Uncas Health District

SNAP Benefits Pause: Where to Find Food Assistance — and How to Help

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A continued federal government shutdown threatens to pause the distribution of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November, a situation that would begin after October 31. This pause poses an immediate and significant challenge for our communities, impacting approximately 360,000 Connecticut residents — including children, seniors, and working families — who rely on this assistance to put food on the table.

This is not a political issue; it is a human one. The timing, just ahead of the holiday season, adds critical pressure to local food assistance programs, which are already preparing for their busiest time of year.

This article is intended as a resource. It provides information for those who may need assistance and a clear call to action for those who are in a position to help their neighbors.

For Individuals and Families Needing Assistance

We understand many families are experiencing significant stress and uncertainty. Please be aware that local community resources are mobilizing to assist.

  • Local Food Pantries: Connecticut’s network of food pantries and mobile food distribution sites is the first line of support. We have included a list of regional food pantries and their hours of operation at the bottom of this post.
  • 2-1-1 Connecticut: For the most up-to-date information on food assistance, shelters, and other support, call 2-1-1 or visit www.211ct.org. This is a free and confidential service that connects you with resources in your specific area.
  • CT Foodshare: You can find a mobile food pantry or partner program near you by visiting the CT Foodshare website at www.ctfoodshare.org.
  • Existing Benefits: According to the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS), any benefits you received in October are safe. Any remaining balance on your EBT card will still be available for use after October 31. This pause affects the issuing of November's benefits.

A Critical Call to Action for Our Community

Our local food pantries are preparing for a significant increase in demand. They cannot meet this increased need on their own. Currently, your support is more crucial than ever. If you are able, please consider helping in one of two ways:

Donate In-Need Items

While all non-perishable food donations are appreciated, some items are desperately needed but are often overlooked in donations. When you shop, consider picking up a few of these essentials:

  • Canned Proteins: Tuna, chicken, salmon, and ham (packed in water).
  • Pantry Staples: Peanut butter, jelly, pasta sauce, and "meals in a box."
  • Cooking Essentials: Cooking oil, flour, sugar, salt, pepper, and spices (such as garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano). These items allow families to turn basic ingredients into nutritious meals.
  • Shelf-Stable Milk: Powdered milk, or boxed/canned evaporated milk.
  • Low-Sugar Staples: Cereal, oatmeal, and canned fruit (packed in its own juice, not heavy syrup).
  • Non-Food Necessities: These are not covered by SNAP and are always in high demand.
    • Diapers (especially sizes 4-6) and baby wipes
    • Baby formula
    • Feminine hygiene products
    • Toothpaste, soap, and deodorant

Volunteer Your Time

Local pantries run on volunteer power. With an anticipated surge in clients, they will need help sorting donations, packing food boxes, managing distribution lines, and assisting with intake. Even a few hours of your time can make a significant difference.

Please check the list below to find a pantry in your area. We recommend calling them first to ask what they need most — whether it's a specific food item or help on a specific day.

This is a challenging moment, but it is also an opportunity to show the strength of our community. Thank you for being a neighbor who helps.

