For nearly two decades, Greenwich Together has prioritized the health and safety of the town’s citizens. During this time it has also been committed to combating the opioid epidemic locally through a number of prevention efforts.
History
The first wave of the epidemic occurred with prescription opioids in the 1990s, when their long-term effects were not widely known. In 2013, synthetic opioids like fentanyl permeated the market since they were cheaper to produce, but they were also stronger and more addictive.
Presently the majority of overdose deaths involve opioids especially fentanyl, which is often marketed as counterfeit pills or laced in other drugs. This is particularly dangerous if an individual is unaware there is fentanyl in the product they’re taking, because it is lethal even in a very small amount.
Prevention efforts
Greenwich Together receives funding to support opioid prevention efforts within the community. Over the years, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration granted the coalition mini grants of $5,000 each, which it administers through its Regional Behavioral Health Action Organization, The Hub at Catalyst CT. The Town of Greenwich also allocated $13,000 of its Opioid Settlement Funds to the coalition in 2024.
Greenwich Together has used these funds to purchase medication lock boxes, medication disposal bags, and informational materials to distribute at community events and health fairs. It has also contributed these funds to partner with other regional coalitions on statewide campaigns such as You Think You Know.
Assistant Director of Outreach & Prevention Services Corina Restrepo, LCSW, said members of the Youth Coalition provide feedback on the opioid prevention social media campaigns and prevention materials to ensure they’re resonating with the age group. The Youth Coalition enables local young people to take an active role in strengthening the health and safety of their community.
This year, Greenwich Together’s youth coalition volunteered to put together re-entry bags to provide to individuals getting out of treatment. The bags were filled with items that people can use when they are either returning back home or to transitional housing. The items included hygiene products/toiletries, towels, shower shoes, blankets, water bottles, a thumb drive with resources on it, Deterra bags, Narcan , journals, pens etc. The youth also wrote personalized motivational notes. The bags were delivered to Liberation Programs one of the local treatment organizations and coalition members.
"Liberation Programs is grateful to collaborate with GT on maintaining a healthy Greenwich community by offering preventive and educational services around risk associated with opioid use and exposure to fentanyl,” said Dr. Maggie Young, Chief Recovery Officer at Liberation Programs.
The Greenwich Police Department sponsors two Drug Take Back Days a year in partnership with the coalition. The next one is taking place this Saturday October 26th from 1-2pm at the Town of Greenwich Public Safety Complex. These events allow people to dispose of unused and unwanted medications in their home and out of reach of children or others who may potentially abuse them.
“The Greenwich Police endeavors to investigate all suspected medical emergencies due to opioid use. GPD uses a combination of efforts including working with Liberation Programs and the Town of Greenwich Human Services Division in order to conduct outreach that connects persons with Substance Use Disorder with available addiction services,” said Greenwich Police Sargeant Ernest Mulhern.
“Every officer is trained in the application of Narcan and it has been used numerous times in the field, saving several lives. GPD also attempts to identify and prosecute those persons accused of manufacturing and distributing the drugs,” he said.
The coalition also provides Narcan trainings within the community upon request. The medication is used to reverse opioid overdoses. Most recently the coalition collaborated with Greenwich Public Schools to host a series of trainings for parents.
“These sessions can not only help prevent an overdose, but also curb the stigma associated with substance misuse,” Brezovsky said.
How you can help
Despite all its efforts, the coalition is always committed to doing more.
“We want to be viewed as a go-to resource for prevention in the community,” Restrepo said.
“Even if you’re not involved in the coalition, there’s things you can do to make a difference.”
Restrepo said interested individuals can attend a coalition meeting or event and subscribe to the newsletter to get involved. She also suggests that parents speak with their children as early as possible about the dangers of drug abuse and misuse.
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