Oxford Unites As Residents Raise Awareness About Opioid Epidemic

Submitted by the Office of the First Selectman

OXFORD – The community came together Sunday night to bring awareness of the opioid problems in town and in the state. Almost 200 people gathered at the Gazebo at the Center School and held candles as Fr. John Donnelly, of Christ Church read the names of those who have died as the result of addiction. Many hugged each other. Many cried.

One of the names read was that of Lauren Provenzano. Her dad Vinny said she passed away to addiction nine weeks ago. He said it was hard on the entire family.

Sue Schiavi, one of the organizers said the vigil brought the community together and gave hope to those still struggling. She said statistics show Oxford has one of the highest death rates from opioids per population of 13,000 and that there were seven deaths in 2016. The Connecticut State Medical Examiner anticipates that over 1,000 Connecticut residents will die from an accidental drug overdose this year.

There were several speakers including First Selectman George R. Temple, who said addiction is a real problem in the state and called it “a heinous situation.’’ He said that if the state were dealing with West Nile or something else people would be all over it. He said the opioid problem is much more fatal.

Pam Mautte, director of the BH Care for the Alliance of Prevention and Wellness said often there is a stigma attached substance abuse and that there needs to be an end to the stigma of substance abuse disorders.

The vigil brought support to families still dealing with addiction and it was held in September in observation of National Recovery Month. The town has since created an Opioid Crisis Steering Committee to address the problem.

Temple also has applied for a medication drop box which will be placed at the Resident State Trooper’s Office, at 429 Oxford Road. He said the initiative will benefit the town to reduce diversion and support safe disposal among residents.