Branford, CT — The East Shore District Health Department is responding to a sharp rise in overdose incidents across Branford, East Haven, and Guilford, confirming eight overdoses between April 5 and April 8.
In response, the agency is expanding harm reduction efforts and deploying its mobile clinic to several locations this week.
Officials said naloxone, also known as Narcan, remains the most effective emergency treatment for opioid overdoses.
The department is urging residents who use drugs—or know someone who does—not to use alone and to keep naloxone on hand.
Mobile distribution of Narcan and other harm reduction supplies will take place at three locations.
On Thursday, April 10, the mobile unit will visit the Big Y shopping center in Guilford from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., followed by the Walmart lower lot on Commercial Parkway in Branford from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
On Friday, April 11, supplies will be available at the AMF Circle Lanes bowling alley lot in East Haven from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Residents can also access Narcan kits and overdose response training at the health department’s office at 688 Main Street in Branford during normal business hours.
Officials recommend additional precautions, such as testing substances with fentanyl strips when available, to reduce overdose risk. The health department emphasized that small preventive steps may save lives.
