Rising Drug Overdose Deaths in Connecticut
Marlene Kurban • January 3, 2022
Drug overdose deaths in Connecticut have been on the rise for the past several years. According to the Connecticut Department of Public Health, there were 1,378 confirmed drug overdose deaths for 2020, an increase of 14.3% compared to 2019. As of November 2021, there were 1,249 drug overdose deaths. Fentanyl and fentanyl analogs were involved in the majority of deaths, and lethal combinations of xylazine and fentanyl have continued to be a problem in 2021.
Research shows that a combination of medication and therapy can successfully treat substance use disorders, and for some people struggling with addiction, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can help sustain recovery. MAT is also used to prevent or reduce opioid overdose. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the use of medications, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a “whole-patient” approach to the treatment of substance use disorders. At InterCommunity Health Care, MAT programs are clinically driven and tailored to meet each patient’s needs.
The FDA has approved several different medications to treat a wide range of substance use disorders. MAT medications relieve the withdrawal symptoms and psychological cravings that cause chemical imbalances in the body. For example, Suboxone decreases the severity of withdrawal symptoms and reduce a patient’s dependence on opioids in the long term and is taken orally on a daily basis. Another option for patients at InterCommunity is Sublocade (buprenorphine), which is given by injection once a month for adults with moderate to severe opioid use disorder.
Dependence on alcohol or opioids can also be treated with naltrexone , which works by blocking the effect of opioid receptors and decreasing cravings and urges to use alcohol or opioids. Vivitrol, a brand name prescription drug, is naltrexone that is injected intramuscularly once a month.
Patients can access addiction recovery services at InterCommunity with or without insurance. Call 860-569-5900 for more information or to schedule an appointment. Read here for more information on MAT and common misconceptions.
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On Friday, September 5, InterCommunity staff came together for a day of laughter, connection, and celebration at the annual Employee Outing, held at High Meadow Resort in North Granby. On a mild late-summer day, team members from across the organization gathered in two shifts—morning and afternoon—ensuring everyone could take part in the festivities. From the moment staff arrived in their InterCommunity t-shirts, it was clear this was more than just a work event—it was a chance to relax, enjoy one another’s company, and celebrate the sense of community that defines InterCommunity. The outing offered something for everyone, from lively games of bingo and mini golf to climbing the rock wall—or simply unwinding and enjoying time together. Many staff took the chance to relax, connect with colleagues, and savor a much-needed change from the everyday routine. One of the highlights was the annual IC Challenge Cup field games, where employees teamed up—across departments—for a chance at the coveted trophy and bragging rights. Cheers and laughter echoed across the resort as colleagues encouraged one another in water ballon tossing, tug-of-war, and other activities. For those who preferred relaxation, the swimming pool was the perfect retreat, while others danced to music from a live DJ or enjoyed a peaceful stroll through the scenic resort grounds. The outing also featured an abundance of food, with options ranging from a taco and nacho bar to barbecued chicken, spareribs, veggie burgers, fresh corn on the cob, and even New England clam chowder. And of course, no celebration would be complete without a decorated sheet cake and ice cream that sweetened the day. A special moment of the event was when staff honored Jeff Hughes, outgoing Chief Financial Officer, who will soon be retiring. Jeff received heartfelt farewells and best wishes from colleagues and had the distinct honor of serving as judge for the cannonball contest—an event that drew big laughs and plenty of splashes. By the end of the day, the Employee Outing had once again reminded everyone that InterCommunity is more than a workplace—it’s a community. Staff left with smiles, full stomachs, and memories of a day filled with fun, camaraderie, and gratitude for one another.
We’re proud to share some exciting news—InterCommunity has been recognized not once, but twice, as a Top Workplace this year! Earlier this summer, we received the 2025 National Healthcare Top Workplace award, an honor given to just 129 organizations across the country with fewer than 500 employees. And now, we’re thrilled to announce that InterCommunity has also been named a Regional Top Workplace by the Hartford Courant, joining a select list of only 59 companies to earn this recognition in 2025. These recognitions are meaningful because they are based entirely on feedback from our staff. More than 233 of you participated in the confidential survey administered by Energage, an independent research firm specializing in workplace culture. Your honest perspectives about what it’s like to work here and the culture we’ve built together earned us these honors. To be named a Top Workplace reflects more than awards; it shows that InterCommunity is a place where people feel valued, seen, respected, and proud of our work. Our team of more than 350 employees brings a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and talents, and together, we create an environment where both staff and clients feel they belong. These awards mark the 15 Top Workplace recognitions InterCommunity has received over the past 15 years. They are a powerful reminder that YOU—your energy, compassion, and teamwork—make this organization thrive. Because of you, InterCommunity is not just a Top Workplace, but an extraordinary one.
