West Haven Marks Overdose Awareness Day With Proclamation, Free Naloxone Training

Written by Michael P. Walsh

WEST HAVEN, CT — The Health Department held an Overdose Awareness Day observance Monday on the front steps of City Hall to honor the lives lost to overdose, support grieving families, and reinforce its shared commitment to reduce stigma and save lives.

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To show solidarity and support of overdose awareness, Health Director Sheila Carmon encouraged all city employees and residents to wear purple on Monday.

"Your participation, whether by attending or simply wearing purple helps raise awareness," Carmon said. "Thank you for helping us honor this day and strengthen our community."

The midday observance kicked off with city Human Resources Commissioner John M. Carrano reading a proclamation from Mayor Dorinda Borer recognizing the day and highlighting community efforts to end overdose and support families.

"The city of West Haven stands united with healthcare professionals, counselors, emergency personnel and peer support specialists who work tirelessly to offer hope, treatment and recovery services to those in need," said Carrano, who oversees the Health Department.

After the proclamation reading, Andressa Mikita, the department's community health coordinator, handed out promotional items and provided attendees with free, confidential training to administer naloxone, the opioid-overdose antidote. More than 30 naloxone kits were also handed out.

At night, City Hall was illuminated in purple to show support for those impacted.

West Haven Human Resources Commissioner John M. Carrano presents a mayoral proclamation to Health Director Sheila Carmon on the front steps of City Hall declaring Overdose Awareness Day on Monday. With Carrano, who oversees the city's Health Department, and Carmon are, from left, Andressa Mikita, the department's community health coordinator, and Rebecca Flynn, the West Haven Prevention Council's program manager. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)