NEW HAVEN, CT – The City of New Haven is currently experiencing a sudden increase in fatal overdoses among residents, and the City is seeking to raise community awareness about this spike and the unstable drug supply in order to help to prevent additional overdoses and fatalities.
According to the federal Overdose Data Surveillance System (ODMAP), there have been twelve (12) fatal overdoses reported in the City of New Haven since January 25th, which is significantly higher than usual average of two per week. The overdoses have occurred throughout the City with three (3) incidents reported in Newhallville and four (4) in the Hill neighborhood. Preliminary reports indicate that this cluster of cases is unique with the involvement of crack cocaine, crack pipes, and burned materials indicative of crack/cocaine use, but with a suspected mixture of opioids such as fentanyl.
If you, or someone you know, would like to get connected to treatment, call 1-800-563-4086 -- any time, day or night -- or go connectgnh.org for more information. Residents who use drugs are also encouraged to get their substances or paraphernalia tested at the Yale-Community Health Care Van, located at 270 Congress Avenue, Monday-Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. – no question asked.
“We are experiencing a sudden increase in fatal overdoses in the City of New Haven, and we want to alert residents and the community about these incidents and encourage residents to learn more about the resources that are available to them,” said Mayor Justin Elicker. “Residents who use drugs should be extremely careful and know that help is available 24-7 by calling 1-800-563-4086 or by going to connectgnh.org, if they would like to learn more or get connected to treatment.”
“It is critical that we raise awareness about this spike in fatal overdoses so residents who use drugs are extra careful,” added New Haven Health Director Maritza Bond. “The New Haven Health Department is working with city and community partners to enhance outreach and improve access to harm reduction supplies. Community members should reach out to your loved ones who use substances to get them connected to harm reduction supplies and treatment information.”
The New Haven Health Department will continue to closely monitor overdose data through the Overdose Detection and Mapping Application program and is actively coordinating with local partners.
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PRESS CONTACTS
Lenny H. Speiller (Mayor Justin Elicker); 203-725-4249; Lspeiller@newhavenct.gov
Bo Sandine (New Haven Health Department); 203-836-4344; msandine@newhavenct.gov