Regional Food Pantry Listing

Eastern CT Food Assistance Sites
Site Town Notes/Rules Pickup Time
Sisters of Charity Food Pantry Baltic Once a week Thu 3:00–4:00 pm
Town of Sprague Food Pantry Sprague Weekly Wed 8:00 am–12:00 pm
Colchester Food Bank Colchester Colchester residents only / by appointment Call for appointment
Rosalyn Allen Food Pantry — Mobile (Colchester RecPlex) Colchester Varies (mobile) Call 860-822-4146 for dates/times
Care & Share of East Lyme Niantic Residents of E. Lyme/Niantic or Salem Call for appointment
Helping Hands – SWEET Potato Society, Inc. Old Lyme Twice weekly Tue & Thu 9:00 am–1:00 pm
Shoreline Soup Kitchens Pantry @ First Congregational Church Old Lyme Residents of Essex, Chester, Clinton, Madison, Old Saybrook, E. Lyme, Old Lyme, Killingworth, Westbrook, Deep River. Sat 8:30–10:30 am
Shoreline Soup Kitchens Pantry @ St. John’s Episcopal Church Niantic Residents of Essex, Chester, Clinton, Madison, Old Saybrook, E. Lyme, Old Lyme, Killingworth, Westbrook, Deep River. Thu 2:30–4:30 pm
St. Mary Food Pantry (Rectory Basement) Jewett City Weekly Tue 10:00 am–4:00 pm
Griswold Senior Center Pantry Griswold 2nd & 4th Thu 1:00–3:00 pm
Rosalyn Allen Food Pantry @ Griswold Health Center Griswold Weekly Mon–Thu 8:00 am–6:00 pm; Fri 8:00 am–4:00 pm
UW Mobile Food Pantry @ Griswold Public Works Griswold 3rd Thu monthly 4:00–5:30 pm (drive-through)
Groton Community Meals (Mon) — Thrive 55+ Groton Twice weekly Mon 6:00–7:00 pm (Thrive 55+)
Groton Community Meals (Wed) — Thames River Magnet School Groton Twice weekly Wed 6:00–7:00 pm (Thames River Magnet School)
Groton Human Services Pantry Groton Once a month (residents) Mon–Fri distribution 10:00–11:50 am & 2:00–4:00 pm (call ahead)
Malta Pantry (Groton) Groton Weekly Wed 9:30 am–12:30 pm
UW Mobile Food Pantry @ St. John’s Christian Church Groton 4th Fri monthly 12:30–2:00 pm (drive-through & walk-up)
Linda C. Davis (Ledyard) Food Pantry @ Morgan Barn Ledyard Residents of Leyard and Gales Ferry/by appointment (Tue, Thu & Sat) 9:00–11:00 am
New Life Christian Fellowship Pantry Ledyard 2nd & 4th Sat 9:00–11:00 am
Waterford Community Food Bank Waterford Residents of Waterford and Quaker Hill/by appointment Mon–Fri 8:00 am–4:00 pm (call for appointment)
Bette’s Bounty @ UCP of Eastern CT Quaker Hill Individuals with disabilities and their families / by appointment Mon–Fri 9:00 am–4:00 pm
Catholic Charities (New London) New London By appointment Mon–Fri by appointment
Church of the City Community Meal New London Weekly Sat 5:00–6:00 pm
City of New London Senior Center — Community Café & Pantry New London NL residents 60+ / Mon–Fri Meals 11:20 am; Pantry 8:00 am–3:30 pm
Shekinah Haitian SDA Church Pantry New London Weekly Sat 1:30–2:00 pm
Food to the People (The Place) New London Weekly Fri 9:00 am–12:00 pm & 3:00–7:00 pm
Lord’s Pantry @ St. James Episcopal Church New London NL County residents / Weekly Wed 10:00 am–12:30 pm
New London Area Food Pantry New London Twice weekly Mon 12:30–2:30 pm; Thu 9:30–11:30 am
New London Community Meal Center New London Mon–Fri; weekends Lunch 12–1 pm; Dinner 4:30–6 pm; 3rd/4th Sat lunch; Sun dinner
Salvation Army (New London) New London Every other week (by appt) Tue & Thu 10:00 am–12:00 pm
Shiloh’s Food Pantry New London Weekly Sat 11:00 am–2:00 pm
UW Mobile Food Pantry @ Ocean Avenue LEARNing Academy New London 4th Wed monthly 4:30–5:30 pm
Rosalyn Allen Food Pantry @ Preston Senior Center Preston 1st Fri monthly 10:00–11:00 am
Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center Pawcatuck Residents of Stonington, N. Stonington, Westerly/Mon–Fri 9:00 am–3:30 pm
UW Mobile Food Pantry @ Stonington High School Stonington 1st Wed monthly 4:30–5:30 pm
Catholic Charities (Norwich) Norwich Once a month Mon–Fri by appointment
Easterseals Veterans Rally Point (Pantry & Meals) Norwich Members (veterans/active duty) Pre-registration; members call for appointment
El Shaddai Worship Center Pantry Norwich Once a week Delivery only — call for appointment
Rosalyn Allen Food Pantry (UCFS) Norwich Once a week Bags: Mon–Thu 8:00–6:30; Fri 8:00–5:00; Mobile—call 860-822-4147
Sacred Heart Church (Norwich residents) Norwich Weekly Thu 10:00–11:30 am
Feed Thy Neighbor @ Evans Memorial AME Zion Church Norwich Weekly Tue 3–5 pm; Thu 3–7 pm; Sun 2–5 pm
St. Vincent de Paul Place — Pantry & Community Meals Norwich Once a week (pantry); Meals Mon–Sat Pantry: Mon & Wed 9:30–12 & 1–3; Sat 9–12
United Way Mobile Food Pantry @ Three Rivers CC Norwich 2nd Wed monthly 2nd Wed 4:00–5:00 pm — Drive-through
Montville Senior & Social Services Uncasville By appointment Mon–Fri 8:30 am–3:00 pm
Montville Union Baptist Church (Drive-through) Montville 2nd & 4th Sat 9:00–11:00 am — Drive-through; register in dirt lot
Uplifting Grace Pantry Uncasville 3rd Sat monthly 3rd Sat 9:00 am–1:00 pm; Emergency need available
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Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer in Connecticut

