Online auction starts today to support work of BHcare

 

Our Auction is NOW OPEN! Let the bidding begin! 

Bid now: https://givebutter.com/c/ACTS2025/auction

Support BHcare and place your bids on incredible items from gift baskets, concerts, and experiences to local favorites and more!
Every bid helps individuals and families impacted by mental health, domestic violence, and substance use. 

Spread the word, tag your friends, and don’t miss out! 

This is shared from BHcare's Facebook page.

Alliance for Prevention and Wellness to hold training on mental, behavioral health

 

Echo Hose Ambulance to offer free Narcan training in Shelton

F.A.D.E. to hold 5th annual 5K fundraiser at Shelton Riverwalk

Contributed photo

SHELTON - Fight Against Drugs Everywhere (F.A.D.E.) will hold its fifth annual drug awareness 5k run/walk at 5:30 p.m. June 27 at the Shelton Pavilion and Riverwalk. 

All proceeds will benefit the BHcare’s Alliance for Prevention and Wellness (APW).

This year’s event will feature guest speaker John Lally and the “Today I Matter Project.” The event will conclude with a candlelight remembrance ceremony. 

Names will be read of loved ones lost to overdose. People can submit names at the event to be read aloud. 

Drug overdoses and drug overdose deaths continue to rise at an alarming rate. More than 120 people die every day in the U.S. from an opioid overdose. Both prescription painkillers and heroin are contributing to this phenomenon. 

The overall drug deaths in Connecticut have nearly tripled over the past seven years, from 357 in 2012 to 1,018 in 2018. 

FADE 5k run/walk is being held to raise awareness of the opioid epidemic and overdoses, acknowledge and support the grief felt by families and friends who have lost a loved one, provide hope to families who have a loved one struggling with a substance use disorder, and to provide local prevention and treatment resources. 

Register today at https://bit.ly/FADE2019.

The Alliance for Prevention & Wellness, a program of BHcare, is the Regional Behavioral Health Action Organization for the DMHAS Region II service area. 

APW’s mission is to foster positive mental health by preventing substance misuse and other health-risk behaviors, and by building resources that promote wellness. 

For more information, visit www.APW-CT.org.

This is a press release from the Alliance for Prevention and Wellness.

Klarides, Carpino back bill to help recovering addicts find employment

State Rep. Christie Carpino, R-Cromwell, left, and state Rep. Themis Klarides, R-Derby./ Contributed photo

HARTFORD - The state legislature’s Labor Committee recently moved legislation forward that will help individuals recovering from substance abuse find quality employment opportunities. 

The legislation, co-sponsored by Republican Leader Themis Klarides (R-Derby) and state Rep. Christie Carpino (R-Cromwell), was approved to go to the House of Representatives as a result of the committee’s vote on the bill. 

Klarides said, “It’s important to consider all available resources when it comes to helping our neighbors, friends, or colleagues who are recovering from addiction. Addiction isn’t prejudiced and anyone can fall victim to it. In light of the ongoing opioid crisis, it’s critical that we do not stigmatize or make it harder for people who are trying to make a positive turn in their lives. I commend the action of the committee and look forward to shepherding this bill through the entire legislative process.” 

The bill establishes a task force to investigate strategies to increase employment opportunities for people recovering from substance abuse. 

The task force’s appointments will be determined through legislative leadership. Prior to the beginning of next session, the task force will present its findings and put forth recommendations for future legislation and community action. 

“I spoke with constituents on the road to recovery about the hurdles when it comes to securing meaningful employment. The continuum of care for those battling addiction can be improved if there is a mechanism to connect those in recovery programs to potential employers. If we are truly in the business of improving people’s lives, this is a step in the right direction towards helping a very vulnerable population,” said Carpino. 

After the positive action of the committee, both Klarides and Carpino hope when this comes up for a vote in the House of Representatives it will be acted upon favorably. 

This is a release from press secretary Greg Mackinnon.

BHcare offers medication-assisted treatment in Ansonia, Branford

Medication-Assisted Treatment is now available at BHcare sites in Branford and Ansonia. 

MAT combines behavioral therapy and medications to treat substance use disorders.

