Public Invited to Monday, Sep. 26 Opioid Forum in Waterbury

September 7, 2016

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State Representatives Tony D’Amelio (R-71) and Eric Berthel (R-68) along with State Senators Rob Kane (R-32) and Joan Hartley (D-15) today announced they will be hosting a forum on opioid abuse, addiction and how to access services for those battling addiction at Post University in Waterbury on Monday, September 26, 2016.

“Unfortunately, each and every community across our state has been affected by increased drug use, opioid addictions and abuse,” Rep. D’Amelio said. “I encourage everyone to attend this forum to get facts and information about how to spot potential abuse, or how to help those battling this devastating epidemic.”

Commissioner Mirian Delphin-Rittman, PhD, Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), Lt. Anthony Schirillo, Area Commander of the Connecticut State Police Narcotics Task Force, Waterbury Police Chief Vernon Riddick, Watertown Police Chief John Gavallas, Middlebury Police Chief Fran Dabbo, Robert Lawlor, Drug Intelligence Officer for the New England High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, Jennifer DeWitt, Executive Director of the Central Naugatuck Valley Regional Action Council and Dr. Peter Jacoby, of the Saint Mary’s Hospital emergency department, will participate in the discussion.

  • What: Opioid Abuse Forum
  • When: Monday, September 26, 2016 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • Where: Post University, MacDermid Hall, Room 116, 800 Country Club Rd., Waterbury, CT


The forum is free and open to the public. Parents, their children, educators, community leaders and others are encouraged to attend to learn more about this issue and to receive important information and resources from public safety and medical professionals.

In 2015, more than 700 deaths were attributed to drug overdoses, more than double the number for 2012, according to the Office of the Medical Examiner.