CT Opioid Epidemic: State Rep. Shaban Holds Community Forum

WESTON, CT — State Rep. John Shaban is hosting a community discussion to address the opioid addiction crisis. The community discussion will take place on Wednesday, August 31 from 6:30 - 8 p.m. at Weston Town Hall, 56 Norfield Road, Weston.

There will be a panel of local officials to guide the discussion, share information and answer questions. Panelists include Easton First Selectman Adam Dunsby, Easton Police Chief Tim Shaw, Redding First Selectwoman Julia Pemberton, Redding Police Chief Douglas Fuchs, Weston First Selectwoman Nina Daniel, Weston Police Chief John Troxell, Associate Planner of WestCOG Elizabeth Esposito, Director of Mid-Fairfield Substance Abuse Coalition Giovanna Pisani.

Also in attendance will be representatives from the Western Connecticut Council of Government, a local political agency that works together to address issues that affect the towns they serve, which includes Bethel, Brookfield, Danbury, New Milford, Newtown, Ridgefield, Redding, Weston, Wilton and surrounding towns.

Last year, about 500 people died in Connecticut due to overdosesinvolving, heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone and other opiates. According to data from the state Medical Examiner’s office, in 2014 Stamford had eight opiate overdose deaths, Southington; 11, Danbury; 11 and Fairfield; six. Few towns in the state weren’t touched by an opiate-related death in 2014. More than 300 deaths involved heroin, according to data from the state Medical Examiner’s office.

Opiates are easy to become addicted to, even with just one use. The brain structure changes as substance abuse develops, said Gary Mendell, founder of Shatterproof, an organization that seeks to reduce the number of those suffering from addiction through a number of means.

The opioid addiction crisis discussion is free and open to the public. If you are unable to attend and would still like to connect with Rep. Shaban regarding this matter, please contact him at 800-842-1423 or John.Shaban@housegop.ct.gov.

Related:

Heroin Killing Connecticut Residents At An Alarming Rate

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