Opioid Task Force

OVERVIEW
The Mayor’s Opioid Task Force is a group of organizations and individuals united in their commitment to reduce the tragic consequences that stem from the use of heroin and other opiates.

The Opioid Task Force meets quarterly - the third Monday of the month at 5 pm. All meetings will be held at the Bristol Public Library, 5 High Street for 2022.

In November 2019, the Opioid Task Force premiered the recently produced Public Service Announcements to be used as an educational tools regarding the opioid and addiction crisis facing our community and those across the country. These PSA’s will be used in social media and made shareable in order to help those in need find recovery options. Use this link: Bristol’s Video Public Service Announcements on Opioid and Addiction

City of Bristol’s Recovery Alliance (C.O.B.R.A.)
With police officer discretion, a person in possession of an illegal substance, or who is using a substance illegally, can choose treatment instead of arrest. Community members who would like treatment for their substance misuse can also walk into the Bristol Police Department or Bristol Health’s Emergency Center and request help at any time. The participant will be brought to Bristol Health’s Emergency Center and evaluated for treatment options. This may include starting a medication assisted treatment (MAT), detoxification, Safety Planning or exploring several other options. The participant can expect to have referrals made, appointments scheduled and will work closely with hospital staff and community providers to support their plan for recovery. Our goal is to reduce barriers to ensure our citizens get the help they need.

The brochure below was produced for two different audiences. The first cover page is aimed at what we as a community can do. The other is distributed by Emergency Medical Responders and Bristol Hospital for those who survived an overdose.

What’s That?! Curious as to what some of the drug paraphernalia looks like? Sometimes, it’s in plain sight but hidden extremely well. Get to know the hidden secrets. Special thanks to www.demandZero.org for use of this illustration or check out their Facebook page.

NORA - Naloxone + Overdose Response App is a free app from the CT Department of Public Health that provides information on opioids, recognizing the symptoms of a suspected opioid overdose, and instructions on administering naloxone when needed. Viewers can learn about training on naloxone use in CT as well as how to obtain it in their communities. Additional pages provide access on how to prevent an overdose, disposal of medications, and links to treatment and recovery resources.

EDUCATION, EVENTS, NEWS AND INFORMATION
The below links are provided as guides, news, events, educational information & other tools.

BRISTOL'S OPIOID COMMUNITY CRISIS WHAT CAN WE DO NOW?: Click here to download this informational pamphlet containing local resources.

Addiction Resources
Connecting individuals to treatment centers that best suit their needs.

Confident Health
A virtual wraparound clinic for substance use and mental Health.

TriCircle
An organization that provides resources for individuals and families affected by substance abuse disorders through education, research & community engagement.

Opioid Task Force RoundTable Discussion (Nutmeg TV)

Connecticut to receive $6 Million for Opioid Prevention

Governor Lamont Announces New Statewide Efforts to Confront Opioid Addiction and Save Lives

What Is Addiction? Dr. Gabor Mate

Fentanyl Deaths:The U.S. Opioid Epidemic’s third wave -The CT Mirror (March 2019)

The Surprising Links among Opioid Use, Suicide and Unintentional Overdose. (March 2019)

Tobacco 21 Presentation

Opioid Overdoses Kill More Americans than Car Crashes (January 2019)

HELPFUL RESOURCES

DRUG AND REHAB CENTERS IN CT

THE MEDICATION ASSISTED TREATMENT (MAT) LOCATOR

American Addiction Centers