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scientist studying DNA in a lab

Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) is associated with potentially harmful mutations in breast cancer susceptibility genes (BRCA1 and BRCA2), and sometimes mutations in other genes. About 50 out of 100 women with a BRCA gene mutation will get breast cancer by the time they turn 70 years old, compared to only 7 out of 100 women in the general United States population. [Source: CDC website]

The importance of knowing and sharing your Family Health History.

Your family health history is a record of diseases and conditions that run in your family, especially among close relatives. A family history of breast and ovarian cancers can increase a woman’s risk for developing cancer.

You may share similar genes, habits, and environments that can affect your cancer risk. Learning about and sharing your health history with your family and telling your doctor about your family's health history are important.

Not only does knowing your family health help you identify risk, but knowing your family history also helps you and your doctor decide if genetic counseling or genetic testing may be right for you. Even if genetic counseling and testing are not recommended for you, everyone needs to know their family history.

Knowing your family health history may also help you identify risk for other common diseases, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or heart disease!

Web Resources to Learn About Hereditary Cancer

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DPH, Consumer Protection Advise Residents Where to Get COVID Vaccines

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client and medical professional discussing vaccine

CT DPH urges providers to discuss vaccination with patients and parents/guardians, encourages COVID-19 vaccination based on risk, and encourages shared clinical decision-making.

October is the best month to get respiratory virus vaccines to protect yourself and your family during peak cold and flu season, which typically starts in October and peaks in December through February. Getting vaccinated now allows your body the necessary two weeks to develop full protection before flu, RSV, and COVID cases begin to rise, ensuring you are prepared and protected when the viruses are most active.

On Monday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) adopted recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to apply individual-based decision-making to COVID-19 vaccination. In Connecticut, everyone six months and older can receive a COVID-19 shot without a prescription. A pharmacist may continue to order, prescribe, and administer all Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved or authorized COVID-19 vaccines to any patient 18 years or older or for children with parental consent. For details on coverage, please contact your insurance company.

"Vaccination remains the most effective defense against severe COVID-19 and that is why our guidance at DPH is similar to those issued in previous years," said Commissioner Manisha Juthani, M.D. "Monday, we sent a notification to Connecticut Vaccine Program providers that they can begin placing COVID vaccine orders, which we anticipate will arrive early next week. Over the next few weeks, parents of young children ages six months to 18-years-old can get their children vaccinated at their pediatrician or primary care provider, but we advise to reach out in advance to ensure the shot is available."

"Pharmacies continue to be the frontline of COVID-19 vaccine administration in our state for adults 18 and older, and for minors aged 3 and older with parental consent," said DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli. "It's simple: If you want to get a vaccine in Connecticut, you can. Pharmacists can continue to offer COVID-19 vaccines to those who want them, and many pharmacies offer the ability to sign up for a vaccine online. If you are uncertain if your pharmacy or pharmacist is participating in COVID-19 vaccine administration for minors under 18, we recommend calling ahead to ensure availability."

CT DPH strongly urges providers to discuss vaccination with patients and parents/guardians and to encourage COVID-19 vaccination based on risk and shared clinical decision making. To be clear, without immunity provided by the most updated COVID vaccine, every individual is at a higher risk of acquiring COVID and experiencing greater impacts from the disease. Last month, the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) issued guidance similar to previous years, recommending that children six months and older receive the vaccine, as well as adults of all ages. This interactive, user-friendly guide has everything residents need to know

The following 2025-2026 vaccines received FDA approval for use:

  • Moderna’s SPIKEVAX for those 65 and older and for those 6 months to 64 years with at least one high-risk condition.
  • Moderna’s MNEXSPIKE for those 65 and older and for those 12-64 years with at least one high-risk condition.
  • Pfizer’s COMIRNATY COVID-19 vaccine was approved for those 65 and older and for those 5-64 years with at least one high-risk condition.
  • Novavax’s NUVAXOVID for those 65 and older and for those 12-64 years with at least one high-risk condition.
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RECALL ALERT: Walmart, Wegman’s Recall Frozen Shrimp for Traces of Cesium

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Recall Alert for Frozen Shrimp

AquaStar (USA) Corp of Seattle is voluntarily recalling a limited quantity of frozen shrimp imported from Indonesia because they may have been prepared, packed, or held under conditions whereby they may have become exposed to very low levels of cesium-137 (Cs-137).

None of the products has tested positive for Cs-137. They are sold in Connecticut and throughout New England under the Best Yet brand name. 

No illnesses have been reported to date, and this recall is only being issued out of an abundance of caution.

This recall is being made with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Consumers who have purchased affected shrimp should not consume the product and should dispose of or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Cs-137 is a man-made radioisotope of cesium. Traces of Cs-137 are widespread in the environment and can be present at background levels and at higher levels in water or foods grown, raised, or produced in areas with environmental contamination.

Consumers with questions may contact AquaStar at 1-800-331-3440.

AquaStar Recalled Shrimp Containers

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Public Notice: Certificate of Need Application for Acquisition of MRI Scanner

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This posting is made pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes § 19a-639a, regarding the Certificate of Need application process.

Public Notice

Meriden Imaging Center, Inc. intends to file a Certificate of Need Application with the State of Connecticut Office of Health Strategy, pursuant to Section 19a-638 of the Connecticut General Statutes, requesting approval to acquire a 1.5T Siemens Avanto Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scanner from Norwich Imaging, LLC.

Project Address: One Towne Park Plaza, Norwich, CT 06360

Total Capital Expenditure: $2,100,000

 

Breast Cancer in Men: It’s Rare — But It’s Real

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Breast cancer is usually talked about as a disease affecting women, but men have breast tissue, too, and they can develop breast cancer. Knowing the basics helps you spot changes early and act fast.

What is Breast Cancer in Men?

Breast cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in breast tissue. Men have a small amount of breast tissue (mostly behind the nipple), and the same main types seen in women can occur in men:

  • Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC)
  • Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC)
  • Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)

These types behave in men much like they do in women.

How Common is It?

Male breast cancer is uncommon. The CDC estimates that about 1 out of every 100 breast cancers diagnosed in the U.S. is found in a man.

For 2025, the American Cancer Society projects about 2,800 new cases of invasive breast cancer in men and about 510 deaths in men. The average lifetime risk for a U.S. man is about 1 in 726.

ACS also notes that breast cancer is ~100× less common among white men than white women and ~70× less common among Black men than Black women, and that Black men with breast cancer tend to have a worse outlook—important disparities that underscore the need for awareness and timely care.

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Signs and Symptoms to Watch for

Contact a healthcare provider if you notice any of the following on one side or both:

  • A lump or swelling in the breast or underarm
  • Nipple discharge
  • Redness, scaling, or flaky skin on the breast or nipple
  • Irritation, dimpling, or puckering of breast skin
  • Nipple turning inward (retraction) or nipple pain

Sometimes cancer spreads to lymph nodes near the collarbone or under the arm and causes a lump before a breast lump is felt. These symptoms can also be caused by conditions that aren’t cancer, but they should always be checked.

Who is at Higher Risk?

Your risk may be higher if you:

  • Have a strong family history of breast cancer or carry BRCA1/BRCA2 gene changes (especially BRCA2)
  • Have had chest radiation
  • Have conditions that raise estrogen levels (e.g., Klinefelter syndrome, certain liver diseases)
  • Have obesity or certain testicular conditions
     Risk increases with age. Talk to your clinician about whether genetic counseling/testing is right for you.

How is it Treated?

Treatment depends on the tumor’s size and whether it has spread. Options can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy—similar to treatments used for women. Your care team will tailor a plan to you.

Bottom Line

Breast cancer in men is rare, but real. If you notice a new lump, nipple changes, skin dimpling, or discharge, don’t wait—see your healthcare provider right away. Early evaluation leads to better outcomes.

 

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Bring Your Brave: Knowing Your Risk, Owning Your Health

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Most breast cancers occur in older adults, but diagnoses among women younger than 45 have been slowly rising. The good news: deaths have fallen overall thanks to better awareness and early detection. Bring Your Brave puts practical, culturally relevant tools and stories in one place so younger women can spot risks and speak up sooner.

Meet Marleah

A Personal Story

Meet Marleah. At 25, she learned she carried a BRCA2 gene mutation. That knowledge meant hard choices—but it also sparked a career in advocacy and helped her take charge of her care. Her story is one of many from the CDC’s Bring Your Brave campaign, which shares real experiences to help women under 45 understand breast cancer risk and act early.

Map Your Family History

Knowing your family health history is one of the most powerful ways to understand your personal risk. CDC’s My Family Health Portrait: Cancer (free on iOS and Android) helps you gather relatives’ cancer histories and get a personalized assessment for breast, ovarian, and colorectal cancer risks you can share with your clinician.

Who May Have a Higher Risk at a Young Age?

You may face a higher risk before 45 if any of the following apply to you:

  • A close relative was diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer, especially at 45 or younger.
  • You have a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene change.
  • You had radiation therapy to the chest during childhood or early adulthood.
  • You’ve had breast cancer or certain breast conditions such as LCIS, DCIS, or atypical ductal or lobular hyperplasia.

If these sound familiar, talk with your doctor. They may recommend a genetic counselor, earlier or more frequent screening, or steps to lower risk.

Screening: What to Know

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends mammograms every two years from ages 40 to 74 for people at average risk. If you’re at higher risk, your clinician may suggest starting earlier, screening more often, or using additional tests (such as MRI). The right plan depends on your personal and family history—bring your questions.

Quick note on self-checks: Being familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel is valuable—if you notice changes (a new lump, skin dimpling, nipple discharge, or persistent pain), call your provider. Formal monthly self-breast exams don’t replace recommended screening and are not a stand-alone screening test.

What You Can Do Today

  • Download the CDC app My Family Health Portrait: Cancer and start a confidential family history. Share it at your next appointment. (Google Play | App Store)
  • Explore Bring Your Brave stories like Marleah’s for guidance on talking with family, navigating genetics, and advocating for yourself.
  • Ask your clinician whether your history or heritage suggests earlier or additional screening. If so, request a referral to genetic counseling.
  • Know your normal. If something feels off, don’t wait—get it checked. (The National Breast Cancer Foundation offers a clear, step-by-step guide on self-awareness techniques.)

Bottom line: Bring Your Brave is about informed action. Learn your risk, start the conversation, and make a plan that fits you—because early knowledge can be life-changing.

 

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Public Notice: Certificate of Need Application for Transfer of Ownership of a Large Group Practice

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This posting is made pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes § 19a-639a, regarding the Certificate of Need application process.

Public Notice

Consulting Cardiologists, P.C., and Hartford HealthCare Medical Group, Inc., are filing a Certificate of Need Application pursuant to Section 19a-638 of the Connecticut General Statutes for the transfer of ownership of a large group practice. Consulting Cardiologists, P.C. is a private cardiology practice located at the following addresses:

  • 1062 Barnes Road, Suite 300
    Wallingford, CT 06492

  • 256 North Main Street
    Manchester, CT 06042

  • 85 Seymour Street, Suite 719
    Hartford, CT 06106

  • 280 South Main Street, Suite 205
    Cheshire, CT 06410

  • 305 Western Boulevard
    Glastonbury, CT 06033

  • 433 South Main Street, Suite 109
    West Hartford, CT 06110

  • 100 Simsbury Road, Suite 202
    Avon, CT 06001

  • 57 South Main Street
    Middletown, CT 06457

  • 1025 Silas Deane Highway
    Wethersfield, CT 06109

  • 330 Washington Street, Suite 220
    Norwich, CT 06360

The capital expenditure associated with the transfer of ownership is $3,000,000.

September is Suicide Prevention Month: You’re Not Alone, and Help is Here

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hand holding suicide awareness ribbon

If you’re struggling with depression, thoughts of suicide, or just feeling overwhelmed by stress — please know this: you are not alone, and help is available 24/7. Reaching out is a sign of strength. Below you’ll find compassionate, practical steps and trusted resources in Connecticut and nationwide to support you or someone you care about.

If You Need Help Right Now

  • Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org, 24/7, for free, confidential support from trained counselors. Help is available in English and Spanish; when calling for Spanish, press 2. Veterans can dial 988, then press 1, or text 838255 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line.

  • In Connecticut, adults (18+) can also call the ACTION Line: 1-800-HOPE-135 (800-467-3135) or 2-1-1 for immediate support and warm transfers to mobile crisis teams. Youth under 18 can reach Mobile Crisis by dialing 2-1-1.

