In the face of the opioid crisis, we believe in providing communities with the tools to make a difference. The Regional Opioid Response Fund (RORF) was established in 2023 and consists of representatives from municipalities and agencies from 11 towns in the Northwest Corner who come together to discuss how to reduce the harm and impact that the opioid epidemic has caused individuals and families in our communities. With support from the RORF, the Task Force, and the Northwest Hills Council of Governments, we come together to introduce Naloxone Leave Behind Kits to [11] communities in the Northwest Corner. These kits are designed to equip people with the knowledge and resources to potentially save a life in the critical moments following an opioid overdose, using first responders as our messengers.   

Emergency medical personnel responding to an overdose incident have provided the kits to family members or loved ones, ensuring they have them on hand in case of a recurrence.

If an overdose occurred in the home, you should have received a Leave Behind Kit by First Responders. This kit includes;

• • 2 doses of naloxone (Narcan)
  • Protective equipment
    • Gloves
    • CPR Mask
  • An informational postcard.

Within the informational post card and amongst the Litchfield County Opiate Task Force site, you will find information about accessing treatment, harm reduction, and how to administer the naloxone if there is another overdose incident.

Learn how to save a life!

The way this partnership works is that when first responders arrive at the scene of a suspected overdose or at a scene where substance use is suspected to occur, they leave behind a Naloxone Leave Behind Kit to the at-risk person or a family member, friend, or other persons who are in a position to assist the individual.  First Responders will provide instructions on how to identify an overdose and how to administer Naloxone.

First Responders are in a unique position as they are the first to arrive at the scene of an emergency. Equipping first responders with Naloxone Leave Behind Kits allows them to extend the reach of this life-saving medication beyond the initial intervention. By providing these kits to patients or their family members at the scene, first responders empower those directly affected by substance use disorder to act promptly in the event of an overdose. 

The introduction of naloxone leave-behind kits is part of a larger effort to increase access to life-saving medication and resources for those affected by the opioid epidemic. These partnering agencies are committed to working with community partners to combat the opioid epidemic and ensure the health and safety of all residents. 

Protective Gloves

Your safety matters. The included pair of high-quality gloves ensures that you can confidently administer assistance without any health concerns.

• To protect yourself when administering lifesaving care!

CPR Mask

Every second counts during an emergency. Our kits feature a CPR mask to provide a barrier while performing rescue breathing, ensuring effective and safe assistance. 

• To make sure there is a protective barrier while providing lifesaving rescue breaths.
• Rescue breathing is an important part of any overdose response!
• Always call 911 first when responding to an overdose, if you are unsure how to provide rescue breaths a dispatcher will walk you through the simple steps to help save a life!

Naloxone (Narcan)

The key to reversing opioid overdoses lies in Naloxone. Our kits provide two doses of this life-saving medication, empowering you to be a first responder in critical situations. 

• Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that reverses an overdose.
• When an overdose is happening, your brain is not communicating with your body correctly. This cause respiratory depression, causing individuals to have shallow to no breathing.  When Naloxone is used, it steals the spot of the opioid on the brain receptor for 30 to 90 minutes. While Naloxone is currently occupying the brain receptor site, the drive to breathe resumes, and you have saved the persons life!

Educational Postcard

Knowledge is power!

The kit includes an informative postcard that not only guides you on how to use the components but also educates on the signs of an opioid overdose and the importance of timely intervention and resources for local treatment and harm reduction services. 

• Understand the signs and symptoms of an overdose!
• Know how to respond to an overdose!
• Find resources for accessing treatment, more naloxone, and harm reduction services!

See the example of our informative postcard      ————————————>

• Fill out the Request Form:
  • Provide us with your details through our request form.
  • Click the button below to get started!

Receive Your Kit: Once your request is processed, someone will contact you for drop-off. 

Get Informed: Take a moment to read through the educational postcard. Knowledge is the first step in making a difference. 

Be Prepared: Carry your kit wherever you go. You never know when you might be the lifeline someone desperately needs. 

Join us in creating a network of empowered individuals committed to making our communities safer. By taking a few simple steps, you become a beacon of hope, ready to lend a helping hand in someone’s darkest moment.