MAT is the use of FDA-approved medications such as naltrexone (Vivitrol), buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) or methadone - along with comprehensive counseling and behavioral therapies - to help to provide a “whole-person” approach to address issues related to opioid use disorders, including withdrawal, cravings, and relapse prevention. 

BHcare offers buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone®) or naltrexone along with counseling and supports for treatment of opioid use disorders. 

Individuals who want to stop using opioids and other substances may find it very difficult. Their need to satisfy cravings or avoid withdrawal can be so intense that they feel hopeless and overwhelmed. At the right dose, and with behavioral therapies, medication assisted therapy can suppress opioid withdrawal symptoms and suppress cravings to help individuals continue treatment and avoid illicit opioid use.

MAT helps people maintain recovery, saves money, reduces crime, and helps people regain their health and their lives. The U.S. surgeon general’s Spotlight on Opioids report calls MAT the “gold standard” for treatment.

“Our approach is truly comprehensive, looking at all aspects of a person’s recovery including treatment of co-occurring conditions,” said Dr. Sandra E. Gomez Luna, Medical Director at BHcare. “We understand the need for support within the community. We provide individualized care, attending to everyone’s unique needs.”  

Call to make an appointment today: Ansonia, 203-736-2601; Branford, 203-483-2630.

BHcare is a regional community provider of behavioral health, addiction prevention, and domestic violence services for the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Greater New Haven and Shoreline communities.  

For more information, visit www.bhcare.org.

This is a press release from BHcare.

Performance to benefit Bridges Healthcare, Milford Prevention Council

Join the fight against the opioid crisis. Experience a beautiful, intimate Sunday afternoon with local indie rock band, Passing Strange and support two local organizations - Bridges Healthcare, Inc. and Milford Prevention Council - in their efforts to help those battling addiction, substance abuse, and mental health issues.

The event will be catered by Lasse's Restaurant and beverages will be available. There will also be a raffle with prizes donated by various Connecticut businesses. 

Passing Strange will be performing a set of their original music - CDs and shirts will be available for purchase. All ages are encouraged to attend.

ABOUT PASSING STRANGE: Anthony Paolucci and Kate Mirabella formed as an original indie band in April 2017. The duo has recorded two albums, proceeds from the first, "The Water & the Woods," being donated to "To Write Love on Her Arms." 
In July of 2018, Passing Strange released their second album, "Come Whatever Storms." Both albums will be on hand for sale at the event.

Band Site: https://anthonypaolucci.wixsite.com/passingstrange

ABOUT BRIDGES HEALTHCARE: Since 1957, Bridges' mental health and addiction recovery programs and services have helped adults, children and families move toward healing, recovery and renewal. 
Bridges is unique in its ability to offer care and treatment for the whole family, children and adults, in the same location, which can make it easier to access services and afford better outcomes for all. 
As the state-designated Local Mental Health Authority for Milford, Orange, and West Haven, Bridges offers recovery-focused services to support individuals with severe and prolonged mental illness and addiction problems. They also offer help to those who are dealing with short-term emotional and behavioral issues that come about due to the challenges and stresses of everyday life. 
Their team consists of experienced behavioral health and primary care professionals who are dedicated to providing high quality care to some of our most vulnerable citizens.

To learn more about Bridges visit https://www.bridgesct.org

ABOUT MILFORD PREVENTION COUNCIL: MPC helps the community understand the risks of substance use and make healthy choices. Businesses, civic leaders and citizens from across Milford contribute to their success.

To learn more about Milford Prevention Council: http://milfordprevention.org/


*Information shared from a Facebook event page.

Churches to hold Service of Remembrance Tuesday in Shelton

SHELTON - Valley Episcopal Churches will hold a non-denominational Service of Remembrance at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 182 Coram Ave.

“We would like to welcome all members of the community, families who have a loved one struggling with a substance use disorder and families who have lost a loved one to a substance use disorder,” said Rev. Deacon Thomas Mariconda.  
“It is important for us to acknowledge and support families to help reduce the stigma and shame associated with substance use disorders and overdose deaths. Last year 1,036 people died in Connecticut from an accidental drug overdose.”

