Premiered Thursday, May 18, 2017 at 8 p.m. on CPTV
About the Program
With more than 900 overdose deaths in 2016, Connecticut’s opioid epidemic remains a critical problem affecting individuals and families from all corners of the state. During this live TV event, our expert panel will dispel the myths and confusion around treatments and programs for opioid addiction, explore effective medical options and services, and highlight the support systems available to loved ones.
Hosted by Diane Smith
Panelists include:
- Dr. David Fiellin, Professor of Medicine, Yale Medical School
- Lauren Siembab, MS, LADC, Director, Community Services Division, Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services
- Tammy De La Cruz, Co-Founder, Community Speaks Out, Inc.
- Jennifer “Jenny” Murray, Connecticut resident in long-term recovery, Certified Recovery Adviser
Funding is provided by:
Additional support is provided by:
The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS): The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) promotes and administers comprehensive, recovery-oriented services in the areas of mental health treatment and substance abuse prevention and treatment throughout Connecticut.
For immediate help call: call 1-800-563-4086, 24 hours a day, to connect them or a loved one to a walk-in assessment center in their area.
CT Substance Abuse Walk-In Centers
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)’s National Helpline and Resources
1-800-662-HELP (4357)
TTY: 1-800-487-4889
Website: samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
Medication disposal:
Year round prescription drop box locations in CT can be found here.
Year round drop box locations across the US can be found here.
Community Speaks Out: is organized and operated to walk families through the process of getting addicted-family members into treatment through financial and logistical assistance, and to foster community support, awareness, and education on addiction and addiction prevention.
Greater Hartford Harm Reduction Coalition, Inc.: Offers Opioid Overdose Prevention Training every Thursday evening at 7:00pm, which is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. After successful completion of training, participants receive an Opioid Overdose Prevention Kit containing two doses of Naloxone, while supplies are available. Advanced registration is recommended.
Today I matter: Our mission is to reduce the stigma and shame of mental illness and addiction, and promote the physical, emotional, and mental health of the community.
The C.A.R.E.S. Group: The mission of The C.A.R.E.S. Group is to provide education, support, resources and hope for communities, families, and individuals struggling with substance abuse and addiction.
Remembrance Quilt Project: To help their loved ones cope with their loss, DMHAS is working with organizations throughout the state to make The Remembrance Quilt in memory of those who died of substance use disorders. Family, friends and loved ones are encouraged to create a square in the name of a loved one who died of substance use disorder to be added to The Remembrance Quilt. Click here to make a square.
Life Lessons is a series of LIVE television events from CPTV in which local experts help us find smart ways to make big decisions, solve problems, and ace the biggest test of all – LIFE!
Visit cptv.org/lifelessons for more information.