For nearly two decades, Greenwich Together has prioritized the health and safety of the town’s citizens

History

The first wave of the epidemic occurred with prescription opioids in the 1990s, when their long-term effects were not widely known. In 2013, synthetic opioids like fentanyl permeated the market since they were cheaper to produce, but they were also stronger and more addictive.

Presently the majority of overdose deaths involve opioids especially fentanyl, which is often marketed as counterfeit pills or laced in other drugs. This is particularly dangerous if an individual is unaware there is fentanyl in the product they’re taking, because it is lethal even in a very small amount.

Prevention efforts

Greenwich Together receives funding to support opioid prevention efforts within the community. Over the years, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration granted the coalition mini grants of $5,000 each, which it administers through its Regional Behavioral Health Action Organization, The Hub at Catalyst CT. The Town of Greenwich also allocated $13,000 of its Opioid Settlement Funds to the coalition in 2024.

Greenwich Together has used these funds to purchase medication lock boxes, medication disposal bags, and informational materials to distribute at community events and health fairs. It has also contributed these funds to partner with other regional coalitions on statewide campaigns such as You Think You Know.

Assistant Director of Outreach & Prevention Services Corina Restrepo, LCSW, said members of the Youth Coalition provide feedback on the opioid prevention social media campaigns and prevention materials to ensure they’re resonating with the age group. The Youth Coalition enables local young people to take an active role in strengthening the health and safety of their community.