What You Need To Know: Fatal ODs Prompt Message From East Haven Police

EAST HAVEN, CT —Police are not waiting for another fatal overdose to reach out to the community.

"It’s no secret that there has been an uptick in fatal overdoses attributed to fentanyl use in East Haven and other communities recently," East Haven police wrote on Facebook. "We want our residents to educate themselves about the dangers of fentanyl use and how to keep themselves and their loved ones safe."

East Haven Fire Department Chief Matt Marcarellli told Patch that so far this year, first responders have seen, and expects the trend to continue, double the number of overdoses compared to 2021. He said from January to July, 60 doses of Narcan have been given to resuscitate someone that's suffered an overdose, one that may have well been fatal had Narcan not been used. He said in some cases, it requires double or triple doses to save a life.

Police want to save lives, they say, not judge, nor bust people.

"Let us be clear: The East Haven Police Department cares about its citizens and is more concerned about saving lives and connecting those with addiction issues to care and treatment than it cares about making arrests," they wrote.

Here's what police want folks to know.

"If you or a loved one uses substances obtained illicitly, be sure to know the signs of an overdose, have access to and knowledge of how to use Narcan and do not hesitate to call 911 immediately.

Do NOT use opioids alone.

Far too many times we are seeing valuable minutes lost because people witnessing an overdose panic and clean up prior to calling 911. Because of that, CT has enacted the Good Samaritan Law. You will not get in trouble if paraphernalia is on scene of an overdose. It’s more important to get help to you as soon as possible.

Good Samaritan Law: In part, protects people who call 911 for emergency medical services for an overdose situation from arrest for possession of drugs and/or paraphernalia. For more information regarding the Good Samaritan Law, please visit https://www.drugfreect.org/resources/ct-good-samaritan-law/

If you have any information regarding the identity of anyone responsible for providing a lethal dose of fentanyl, we want to hear from you. Help us cut down on fatal overdoses."

"Please take this seriously. If you have an addict in the struggle, please keep Narcan on hand," Marcarelli said. "Sometimes we just can’t get there fast enough, and it’s been devastating in our town."