HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont says new statewide efforts to fight opioid addiction will include an education campaign and a smartphone app.
The Democratic governor and Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz (BY'-suh-wits) announced the measures Monday, saying they hoped they will save lives or prevent addiction altogether.
Nearly 950 people in Connecticut died from accidental overdoses involving opioids last year, a slight decrease from 2017. But overdose deaths involving the powerful opioid fentanyl jumped 12 percent to 760 last year.
The LiveLOUD statewide awareness campaign features information about opioids, treatment options, services and advice for families.
The state Department of Public Health also is administering a new smartphone app called Naloxone and Overdose Response, or NORA. The app provides information on naloxone, an overdose reversal drug, including how to administer it.