According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, more than 130 people in the U.S. die every day after overdosing on opioids. This severe national crisis touches every state and affects public health as well as social and economic welfare. Wilton is not immune.
Connecticut state law mandates that all first responders carry, and be trained in the use of Narcan, an antidote that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It is critical in saving lives. However, in 2017 the state and town had not budgeted any kind of funding for Narcan, and the Wilton Police Department had to rely on outside sources to meet the need.
At the time, the Wilton Woman’s Club (WWC) supplied the Police Department with a donation to fund Narcan as part of the club’s 2017 campaign to fight opioid misuse. Now the WWC has stepped up with another $1,000 donation to replenish the two-year supply.
“Unfortunately, the opioid epidemic has become a significant concern not only to the larger cities but also for smaller communities such as Wilton,” says Wilton Police Chief, John P. Lynch. “Because of this, our community must work together to be successful, and we thank the Wilton Woman’s Club for their support. During times of tight fiscal budgets locally and state-wide, this donation is especially appreciated.”
On hand to receive the check were members of the Wilton Woman’s Club along with Wilton Police Chief, John Lynch. Pictured above: (Front and center L-R) WWC philanthropy co-chairs Liz Salguero and Kathy Poirier with Wilton Police Chief Lynch. (Second row L-R) WWC members Margaret Ogdon, Debbie Corrigan, Stacey Savas, and Mariann Bigelow; Ofc. Rob Smaldone, Lt. Gregg Phillipson, and Capt. Tom Conlan of the Wilton Police Department