For many patients, cervical cancer screening can feel overwhelming. Traditional Pap tests are invasive, uncomfortable, and for some, retraumatizing. At InterCommunity Health Care, this challenge is especially real for the people we serve—individuals living with serious and persistent mental illness, substance use disorders, histories of trauma, or those navigating gender dysphoria. Too often, these barriers keep patients from getting preventive care that could save their lives. That’s why InterCommunity has introduced a groundbreaking, patient-centered solution: self-swabs for cervical cancer screening. Recommended by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), self-swabs give patients more control, privacy, and dignity in the screening process. “This is about more than medicine—it’s about creating an environment where every patient feels respected and empowered,” said Dr. Chad McDonald, InterCommunity’s Chief Medical Officer. “By offering trauma-informed care rooted in compassion and dignity, we reduce stigma and anxiety, and open the door for more patients to say yes to prevention.” In 2024, cervical cancer screening rates among eligible female patients at InterCommunity rose significantly with the use of Pap testing alone. With the addition of self-swabs, those numbers are expected to increase—bringing lifesaving screenings to patients who might otherwise go without. For InterCommunity, self-swabs are not just a tool—they’re a symbol of our commitment to high-quality health accessibility. By prioritizing comfort, dignity, and choice, we are breaking down barriers and making preventive care accessible for everyone in our community. Together, we’re paving the way for a healthier future.
At InterCommunity, we believe that staying healthy starts with having a trusted doctor and nurses you can see regularly—what we call Physical Healthcare. It’s more than just going to a clinic when you're sick. It’s about having someone who knows you, understands your health needs, and helps you stay well. When people have a regular doctor or Primary Care Provider (PCP)—this might be a physician, nurse, or physician assistant—they’re more likely to catch health problems early, avoid trips to the emergency room, and feel more in control of their health. For people living with diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, or even depression, a trusted doctor can make all the difference. And for people working through recovery from addiction, our Physical Health team helps with things like sleep, nutrition, and liver health, all of which are key parts of healing. At InterCommunity, our Physical Health team offers care for the whole person. This includes: Checkups and yearly wellness exams Care for chronic conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes Women's health services like Pap smears, birth control, and STI testing Help with quitting smoking and staying up to date on vaccines Support for people in recovery from addiction, including managing medication for addiction like Suboxone, Sublocade, and Vivitrol Same-day visits for minor illnesses Connections to help with food, transportation, employment services, and more We also work closely with mental health counselors, case managers, and community health workers, so our patients get the care and support they need—all in one place. “Having a trusted team of medical experts by your side can change the course of someone’s health journey,” said Tyler Booth, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at InterCommunity. “We’re here to walk with our patients every step of the way.” At InterCommunity, we’re proud to provide care that helps people live longer, healthier, and happier lives.
East Hartford Public Schools and InterCommunity Health Care have taken another important step toward making healthcare more accessible for local families with the opening of the district’s 10th School-Based Health Center (SBHC) at Norris Elementary School. The new center was celebrated on August 11 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by educators, local officials, InterCommunity staff, and community members. Located in a newly renovated space that once served as the North End Senior Center, the Norris SBHC will provide primary care and behavioral health services to students during the school day—services that go far beyond the scope of a school nurse. With parental permission, students can receive checkups, physical exams, immunizations, treatment for minor illnesses and injuries, as well as counseling and crisis support. By offering care on campus, the center reduces missed school time for students and eliminates transportation and scheduling challenges for families. “Expanding our School-Based Health Center program to Norris Elementary is a meaningful step toward ensuring every child has access to compassionate, high-quality healthcare—right where they learn,” said Kimberly L. Beauregard, President & CEO of InterCommunity Health Care. “This program is about more than treatment—it’s about connection, prevention, and supporting the whole child.” The expansion of a School-Based Health Center at Norris was made possible through the leadership of Tricia Orozco, Vice President of Strategic Implementation at InterCommunity; Rebecca Rickert, Clinical Manager for SBHCs; and Jessica Russell, Practice Manager for SBHCs, whose vision and dedication helped bring this new center from concept to reality. School-Based Health Centers are making a measurable difference in East Hartford and Manchester. In the 2024–2025 school year alone, more than 2,100 students received over 23,000 behavioral and physical health services across the district’s centers. For many children, this care means they can remain healthy, focused, and ready to learn—without their families facing the added stress of navigating the healthcare system. With the addition of Norris Elementary, InterCommunity and East Hartford Public Schools are continuing their shared mission to remove obstacles, promote wellness, and ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed in school and in life.
