Lifesaving Overdose And Narcan(™) Education Offered In Westport

Press release from the Town of Westport:

WESTPORT, CT — In honor of National Public Health Week, local health departments are participating in Save a Life Day on April 9, 2025. As lead agencies in the Westport Prevention Coalition (WPC), Aspetuck Health District and Positive Directions announce an opportunity for adults to gain life-saving information and resources about avoiding or responding to an overdose.

On April 9th from 7 pm - 8 pm at Westport Town Hall, 110 Myrtle Ave, Room 201, Westport, Margaret Watt, WPC co-chair and Prevention Director at Positive Directions, will provide information about the evolution of the overdose crisis, how to recognize an opioid overdose, and how to use Naloxone, also known as Narcan(™), to potentially save a life. The training is open to the public, and Naloxone kits will be provided to participants over 18 through a state grant administered by Catalyst CT The Hub. Please pre-register at positivedirections.org/events

“Connecticut’s overdose deaths have declined for the third year in a row. This decline can be contributed to public health initiatives focusing on community education and availability of Naloxone,” says Luci Bango, Aspetuck Health District’s Director of Health. “We also encourage residents to prevent overdose by safely disposing of any unused prescription drugs on National Drug Take-Back Day, coming up on Saturday, April 26th from 10am-2pm at the Westport Senior Center and Easton Police Department.” In addition, Weston, Westport and Easton all have medication disposal safety boxes in the police departments that can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for safe disposal of prescription drugs.

In recognition of Alcohol Awareness Month, WPC is also hosting a virtual community discussion on Monday, April 7th at 7pm on Zoom: “Exploring Westport’s Relationship with Alcohol.” Panelists will share perspectives reflecting their experiences as a parent, person in recovery, mental health counselor, substance counselor, LGBTQ community member, and teen. Please RSVP at positivedirections.org/events.

This press release was produced by the Town of Westport. The views expressed here are the author’s own.