Overdose Awareness Day is Friday: New Haven Had 116 Fatal ODs In 2023

NEW HAVEN, CT — The New Haven Health Department and Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center, joined by other area substance use treatment and mental health organizations across Connecticut, will host a free public health and wellness resource fair on the New Haven Green Friday from noon to 3 p.m.

In 2023, 116 individuals died from drug overdose in the city of New Haven.

This annual event has marked the local observance of International Overdose Awareness Day Aug. 31, the world’s largest annual campaign to:

• End overdose;
• Remember and honor those who have died;
• Support families and friends left behind to grieve;
• Raise awareness of community resources for people dealing with substance abuse and those who love them.

This year’s IOAD theme is 'Together We Can,' highlighting the power of unity and community. New Haven’s free public event will feature:

• Information and resources from 20-plus statewide organizations offering a broad range of evidence-based behavioral health, harm reduction and other key supportive services, including access to Naloxone – the opioid overdose reversal medication.
• HIV and hepatitis testing and other free health services;
• Interactive art, music and community activities;
• A brief speaking program at 2:30 p.m., including remarks from Mayor Justin Elicker, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, and others; a reading of names of those lost to drug overdose; and an open-mic for attendees to share stories of struggle, loss, recovery and hope.

Coinciding with IOAD, the New Haven Health Department and other public health partners have launched a public awareness campaign across New Haven County and Waterbury, which will feature creative from CDC’s Stop Overdose Campaign combatting stigma and promoting Naloxone on busses, billboards, digital media and social media through September 30th.

Additionally, non-profit For Cameron has collaborated with the New Haven Fire Department and the New Haven Police Department by providing purple ribbons that will be displayed on all first responder vehicles to symbolize the collective effort to combat the stigma surrounding opioid overdose.