EAST HARTFORD, Conn. (February 26, 2024) – The Governor’s Prevention Partnership (GPP), announced its endorsement of a recently raised bill through the Insurance and Real Estate Committee — “AN ACT CONCERNING PERSONAL OPIOID DRUG DEACTIVATION AND DISPOSAL SYSTEMS AND THE OPIOID SETTLEMENT FUND” — set for a public hearing with Connecticut General Assembly on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.
In its ongoing campaign — Prevention Starts with YOU! — GPP recognizes the need to reduce access to unused and expired medications commonly found in household medicine cabinets throughout Connecticut. GPP supports this landmark legislation, which will require pharmacists to provide personal opioid drug deactivation and disposal systems at the time prescription drugs are dispensed.
“For more than three decades, GPP has been committed to prevention through proactive measures in safeguarding our communities against drug misuse,” shares Kelly Juleson, Co-President, The Governor’s Prevention Partnership. “The introduction of personal opioid deactivation and disposal systems is a crucial advancement in our collective efforts to address this crisis.”
The bill, which has received bipartisan support, including notable endorsements from State Senator Saud Anwar (East Hartford, South Windsor, East Windsor, and Ellington) and State Representative Kerry Wood (Rocky Hill, Wethersfield), outlines a comprehensive approach to opioid safety. By facilitating the responsible disposal of opioids, the legislation aims to significantly reduce the risk of accidental or intentional misuse, which often stem from unsecured medications within the home. GPP’s endorsement of this bill echoes a long-standing belief in doing what is right for the field of prevention.
“This legislation is not just a policy change – it’s a lifesaving intervention,” emphasized Juleson. “By removing access and the risk of potential misuse, we are taking a significant step towards a safer, healthier future for Connecticut residents of every generation. The Governor’s Prevention Partnership calls upon our community and our legislative leaders to support this critical legislation, reinforcing a shared commitment to a prevention-first approach in addressing the opioid crisis.”
For more information about the bill, please visit the State of Connecticut’s General Assembly site. For more information about GPP, please visit GPPCT.org and PreventionCT.org.
For media inquiries and more information on this initiative, contact Kevin Aherne, Director of Communications, Miranda Creative, at 413.822.1164, kaherne@mirandacreative.com or
Hannah F. Granfield-Horton, Director of Strategic Engagement, at 860.510.7410 or hannah@gppct.org.
About the Governor’s Prevention Partnership
The Governor’s Prevention Partnership builds statewide capacity to prevent underage drinking and substance use and builds strategic alliances to promote the overall well-being of Connecticut’s future workforce. Created in 1989, the Partnership is a partnership between government and business leaders. Learn more at GPPCT.org.