FAIRFIELD CT, AUGUST 16, 2018] Fairfield CARES Community coalition is devoted to prevention against underage drinking and substance misuse, and will be hosting a series of impactful events to help bring the community together and close the knowledge gap on opioids.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drug overdose deaths have increased in all age groups. As the prevalence of this disease continues to increase, there is a potential impact on years of life lost caused by opioid overdose in the United States. Overdose rates are continuing to rise due to illicit drugs such as Fentanyl and Carfentanil; two powerful opioids with extreme minimal dosage, doubles the chances of an overdose.

There are a variety of different events starting in August all the way through October that all residents are urged to attend.

• Thursday August 23rd from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm at the Sherman Green Gazebo,  Fairfield CARES is Hosting Summer Concert Series. Kristen Graves, folk singer and songwriter will perform, come by our table to gain an abundant of information about prevention against substance misuse.

• Friday August 31st from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm at the Sherman Green Gazebo;in recognition of National Overdose Awareness Day, we’re  hosting a candlelight vigil. Local speakers from the recovery, prevention, and clergy community will address the participants and acknowledge those in the greater community who lost their lives to an overdose, and those who are now in recovery.

• Tuesday, September 11th from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm at the Fairfield Main Public Library, Rotary Room, 1080 Post Rd.; we are happy to have U.S Attorney Heroin Education Action Team (HEAT). HEAT will inform our community on what we are facing against with the opioid epidemic. With a screening of Chasing the Dragon followed by a panel discussion. Opioid addiction happens to all walks of life. Let’s motivate one another to become aware and open about discussing opioid addiction.

On another matter of prevention, Fairfield CARES is supporting Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Join our teams and help us reach our goals to support these important causes.

• September 15th from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm at Fairfield Theater Company, 70 Sanford St. Fairfield; celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Walk like MADD. 2 out of 3 people will be impacted by a drunk driver in their lifetime. Save $5 when you register with our MADD team!

• October 27th from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm at Sherwood Island Westport, Fairfield CARES is walking to fight against suicide in the Out of the Darkness Westport Walk. Virtually 250k people in hundreds of cities across the nation are walking to support the American Foundation for Suicide Preventions to save people’s lives who are affected by suicidal thoughts. If you’re unable to join us for the walk please help us reach our fundraising goal!

Fairfield CARES Community Coalition, established in 2009, is a town-wide organization including parents, school representatives, local business leaders, law enforcement personnel, clergy, counseling professionals and youth services organizations. Fairfield CARES is dedicated to preventing underage drinking and substance abuse in Fairfield, increasing awareness of the risk of various forms of addictions, promoting healthy choices and behaviors to increase personal wellness, and strengthening community well-being and resilience.

For more information on any of the events, please visit www.fairfieldct.org/fairfieldcares and/or our Facebook page – Fairfield CARES Community Coalition.

This press release is made possible by: