HVCASA Speaks on Opiod Epidemic

Allison Fulton, of HVCASA, Spoke on the Growing Drug Crisis in America

Allison Fulton , CEO of the Housatonic Valley Coalition Against Substance Abuse (HVCASA) which is a member of the CT Prevention Network, alerted the Danbury Rotary Club to the growing drug menace in our community. In the last 5 years, overdose deaths due to opioid abuse has skyrocketed, with an increase from 2012 to 2016 of 192% alone. The big surprise is how many middle age people are dying due to drug overdoses. However, Allison insists that the problem is solvable, and treatment is effective. She provided 9 prevention strategies including more public information, and prescriber education.

So how did this happen? Apparently the discovery of OxyContin was a significant contribution, as well as a belief in the medical community pain had to be treated more aggressively. Paradoxically, the war in Afghanistan, and increased trade with China and Mexico increased drug smuggling, and the dam seemed to burst.

In order to facilitate the good work of HVCASA, the Danbury Rotary Club contributed $5,000 to the organization.

If you are interested in more information, contact Allison at: 203-743-7746