An important part of the Service of Remembrance will be offering up the first names of those who continue their work of recovery, the first names of family members who are affected by addiction, and the first names of those who have died from addiction. Anyone can submit a person’s name by mail to Church of the Good Shepherd, in care of Service of Remembrance, 182 Coram Ave.

After the service an educational presentation led by representatives from BHcare’s Alliance for Prevention & Wellness will be in the church hall to answer questions, provide Narcan training, and encourage parents to walk through experience a “hands on” search for clues of high-risk behaviors in a typical home environment known as “Hidden In Plain Sight.”

After exploring the exhibit, adults can engage in a dialogue to understand the hidden clues, risky behaviors, and how to have tough conversations with youth.

The mission and purpose of the Episcopal Churches in the Naugatuck Valley, the South Central Region, and throughout the state of Connecticut is to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom, to teach, baptize and nurture new believers, to respond to all human need by loving service, to seek to transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind, and to pursue peace and reconciliation, and strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth.


This is a press release from BHcare.

Christ Church in Oxford to hold workshop for families about addiction

Klarides sisters collect items for veterans center in W. Haven

State Rep. Themis Klarides, second from right, and state Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria, right, with staff from the Errera Community Care Center in West Haven./ Contributed photo

WEST HAVEN - House Republican Leader Themis Klarides, R-Derby, and state Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria, R-Seymour, wrapped up their annual veterans drive Tuesday, dropping off boxes full of donated clothes, comfort items, and games to the Errera Community Care Center, 114-152 Boston Post Road. 

“We want to thank the Valley residents who helped us collect these much-needed items for veterans,” they said. “We must always remember those who have sacrificed so much for our freedoms, and work to ensure that veterans never go without a roof over their head, food on their plate or access to high-quality health-care." 

The lawmakers continued, "Our doors are always open to veterans that need assistance navigating state government. 
"We also encourage veterans to visit the Errera Community Care Center whose dedicated staff provides excellent services and care." 

According to the Errera Community Care Center, the facility helps serve veterans struggling with mental illness and/or substance abuse disorders, homelessness, and/or aging. 

For more information or to donate items or gift cards to the Errera Community Care Center, visit www.erreraccc.com. 

This is a press release from Klarides-Ditria's office.

MDA 'lockup,' new restaurant in Ansonia featured in newsletter

Dear readers,

Our latest newsletter features a grand opening party at Lulu Pazzo Italiano in Ansonia, an MDA 'lockup' in Woodbridge, and a substance abuse support group in Shelton.

Click here to read all about it.

Thanks for reading,

~ Patti and Ralph

Conroy of Seymour appointed to Medicaid oversight council

HARTFORD - House Majority Leader Joe Aresimowicz, D-Berlin, has appointed state Rep. Theresa Conroy, D-Seymour, to the state Council on Medical Assistance Program Oversight as an advocate for persons with substance abuse disabilities.

“Theresa Conroy is a strong advocate for individuals and families that are struggling with the disease of addiction,” Aresimowicz said. 

“She is one of the first state policy-makers to face the state’s opioid epidemic head on and will be a great addition to the council.”

“I want to thank Majority Leader Aresimowicz for this new challenge,” Conroy said. “Making sure all Connecticut residents who are insured through Medicaid Managed Care have access to quality care is an important goal.”

The Council on Medical Assistance Program was established under Connecticut statute (CGS 17b-28) as a collaborative body consisting of legislators, Medicaid consumers, advocates, health care providers, insurers and state agencies to advise DSS on the development of Connecticut's Medicaid Managed Care program and for legislative and public input to monitor the implementation of the program.

Due to the large volume of work the Council addresses, committees have been established – Complex Care, Consumer Access, Quality Improvement, Women's Health, and Care Management. 

The full Council and each committee meet once a month. The Council holds public hearings, issues surveys and holds provider forums to assess the impact of Medicaid Managed Care.

The next meeting of the full Council on Medical Assistance Program is at 9:30 a.m. Sept. 18, in Room 1-E of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

This is a press release from Conroy's office.