Submitted by Haddam-Killingworth Youth and Family Services
(August 18, 2026) — Communities, experts, advocates and families come together each August to observe International Overdose Awareness Day. HKYFS encourages all community members to use this time as an opportunity to educate themselves and gain access to lifesaving resources.
The global theme for 2026, “25 Years On. Still Needed,” emphasizes that while progress in harm reduction has been made, the drug toxicity crisis remains an urgent public health emergency. Over the past three years the United States has observed a decrease in overdose deaths. Despite that, however, nearly 70,000 people died from drug overdoses in 2025. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), synthetic opioids like illicit fentanyl remain the primary driver of drug-related fatalities, frequently contaminating other substances without the user’s knowledge.
The Drug Enforcement Administration has seized more than 21 million fentanyl pills and 9,970 pounds of fentanyl powder so far in 2026. These seizures represent more than 239 million potentially deadly doses. Just two milligrams of fentanyl—an amount small enough to fit on the tip of a pencil—can be fatal. Parents and caregivers play a vital role in educating and protecting young people and family members so they can make healthy decisions. Visit the DEA’s resource page at www.dea.gov/onepill/parents-and-caregivers for information, conversation starters and more.
Driving Action and Reducing Stigma
“Overdose is preventable, but stigma keeps people isolated,” says Alli Behnke, MSW, Co-Director HKYFS. “This day is about recognizing that addiction is a medical condition, not a moral failure. By opening up the conversation and receiving harm-reduction tools, we can save lives.”
Earlier in August, HKYFS and the HK Community Coalition hosted a free Gearing-Up Event for college-age students. Students were able to receive free overdose and suicide prevention education and resources before heading back to college or other paths. This is just one way to raise awareness and provide life-saving tools to fight back against the Opioid Overdose Epidemic. If you missed this event and are interested in these resources please contact our Prevention Coordinator, Kyana at kyana.anderson@hkyfs.org.
Local Resources:
- ONE Box Overdose Prevention: Free Naloxone with lifesaving steps on its use is available at multiple ONE Box locations in Haddam-Killingworth: Brainerd Memorial Library, Haddam Social Services, Killingworth Library and the Killingworth Town Hall. Anyone can discreetly access these resources, as they are placed in quiet areas of the buildings. Please reach out to HKYFS if you have an interest in a ONE Box being located in your building or business.
- FREE Naloxone and Lock Bags: HKYFS always has free Naloxone and medication lock bags available at our office. Please email kyana.anderson@hkyfs.org or call 860-345-7498 to arrange pickup. We also offer Naloxone and Suicide Prevention Trainings throughout the year. Please register for our newsletter at www.hkyfs.org to stay up to date on all programs, trainings, and offerings.
- Prevention and Treatment Resources: Please visit the HKYFS website www.hkyfs.org for up-to-date national, state and local information/resources regarding prevention and treatment.
We encourage you to have open conversations with loved ones, to reach out when concerned, and to connect with services if you need them. Now, more than ever, a reduction in stigma is necessary to connect people with the help they need and deserve. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, confidential support is available 24/7. Contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.
