The City of Meriden hosted a concert on International Overdose Awareness Day to remember those lost to drug overdose, bring awareness to the grief experienced by loved ones, and showcase that recovery is possible. Hip hop artist K.C. Conklin, who has been sober for eight years, performed at the event organized by Hartford Healthcare Rushford. Clinic Director Jessica Matyka emphasized the importance of community support for those in recovery, with over 2,000 patients served in the city last year.
The Meriden Health Department was also present to offer resources for addiction and substance use disorders, including the Meriden Opioid Referral for Recovery (MORR) program. This program provides support for individuals who have been administered Narcan by first responders and refers them to Rushford for further assistance. Attendee Catherine Saeieo, who has been sober for over seven years, shared how the event and music from the performers have helped her find strength and hope during challenging times.
The event aimed to provide a platform for those in recovery to share their stories, offer support to those struggling with addiction, and highlight the importance of community in the recovery journey. The gathering also served as a reminder of the impact of addiction on individuals and families, encouraging empathy and understanding towards those affected. By coming together, the community in Meriden showed their commitment to supporting those in recovery and reducing the stigma surrounding addiction.
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