  • For substance use treatment access in CT (including detox and transportation), call the Access Line: 1-800-563-4086.

  • If someone is in imminent danger, call 911.

Prefer to communicate in Spanish? 988 offers 24/7 Spanish-language support by phone (press 2) and text instructions to connect with a Spanish-speaking counselor.

Why Suicide Prevention Month Matters

Suicide is preventable. Caring conversations, safer environments, and easy access to support save lives. Public health approaches focus on connection, early help, and reducing access to lethal means (like safely storing medications and firearms). Simple actions — checking in on a friend, offering to call 988 together, removing or locking up medications and firearms—can make a life-saving difference. (For local safe-storage options like medication disposal or lockboxes, check your local health district or police department.)

Signs Someone Might be Struggling

Everyone’s experience is different, but common warning signs include:

  • Talking about hopelessness, feeling like a burden, or wanting to die

  • Withdrawing from friends or usual activities

  • Changes in sleep, appetite, or mood (more irritable, anxious, or numb)

  • Increased use of alcohol or other substances

  • Searching for ways to harm oneself

If you notice these signs, reach out. You don’t need perfect words—try, “I’m really glad you told me. I care about you. Let’s find support together,” and offer to contact 988 or a CT crisis line with them.

How to Help — Practical Steps

  1. Ask directly and listen. “Are you thinking about suicide?” Asking does not plant the idea; it opens the door to help.

  2. Stay with them (or on the phone) and reduce immediate risks. If possible, secure medications and firearms or ask a trusted person to help.

  3. Connect to professional support. Call or text 988, or in Connecticut, use ACTION Line (1-800-HOPE-135) for adults or 2-1-1 for youth mobile crisis. Offer warm handoffs (e.g., dial together and stay on the line).

  4. Follow up. A caring text or visit in the days after a crisis matters.

Connecticut Resources

  • ACTION Line (Adults, 18+): 24/7 crisis support, referrals, and warm transfers to Mobile Crisis: 1-800-HOPE-135 or 2-1-1.

  • Mobile Crisis for Youth (Under 18) – Call 2-1-1 for on-site/phone support statewide.

  • CT DMHAS Crisis Services – Overview of adult mobile crisis, 988 in CT, and resources.

  • Prevent Suicide CT (CTSAB) – Statewide prevention materials, trainings, and ways to get involved.

  • NAMI Connecticut – Education, support groups, and a help line for information (not a crisis line).

National Resources

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org for anyone in the U.S., any time.

  • Veterans Crisis Line – Dial 988, then press 1, text 838255, or chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat

  • Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741 to reach a volunteer crisis counselor; additional specialized keyword options (e.g., for financial stress) may be available.

  • The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ youth) – 24/7 support via call 1-866-488-7386, text START to 678-678, or chat online. (Note: the 988 “Press 3” LGBTQ+ subline ended on July 17, 2025; inclusive support remains available at 988 and through Trevor.)

  • Trans Lifeline — A peer support line run by and for trans people: 1-877-565-8860. (Check current hours on their site.)

For Our Communities: Prevention is a Shared Effort

  • Normalize check-ins. Ask friends, coworkers, and family how they’re really doing.

  • Promote safe storage. Encourage lockboxes for medications and firearm locking devices. Many local health departments and police departments provide free locks or disposal options.

  • Share resources. Post 988 and local CT crisis numbers at workplaces, schools, faith communities, and on social media.

  • Learn a skill. Consider trainings like QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) or Mental Health First Aid through local partners listed on Prevent Suicide CT.

 

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Help Save Lives with CT’s New Life-Saving Hotline

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Every second counts in an overdose. That’s why we’re sharing an important free life-saving resource now available to the communities you serve: SafeSpot, a confidential overdose prevention hotline.

By calling 800-972-0590, individuals are connected with a trained operator who will:

  • Stay on the line while they use
  • Ask for their location in case they stop responding
  • Call for help immediately if an overdose is suspected

As you know, a person experiencing an overdose can’t administer life-saving medication like naloxone (NARCAN® Nasal Spray) to themselves. SafeSpot is here when others can’t be.

Please share this number widely with your teams and the individuals you support.  

To help you spread the word, we’ve created a free toolkit that includes a range of social media assets. You can access the materials on the LiveLOUD Toolkit and search under “harm reduction”.

Help us reduce overdose deaths and ensure no one is ever truly alone.