by local groups, including Fairfield CARES, the health department, The Hub CT, and other groups.

“Opioid addiction does not discriminate,” she said. “It impacts family members, friends and neighbors right here in Fairfield.”

McCarthy Vahey reminded community members that they can, “Count It, Lock It, and Drop It,” referencing a slogan for proper disposal of unused medication.

“Both Fairfield CARES and the health department have medication lock boxes available free to the community,” she said.

Police will accept the unused medication at any time for drop off.

International Overdose Awareness Day began in 2001 in Australia. This year, along with dozens of vigils throughout the United States, events will be taking place in a range of countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Italy, Nigeria and Poland.

Prior to the start of Fairfield’s event, the SHU Community Theatre will offer a free screening of the documentary, “If They Had Known,” at 5:30 p.m., followed by a question-and-answer session.

“The more we can break the stigma, offer clear support from the community, and come together to prevent accidental overdose deaths,” Vahey said, “the stronger and safer our community will be.”