The Connecticut Department of Public Health launched the Report on Connecticut Unintentional Overdose Deaths, an online dashboard that shows local data on drug overdose deaths and is updated each month.  Users can view data for the state, their town or their region and see how patterns change over time. Regional data is organized by County Equivalent Planning Regions, which are groups of nearby towns used for planning. Charts let users choose the information they want to see.

The department’s Injury and Violence Surveillance team created the dashboard, which can help local leaders, health workers and community groups learn which groups and places are most affected and plan overdose prevention. Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD, said: “Good local data can help save lives. This dashboard gives towns and community groups current information they can use to act. Every number stands for a person, a family, and a community. We hope this tool helps our partners keep people safe and connect them with care.”

The dashboard is open to the public. Intended users include local health departments, community groups and programs that help reduce the harms of drug use, town leaders and regional planners, and health care workers, first responders and other partners.

People seeking help finding local health and human services, including help with drug use or mental health, can call 211 or visit 211ct.org. The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available by call or text at 988.