Conroy, Blumenthal, Esty promote Overdose Awareness Day in Hartford

State Rep. Theresa Conroy, D-Seymour, at podium, is joined Wednesday by U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Etsy, left, and U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal. /Submitted photo

HARTFORD - State Rep. Theresa Conroy, D-Seymour, joined U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Esty and AIDS Connecticut advocates Wednesday in Hartford to recognize Overdose Awareness Day. 

The officials reaffirmed their pledge to keep fighting the stigma associated with addiction and continue working to get people the help and treatment they deserve.

Conroy said there were more than 700 overdose-related deaths in Connecticut in 2015 and the numbers of deaths have been climbing significantly each year.

“As an advanced practice registered nurse, I have seen an explosion of opioids being used as the primary treatment for pain – even moderate pain. It is an alarming epidemic, and we have to do everything possible to stop it.” 

To help in the fight against addiction and overdoses, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy also announced Wednesday that the Department of Consumer Protection has developed a new, interactive online map that will allow consumers to locate pharmacies across the state where pharmacists are certified to prescribe the overdose-reversing medication naloxone – commercially known as Narcan.

The map was developed utilizing Malloy’s Open Data Initiative and can be accessed by visiting www.ct.gov/DCP/naloxone.

Over the last year, the number of pharmacies making naloxone available has increased significantly, making it available at pharmacies in every region of the state.  To date, there are 363 pharmacies in the state with staff that prescribe naloxone.  

Those who are looking to obtain a prescription for naloxone are encouraged to call the pharmacy ahead of time to make sure there are appropriate staff and supplies available.

Pharmacists with questions about the prescribing of naloxone can call DCP at 860-713-6100 or 1-800-842-2649 (toll free).

Those suffering from addiction or their loved ones who are looking for support should call the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services at 1-800-563-4086 (toll free).

This is a press release from Conroy's office.  

Ansonia Market Place will be in Nolan Field parking lot today

Crisco delivers back-to-school snacks to children at TEAM resource center in Derby

State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, hands out back-to-school snacks to a young student Tuesday at the TEAM Family Resource Center in Derby. /Contributed photo

DERBY -Just in time for the new school year, state Sen. Joseph J. Crisco Jr., D-Woodbridge, Tuesday delivered $250 worth of back-to-school snacks, drinks, and lunch boxes for children of Derby and Ansonia.

The supplies are part of Crisco’s Back to School Food Drive, and include soft-sided lunch boxes, fruit juice, granola bars, crackers, trail mix, peanut butter, apple sauce, fruit snacks and raisins.

The supplies were delivered to the TEAM Family Resource Center on Elizabeth Street. 

TEAM’S mission is to connect economically disadvantaged individuals and families residing in the Naugatuck-Housatonic Valley region with solutions that lead to well-being and self-sufficiency. 

For parents and children, TEAM offers free play groups, summer fitness programs, summer reading programs, parenting and early childhood workshops, and resource and referral services.

The supplies will benefit more than a dozen families in Derby and Ansonia.

“It’s important for children to get a good start on the opening day of school, because I think that gives them the energy and attitude to carry them throughout the entire school year,” said Crisco, who has six children and 18 grandchildren. 

“I hope that this small donation of drinks and snacks and lunch boxes lets some children in Derby and Ansonia know that they are cared for and that we are here to support them today and throughout the year.”

This is a press release from Crisco's office.  

Working Families Party endorses Conroy in 105th

The Working Families Party has endorsed Theresa Conroy for state representative in the 105th Assembly District which includes the towns of Seymour, Beacon Falls, and Derby.

State Rep. Theresa Conroy

Conroy was one of the first lawmakers to recognize the opioid epidemic as a public health crisis.  

She has been instrumental in limiting prescriptions to opioids and increasing access to lifesaving overdose reversal medications.

“Representative Conroy is a tireless advocate for working families in her district. She's worked hard to protect funding for hospitals, championed innovative healthcare programs to reduce opioid use in the Valley, and has been an integral player in reviving the manufacturing sector,” said WFP State Director Lindsay Farrell. 

“She's tough and she consistently delivered results, and that's exactly the kind of candidate we endorse. We're proud to support her candidacy.” 

This year, Conroy took on Gov. Malloy as he slashed funding to Griffin Hospital, risking jobs and patient care. 

While Republicans all voted "no," Conroy and her Democratic colleagues restored Griffin's money.

“Working families are the heart and soul of Seymour, Beacon Falls, and Derby,” Conroy said. “I will always fight for you in Hartford."

Conroy has been a vocal proponent of training students in advanced manufacturing and has supported upgrades to programs at NVCC and Platt Tech. 

Conroy is a legislator and an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. She worked for 28 years at the VA Health Center in West Haven.

This is a press release from Conroy's campaign.

Flea Market Flip at thrift store in Ansonia to benefit domestic violence services

Bingo for Boobies fundraiser slated at The Hops Company in Derby

DERBY - Bingo for Boobies to benefit The Valley Goes Pink will be held from 6-9 p.m. Oct. 11 at The Hops Company, 77 Sodom Lane.

Sharing info from an event page on Facebook:

Admission is $20 and includes 10 bingo cards (4 games per card) and pizza. Wine, beer, and cocktails are available for purchase.

There are great prizes in each round. There will also be a 50/50 raffle. 

Call Sue Petrizzo at 203-400-1068. Reservations are essential.