Overdose Awareness Day is August 31
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Posted on August 29, 2025
Governor Lamont and Connecticut Officials Bring Attention to Addiction and Recovery Resources in Advance of International Overdose Awareness Day [[link removed]]
International Overdose Awareness Day Is Commemorated Annually on August 31
(HARTFORD, CT) – In advance of International Overdose Awareness Day, which is commemorated annually on August 31, Governor Ned Lamont, members of Connecticut’s Congressional delegation, the state’s constitutional officers, and state agency commissioners are reaffirming their commitment to combat the overdose crisis that has devastated communities across the state and nation and are bringing attention to addiction and recovery resources that are available in Connecticut.
International Overdose Awareness Day is a global campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died, and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind.
Connecticut has dedicated many resources toward combatting this crisis in an effort to prevent, discourage, and destigmatize opioid addiction. Notably, in 2019 the state – through the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services – launched its LiveLOUD campaign, which includes a series of social media, radio, transit, and billboard advertisements directed to those who are actively using fentanyl, heroin, or prescription opioids, as well as their families and communities.
By visiting [[link removed]], people struggling with opioid use disorder and their friends and family can learn about this complex issue, get connected to support and treatment options, and learn how to become a LiveLOUD partner to help spread awareness.
Additionally, anyone seeking treatment for addiction can visit [[link removed]] or call 1-800-563-4086 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) to get connected to nearby services throughout Connecticut.
Governor Lamont said, “While recent statistics have shown a slight decline in overdose deaths over the last year, the 990 individuals we lost in 2024 is far too many of our family, friends, and loved ones to take a victory lap or celebrate when there is still so much more work to do. We are at an inflection point in this crisis, and I have confidence that the investments being made by the Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee and state and federal resources will continue to reduce deaths and provide a path to treatment and recovery supports. Crucial to those efforts is the notion that we must be able to discuss openly and honestly without stigmatizing those who have substance use disorder. This illness can impact anyone from any neighborhood, any socioeconomic background, any race and nationality, any education level, and any age. By publicly remembering those we have lost on International Overdose Awareness Day, we can send the message that this disorder should no longer hide in the shadows and needs to be openly discussed. Resources are available for those seeking treatment, as well as for those to provide support for those in need. Every life lost to overdose forever alters the life of an entire family and countless loved ones, and it is my sincere hope that our state continues to work to reduce that number to zero.”
Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said, “We are committed to combatting the impacts of the overdose epidemic in Connecticut. On International Overdose Awareness Day, we stand in unity and remembrance to honor those who have lost their lives to overdose and addiction. A person living with a substance use disorder may feel alone, forgotten, and helpless – and likewise, a loved one trying to recover from losing someone to their battle with addiction may feel alone, forgotten, and helpless in their grief. But you are not alone, we have not forgotten you, and help is available.”
Attorney General William Tong said, “On International Overdose Awareness Day, we hold in our hearts the thousands of Connecticut families who have lost children, parents, and loved ones to opioids, as well as those still fighting every day to recover and free themselves from addiction. Connecticut has led nationwide efforts to take on the worst players in the addiction industry, securing more than $50 billion nationwide to combat the opioid epidemic, including $600 million for Connecticut alone. Millions of dollars have gone out the door already to support treatment, prevention and recovery across Connecticut. We are far from done. For as long as I am in public office, combating this public health crisis will be one of the most important priorities I face each and every day.
Comptroller Sean Scanlon said, “On Overdose Awareness Day, we honor the memories of those we’ve lost and recognize the countless lives touched by the devastation of addiction. This day is a solemn reminder of the work that still lies ahead. Each life lost is a tragedy, but together, through compassion and with action, we can build a healthier, more supportive Connecticut for all.”
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal said, “Today we mourn the hundreds of lives lost to overdoses this past year and commit to reinvigorated action. With overdose deaths in decline, we must keep working to break the destructive grip addiction has on our communities. I will keep fighting for strong federal funding for prevention and treatment programs that have proven successful so that no family has to endure the pain of losing a loved one to overdose.”
U.S. Senator Chris Murphy said, “The opioid crisis has devastated far too many families in Connecticut and across the country. As we honor the lives we’ve lost, we must also recommit ourselves to making sure those who are still struggling can get the medical care and support they need. I will continue to work with families and survivors to push for policies that expand access to services, combat overprescribing, stem the flow of fentanyl into our country, and save lives.”
Congresswoman Jahana Hayes said, “Connecticut has experienced a significant decline in overdose deaths in large part to the investments made in intervention, awareness and education. Shining a light on this epidemic helps in the work towards a brighter, healthier tomorrow.”
Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Commissioner Nancy Navarretta said, “Overdose Awareness Day is a time for reflection, support, and unity as we mourn those we have tragically lost. In Connecticut alone, 989 lives were lost to overdose in 2024. That represents a 26% decline in deaths – a sign of progress and a reflection of the tireless work being done across our state – but it is still far too many. Approximately 77% of these deaths involved synthetic opioids like fentanyl, highlighting the urgent need for continued awareness and prevention efforts. The $110 million in investments directed by the Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee will further expand access to prevention, treatment, recovery supports, and harm reduction services. Every individual struggling with substance use disorder is someone's loved one and deserves our unwavering support. Together, we can bring about meaningful change and ensure that Overdose Awareness Day serves as a powerful reminder of the value of every life.”
Connecticut Department of Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD, said, “Every life lost to overdose matters. International Overdose Awareness Day serves as a memorial and a time for continued support for family members and loved ones who have been impacted by an overdose death. At the Department of Public Health, we leverage state and local partnerships, rely on community members that have been directly impacted by an overdose, and implement interventions to prevent young people from starting substance-use in the first place. Addiction is a medical condition, and stigma is a barrier for those seeking help. Let’s replace stigma with compassion and continue to take action until no life is lost to overdose.”
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