Fentanyl Awareness Day and International Overdose Awareness Day observed at the end of August.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TORRINGTON, Conn. – Aug. 20, 2025 – In recognition of Fentanyl Awareness Day and International Overdose Awareness Day, the McCall Behavioral Health Network recently launched an awareness campaign to educate Connecticut residents, first responders, and the health care community about fentanyl.
“Behind every overdose statistic is someone’s child, someone’s parent, someone who is deeply loved,” said McCall’s President and CEO, Maria Coutant Skinner, LCSW. “Fear fueled by myths about fentanyl has too often kept people from stepping in to help. This campaign is about giving our community the courage to act—because knowledge and compassion can save lives.”
While this highly potent opioid is not a new drug, there is a lot of misinformation regarding exposure to fentanyl. To overcome these misperceptions, McCall, in conjunction with its Community and Law Enforcement for Addiction Recovery (CLEAR) initiative, created a video providing accurate information to reassure responders and community members that they can safely respond without fear.
Some key takeaways from the video are:
- You can save a life by administering Narcan. Please contact us at 860.294.4044 to get your free kit.
- You can’t overdose by touching Fentanyl.
- You can’t overdose from being around or touching someone who uses Fentanyl.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe enough to help when it matters most,” said Lauren Pristo, MPH, Director of Community Engagement. “By clearing away the myths about fentanyl, we hope to give our community the peace of mind and confidence to step forward and respond to an overdose without fear.”
Nearly 1,000 Connecticut residents died from overdoses in 2024, with 80% of those being fentanyl related deaths. To recognize the lives lost to an overdose in Connecticut, McCall will host a Memorial Vigil and Resource Fair on Aug. 27 at Coe Memorial Park in Torrington from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
For more information about the McCall Behavioral Health Network and its harm reduction and treatment services, please visit www.mccallbhn.org or call 860.496.2100.
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ABOUT THE MCCALL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH NETWORK
Serving families and individuals of all ages across western Connecticut for 50+ years, McCall Behavioral Health Network is operating proof of the power of connection. We’re a diverse network of experienced, specialized, and highly trained behavioral healthcare professionals. Equally important, we’re passionate and compassionate people who are committed to helping individuals, families and communities access resources, overcome adversity, build resilience, and achieve wellness. A network that heals. A community who cares. That’s McCall Behavioral Health Network. www.mccallbhn.org
Contact:
Marisa Mittelstaedt
Director of Development & Marketing
Mobile: 860.202.4916