On Friday, August 8, our Coventry Street campus came alive with music, laughter, and a true sense of community as we hosted a special celebration in honor of National Health Center Week. The event brought together patients, neighbors, community partners, and staff for a day filled with health resources, family-friendly activities, and an inspiring reminder of the power of community-centered care. We were honored to welcome Senator Richard Blumenthal, Congressman John Larson, and Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam, each of whom spoke about the vital role community health centers play in expanding access to care and improving health outcomes. Their visits underscored the importance of our mission and the ongoing need to invest in healthcare for all. Throughout the day, guests enjoyed a variety of activities and resources. Children bounced and played in the inflatable house, families visited the mobile library, and neighbors explored tables hosted by local vendors offering information on housing assistance, nutrition, mental health support, and other community resources. The InterCommunity Mobile Unit was also on site, providing complete physical exams and behavioral health assessments. For those looking to relax, an all-levels yoga session offered a moment of calm amid the excitement. Healthy snacks and refreshing treats from an ice cream truck kept everyone fueled for the fun, and raffle prizes added an extra spark of excitement. The day was about more than festivities — it was a celebration of connection and commitment. Every conversation between neighbors, every shared laugh over ice cream, and every handshake between a community leader and a resident was a reminder that health is not just about medical care; it’s about fostering trust, building relationships, and working together toward a healthier future. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our community partners, vendors, and attendees for making this event a success — and to our dedicated InterCommunity Health Care team, whose hard work made the day possible. Your enthusiasm and energy turned National Health Center Week into an unforgettable celebration of wellness, unity, and hope.
July 28 marks World Hepatitis Day, a time to shed light on a silent but serious group of diseases that affect millions of people across the country—including right here in Greater Hartford. Hepatitis A, B, and C are all viral infections that attack the liver, often with few symptoms in the early stages. Without diagnosis and treatment, they can lead to long-term complications, including liver failure and cancer. Among them, Hepatitis C (HCV) is the most common and dangerous. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , estimated new HCV infections in the U.S. rose to 67,400 in 2023, a sharp increase from 44,700 in 2017. These numbers are more than double the CDC’s target goal of 35,000 by 2025. While the rate of Hepatitis C-related deaths has dropped to 2.89 per 100,000, down from 4.13 in 2017, the fight is far from over. The CDC’s goal is to reduce the mortality rate below 3.00 by 2025—and communities like ours must remain at the forefront of that effort. InterCommunity Health Care is doing exactly that. “At InterCommunity, we work daily to eliminate Hepatitis C as a public health threat for the Hartford area. By training every primary care provider to screen, diagnose, and treat Hepatitis C during their orientation, we are removing barriers and restoring hope to patients by treating right from the patient’s medical home,” said Dr. Chad McDonald, Chief Medical Officer at InterCommunity. “We are bringing care to where our patients feel safest and most supported.” In addition to Hepatitis C, InterCommunity also provides testing, vaccines, and care coordination for Hepatitis A and B. Hepatitis A is typically spread through contaminated food or water, while Hepatitis B is often transmitted through blood, sexual contact, or from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth. Both can be prevented through vaccination—something InterCommunity offers as part of our comprehensive care. We know that early detection saves lives. That’s why we encourage our patients to ask about hepatitis testing, especially if they have a history of injection drug use, were born between 1945 and 1965, or have certain chronic health conditions. Eliminating hepatitis in our region is not just a public health goal—it’s a matter of dignity and access. At InterCommunity, we are proud to lead this work with compassion and urgency, one patient at a time.
