September 5, 2024
August 25 through August 31 marked Overdose Awareness Week, with International Overdose Awareness Day being observed on August 31. This year’s theme, “Together We Can,” highlights the power of our community when we all stand together. At the McCall Behavioral Health Network, our hearts go out to the families and friends who have lost loved ones to overdose. We continue our steadfast commitment to preventing these tragic deaths.
We were proud to be part of the Litchfield County Opiate Task Force’s Resource Fair and
Vigil held in Torrington on Thursday, August 29. The event honored those who lost their
lives to overdose. At the same time, it was an opportunity to celebrate individuals in
recovery and to share stories of hope.
Thank you to everyone who shared personal stories at the Vigil. You can read them in our August Edition of At The Heart of Wellness.
Keep Narcan handy.
Kyle Fitzmaurice, a Community Engagement Specialist at McCall and a member of the Community and Law Enforcement for Addiction Recovery (CLEAR) team, talked about the importance of awareness and prevention. “We need to normalize the conversation if we’re going to have any positive change,” Kyle notes. “That starts with family, it starts with friends.”
Kyle wants to remind everyone that administering Narcan (which is the brand name of a nasal spray that contains an active ingredient called naloxone) can save the life of a person experiencing an overdose. People should keep Narcan handy. “Everybody should carry it in their first aid kit or car or wherever else,” Kyle advises. A container of Narcan is small enough to fit easily in a handbag. “It’s super-easy to use,” says Kyle.
Leading with empathy.
Why are there so many overdoses? Kyle points to two significant factors. “One, the drug supply on the street is unregulated and unsafe. And two, people are using alone because of the stigma around substance use.” People don’t want to talk about the fact that they use substances. As a result, they often use substances behind closed doors and they’re more likely to pass away because of that.
There’s so much that can be done to combat overdoses from substance use. “Be open-minded and not judgmental,” Kyle suggests. “When we lead with empathy, so much can happen.”
Resources and training.
McCall provides support and connection for those facing substance use challenges as well as people who have loved ones struggling with substance use. Among our most valuable resources is free Overdose Prevention Training (including how to administer Narcan) for businesses and organizations.
To learn more about Prevention Training and about all our programs and services to help individuals heal and recover, visit mccallbhn.org or call 860.496.2100.
WZBG Interview
Miss the interview? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
Visit our pressroom to hear McCall Community Engagement Specialist Kyle Fitzmaurice talk about the role of awareness and prevention in reducing overdoses.
Click on the image to listen to the full FM 97.3 WZBG interview.
