Stamford Police Note 'Alarming increase' In Drug Overdose Deaths

STAMFORD, CT — The Stamford Police Department has issued a public health alert amid the growing percentage of drug overdose deaths in the United States.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020 saw an approximate 29% increase in overdose deaths nationwide — about 93,000-plus total. Data collected by the CDC shows that the synthetic opioid Fentanyl and its derivative carfentanyl are significant contributors to these deaths

"As data is collected throughout the current year 2021, which will not be reported until after its conclusion, it does appear that these overdose deaths are continuing to rise," Capt. Richard Conklin of the SPD said in a news release Thursday. Conklin is the commander of the department's Bureau of Criminal Investigations.

"Unfortunately, our community is not immune to the opioid epidemic, and we at the Stamford Police Department have also noted an alarming increase in overdose deaths within our city as well," Conklin added.

Conklin noted that it's alarming that much of the ingestion of fentanyl is done so unintentionally, as the illicit regional supply of heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine has become contaminated with fentanyl. According to Conklin, there has been an increase in counterfeit prescription pills that have been spiked with fentanyl due to its powerful effects as a cheaper substitute.

"It is important as a community that we understand the consumption of fentanyl, whether accidental or otherwise, is not synonymous with recreational use only, but also includes victims suffering from addiction issues, or those trying to manage other health concerns, that unknowingly fall victim to a tragic overdose death," Conklin said in the news release.

Conklin said that in addition to all first responders, the police department has been implementing the active field use of Narcan, which reverses the effects of an overdose and can prevent death.

"When administered in time, we have been able to prevent numerous tragic deaths just over the past few years," Conklin said.

The SPD's Community Outreach Program has partnered with Liberation Programs, Inc., which offers drug treatment programs within Stamford and collaborates with other treatment organizations in the region.

If any resident needs assistance with drug addiction, Liberation Programs can be confidentially reached at 203-278-1637 or 203-953-3357. Conklin also said Liberation Programs has deployed a wellness van in the community where anyone can go to get help or education on the opioid epidemic.

For more information on the wellness van, click here.