Twelve people have died from overdoses in New Haven over the past two weeks, marking a rapid increase in substance use deaths.
That’s according to an email press release sent out on Tuesday morning by city spokesperson Lenny Speiller.
He wrote that, prior to Jan. 25, approximately two people died from overdoses per week.
The 12 fatal overdoses have occurred across New Haven since Jan. 25. Three of those fatal incidents were clustered in Newhallville and four in the Hill.
The press release states, “Preliminary reports indicate that this cluster of cases is unique with the involvement of crack cocaine, crack pipes, and burned materials indicative of crack/cocaine use, but with a suspected mixture of opioids such as fentanyl.”
The press release adds, “If you, or someone you know, would like to get connected to treatment, call 1 – 800-563‑4086 — any time, day or night — or go [to] connectgnh.org for more information. Residents who use drugs are also encouraged to get their substances or paraphernalia tested at the Yale-Community Health Care Van, located at 270 Congress Avenue, Monday-Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. – no question[s] asked.”
“It is critical that we raise awareness about this spike in fatal overdoses so residents who use drugs are extra careful,” city Health Director Maritza Bond is quoted as saying in the press release. “The New Haven Health Department is working with city and community partners to enhance outreach and improve access to harm reduction supplies. Community members should reach out to your loved ones who use substances to get them connected to harm reduction supplies and treatment information.”
Devastating. Here's a link to additional resources from the health dept to get access to Narcan and fentanyl test strips. Both save lives.
https://harmreduction.newhavenct.gov/