IN THE NEWS

The media has covered the rise of the opioid epidemic, and as such, has also covered the growth of Community Speaks Out. CSO was established, for families by families, as a direct response to the lack of community support and local resources in terms of helping families navigate this devastating disease. Additionally, community members wanted to work towards erasing the stigma attached to drug addiction. These quotes are from just a small sampling of our growth through the eyes of the media.

“

August 2020 - THE DAY

When you're in active addiction, and you're using with people, there is no real friendship there…It's not a healthy relationship. Their life is chaos. How do you get someone to think logically when they're in active addiction?

Tammy de la Cruz, CSO President / Read Full Article

“

AUGUST 2020 - THE DAY

Cocaine increases the energy level and decreases the need to sleep, while fentanyl promotes relaxation and a mellowing effect. If you take the two together, the chance of overdose increases. The cocaine amplifies the effect of the fentanyl.

Capt. Brian M. Wright, New London Police Department / Read Full Article

“

August 2017 - THE DAY

It's a sober tournament, and all you have to do is look at them (players in recovery) and know there is hope…People who are suffering may feel more hopeful about getting into recovery…It's also amazing for parents and family members to be able to come forward and say, ‘Yes, my child is suffering.’ I'm just so happy Joey did this for my son.

Lisa Cote Johns, CSO Co-Founder / Read Full Article

“

FEBRUARY 2016 - THE DAY

They're our people…They're our family, and they're sick..

Rep. Joe de la Cruz, CSO Co-Founder / Read Full Article

“

March 2015 - THE DAY

My son was screaming and yelling, saying I didn't love him.

Rep. Joe de la Cruz, CSO Co-Founder / Read Full Article

From the Archives

We are facing an epidemic. The number of lives lost to heroin overdoses in Connecticut has increased exponentially over the past couple of years. Our little corner of Connecticut, New London County, has lost too many young people to this disease. We have only just begun to fight, but together we can move mountains. Below are links to news articles from the archives that illustrate that Community Speaks Out has been committed to addressing the opioid issue in our community for the long haul.

1310 WICH