I’m proud to share that InterCommunity Health Care has been recognized as a 2025 National Healthcare Top Workplace, an honor awarded to just 129 organizations across the country with fewer than 500 employees. What makes this recognition especially meaningful is that it’s based entirely on feedback from our staff, gathered confidentially by the independent research firm Energage. To be named a Top Workplace is a reflection of the environment we’ve built together—one where people feel respected, valued, and supported. Our team brings a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and talents to their work, and that richness strengthens everything we do. Both staff and clients often share how deeply they feel they belong here—and that speaks volumes about our culture. As we celebrate this achievement, we stay grounded in our mission: to provide thoughtful, compassionate care to those who need it most. That mission remains unchanged—and it will continue to guide us as we grow and serve together.
InterCommunity Health Care is proud to announce that it has been nationally recognized as a 2025 Healthcare Top Workplace , a prestigious honor awarded to only 129 organizations nationwide with fewer than 500 employees. This recognition is based entirely on employee feedback gathered through a confidential survey administered by Energage, an independent research firm specializing in workplace culture. The Top Workplaces program is the nation’s most credible and objective employer recognition initiative—free from subjective elements and grounded in robust data analysis. “I’m beyond excited and proud to accept this national honor for the very first time,” said Kimberly Beauregard, President and CEO of InterCommunity Health Care. “This recognition is a direct reflection of our dedicated team—professionals who bring unmatched passion, skill, and commitment to the individuals and families we serve throughout the Greater Hartford community.” InterCommunity Health Care remains deeply committed to fostering a welcoming, supportive, and mission-driven workplace that empowers employees to make a difference every day. For more information, please call 860-569-5900
On May 20, InterCommunity Health Care joined more than 2,000 nonprofit providers, staff, and clients at the Connecticut State Capitol to demand fair and sustainable funding for community-based health and human services. The rally, held just days before the close of the state’s legislative session, served as a powerful, united call for lawmakers to prioritize the needs of Connecticut’s most vulnerable residents. The event came at a pivotal moment. As the June 4 legislative deadline approached, lawmakers and the Governor worked to finalize the state budget—nonprofits like InterCommunity sounded the alarm. Despite growing demand for services such as mental health care, substance use treatment, primary care, and community outreach, the adopted budget included no general funding increase for nonprofit providers for the 2025 fiscal year. With banners held high and voices raised, InterCommunity staff stood in solidarity with peer organizations from across the state, urging elected officials to address a deepening crisis. Nonprofit providers like InterCommunity—who deliver essential services to people facing serious barriers to care—have gone years without adequate increases in funding, all while costs rise. “Connecticut’s nonprofit health providers are doing more with less every day,” said Kim Beauregard, President and CEO of InterCommunity. “We serve people who face serious barriers to care—housing insecurity, poverty, substance use, and trauma. When the state underfunds organizations like ours, our communities suffer. This is not just a budget issue—it’s a public health crisis.” While targeted increases were approved for providers who run group homes and treat developmental disabilities—with required wage increases for caregivers—broad-based support for organizations like InterCommunity was once again deferred. Lawmakers also designated $30 million in the second year of the budget for nonprofits serving individuals with mental health and substance use needs or providing reentry support to formerly incarcerated people. InterCommunity’s presence at the Capitol was not just symbolic—it was a statement of values and a demonstration of unity with peer organizations across the state. The message was clear: Connecticut cannot balance its budget at the expense of the most vulnerable. The rally was part of a larger statewide effort led by the CT Community Nonprofit Alliance to ensure policymakers understand the real-world impact of chronic underfunding. Without action, providers warned, services may be scaled back or eliminated, wait times could increase, and individuals and families may go without critical care. “There’s a real disconnect between the value of our work and the state’s investment in it,” Beauregard added. “We were proud to stand up for our staff, our clients, and our mission. The fight for fair funding doesn’t end with the legislative session—it continues in every conversation we have about what kind of community we want to be.” As we look ahead, InterCommunity remains committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate care—and to advocating for the resources needed to keep that promise.
