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Opioid Resources

OD2A: Overdose Data To Action

 

Overdose Response Unit Team Lead Rushnee Vereen-Penix 203-597-3417


(Samuel Bowens- Section Chief, Rushnee Vereen-ORT Team Lead, Roshan Hawk-ORT III)

The WHD Overdose Response Unit is committed to fighting the opioid crisis and works closely with partners including the WHD Overdose Data to Action (OD2A LOCAL) team, the Waterbury Police and Fire Departments, and many more. Building on prior successful interventions, the Overdose Response unit helps connect overdose survivors to immediate care through the "Warm Hand Off" program.

In this program, trained Overdose Response Technicians (ORTs), certified as Recovery Coaches, meet overdose survivors in real-time—whether on scene or at the hospital—to offer treatment referrals, harm reduction tools like naloxone, and other life-saving resources. ORTs follow up multiple times over 30 days to provide ongoing support and help reduce overdose risks.

Waterbury is here to help, offering compassionate care and resources to save lives and promote recovery. The ORT is available during early morning, evening, and weekend hours to help connect persons to detoxification services, residential treatment settings, and evaluations for care. The ORT engages with family members, loved ones, and other persons and professionals in the community, following the rules of privacy protection and HIPPA. The ORT works side by side with first responders from Waterbury Police Department primarily, but also with fire and EMS personnel to gather critical information needed to best triage cases and support persons affected by overdose.

The WHD Overdose Response unit provides people who have a substance use disorder (SUD) with linkage to medical and social services, care and treatment including:   

  • Linkage to SUD care and referrals including HIV/HCV testing, transportation assistance, and connection to other social services
  • Distribution of fentanyl test strips, naloxone and other harm reduction supplies during outreach
  • Distribution of SUD resource cards to organizations, first responders and community-based settings
  • Training for the community, including QPR, Naloxone administration, harm reduction strategies and stigma reduction
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT OPIOID OVERDOSE:

Available resources 

Link To Naloxone + Overdose Response APP

 

 For more resources, visit:

https://takecarewaterbury.com/services-directory