Stamford, CT Focused on Reducing Drug Overdose Deaths

Stamford Police Officials Working with Community Partners to Lower Overdose Deaths

Collaborative Efforts Making a Difference in Stamford

STAMFORD, CT — The numbers have yet to be compiled for 2024, but Stamford police officials believe the city is on track to lower its 2023 drug overdose death totals thanks to a continued collaborative effort between first responders and community partners. According to data from the Connecticut Medical Examiner’s Office, Stamford, which is the second-largest city in the state with an estimated population of 136,226, ranked ninth with 27 drug overdose deaths last year. Hartford, with an estimated population of 119,669, led all of Connecticut with 192 overdose deaths. Rounding out the top five was New Haven (estimated population of 135,319) at 168, Waterbury (114,990) at 124, Bridgeport (148,028) at 118, and New Britain (74,080) at 54. Statewide, there were 1,329 drug overdose deaths in 2023, according to the data.

Stamford Assistant Police Chief Richard Conklin said the majority of them were due to fentanyl/opioids. The Drug Enforcement Agency notes fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that can be used as an analgesic (pain relief) and anesthetic. It’s approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin. Counterfeit pills sold online and in the streets that mimic different prescription drugs can also contain fentanyl, making them even more dangerous.

“So many of the opioids come from New York, and they have to come through Stamford. You can see how stark our numbers are compared to the other large cities,” Conklin added, noting that 27 overdose deaths are still too many. “What we’re seeing in 2024, we’re seeing our numbers appear to be falling even further than that… I really attribute that to the collaborative effort between the public safety organizations here in Stamford and our first responders.”

The city has taken a multi-faceted approach to saving lives. All first responders in Stamford carry Narcan, the medication that can rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose either through a nasal spray or muscle injection. Stamford EMS vehicles carry information on Narcan, and personnel will leave behind the medication to families who have loved ones or family members who are at risk of opioid use or addiction. Overdose deaths in the United States fell 16.9 percent from July 2023 to July 2024, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced earlier this month. The New York Times reported in September that, according to addiction experts, a wider distribution of medications like Narcan, and campaigns educating the public about counterfeit pills, among other factors, have contributed to the overall decrease in overdose deaths around the country.

The SPD is part of CT Community & Law Enforcement for Addiction Recovery (CLEAR), a multi-jurisdictional deflection program that partners behavioral health providers and law enforcement. Conklin said the department’s own behavioral health unit will follow-up on overdose cases. “We’re involved in a program where we monitor and follow up with both the overdose victims if it’s not a fatal overdose, and the family and encourage them into rehab and speak to them about Narcan to mitigate the dangers of fentanyl,” Conklin said. Additionally, officers will also work with Liberation Programs, a nonprofit that provides prevention, treatment and recovery services to those impacted by substance use and mental health conditions.

Education is also an important component of Stamford’s approach, whether it’s conducting talks in the community, speaking to youth at the Stamford PAL Center, posting useful information online, or even having officers speak informally with people on the street about the dangers of opioids and other illicit drugs, according to Conklin. Enforcement from the SPD’s Narcotics and Organized Crime Squad and work by the Major Crime Unit of the SPD Detective Bureau are also critical, Conklin said. “[The Major Crime Unit] follows up on fatal overdoses, and we’ve made a number of arrests. They’re very difficult and lengthy investigations, but they’ve led to numerous arrests of people who have sold to victims and they’re charged accordingly, oftentimes with manslaughter for the sale that resulted in a fatal overdose.”

The Stamford Health Department also works closely with the SPD. “It’s just a different approach the city is taking to supporting people with substance use and misuse issues. It’s more about, how can we educate people, support families, and ensure people have access to the resources they need. It all goes hand in hand with mental health support and housing support,” said Stamford Health Department Director Jody Bishop-Pullan.

Impact on Individuals

The collaborative efforts between the police, community partners, and first responders in Stamford are working towards reducing drug overdose deaths, providing support and resources to those struggling with substance use and misuse issues. Individuals in Stamford affected by substance use or addiction can benefit from education, access to resources, and follow-up programs aimed at helping them recover and prevent further overdoses.

Impact on the World

The initiatives taken by Stamford to address drug overdose deaths can serve as a model for other communities facing similar challenges. By implementing a multi-faceted approach that involves education, prevention, law enforcement, and community partnerships, Stamford is working towards creating a safer and healthier environment for its residents. The success of these efforts in Stamford could influence and inspire other cities and regions to take proactive measures in combating drug-related issues.

Conclusion

The collaborative efforts of first responders, police officials, and community partners in Stamford are making a significant impact on reducing drug overdose deaths and providing support to individuals struggling with substance use. By taking a multi-faceted approach that includes education, prevention, and enforcement, Stamford is leading the way in addressing drug-related issues and promoting public health and safety.