Overdose prevention does not begin and end with responding to an overdose. It can happen at different stages of someone’s journey—from having naloxone ready during an emergency, to connecting someone with support before a crisis, to strengthening protective factors that can reduce the risk of substance use in the first place.

An upstream approach to overdose prevention means addressing risk earlier and earlier, creating more opportunities to prevent a crisis before it happens. To see what that looks like, let’s start at the point of crisis and work backward.

During a crisis: Being prepared to respond.

In a recent interview with 97.3 WZBG, Kyle Fitzmaurice, Community Outreach and Partnerships Coordinator, shared that one simple way people can help is by learning how to use and carry naloxone, also known as Narcan. This small nasal spray can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose and give someone precious time to get the emergency care they need.

Who should carry naloxone? You might assume you’ll never need it, especially if you don’t know someone who uses drugs. But overdoses can happen anywhere, and having naloxone nearby means you could be prepared to help someone in an emergency.

“What it really comes down to is being a bystander who knows what to do and can respond to an overdose,” says Kyle. “And oftentimes, especially in rural areas, a 911 response could be several minutes. During an overdose, every second matters.”

Naloxone has no potential for misuse and will not harm someone if opioids are not present in their system. Carrying it is one simple way anyone can be prepared to help save a life.

Before a crisis: Building connection.

Prevention can also mean helping someone find support before a crisis occurs. McCall provides regional oversight for the Community and Law Enforcement for Addiction Recovery (CLEAR) Initiative, a collaboration with key community partners to connect individuals at high risk of overdose with treatment and support based on their individual needs.

“It’s about what that person needs, not what we want from them,” Kyle said. “We’re able to walk with them and guide them rather than dictate what they should do.”

For community members, that can mean listening without judgment, knowing what resources are available, and helping someone connect when they’re ready. A person-centered approach can build trust and create opportunities for intervening before an emergency develops.

Even further upstream: Preventing substance use.

Overdose prevention can begin much earlier than we often think—by preventing substance use before it begins. Focusing on young people and strengthening protective factors can help reduce risk as they grow.

“One of the most effective ways to prevent substance use is to make sure young people have a safe, secure, and supportive relationship with an adult,” says Andrew Lyon, MPH, Director of Prevention and Family Services, who joined Kyle during the WZBG interview.

A trusted adult could be a parent, teacher, coach, or family friend who offers guidance, shares helpful information, and provides a safe, supportive space to listen. Andrew encourages adults to learn about the risks of substance use, learn how to talk to youth about them, and keep those conversations going over time.

The goal isn’t to shame young people or tell them what to do, but to set clear boundaries, build trust, and empower them to make healthy decisions.

We all have a role.

Overdose prevention is not one program, intervention, or moment. It happens along a continuum—and the further upstream we can go, the more opportunities we create to keep people safe.

Stay informed by visiting our blog for helpful articles and resources on overdose prevention, family support, community involvement, and tools for parents and caregivers.

Did you miss the interview?

We’re grateful to Kyle Fitzmaurice and Andrew Lyon, MPH, for joining 97.3 WZBG to discuss the many ways we can work together to address the opioid crisis and care for individuals and families.

Tonight! Overdose Awareness Day Vigil and Resource Fair. 

McCall's New Lamplighter Society: Create a Lasting Light for Healing.

Did you know August is Make-A-Will Month? It’s a meaningful opportunity to think about the legacy you want to leave behind.

McCall’s Lamplighter Society recognizes individuals and families who include McCall in their estate or financial plans. Legacy gifts provide stability and sustainability, allowing McCall to plan for the future while continuing to meet urgent community needs today.

There is no minimum gift required—membership is about your intention to help ensure compassionate care remains available for generations to come.

Listen Now: McCall’s Acceptance into the World Trade Center Health Program.

CT Insider Spotlights McCall’s Child and Adolescent Services.

CT Insider takes you inside McCall, highlighting our Child and Adolescent Outpatient Services, family-focused approach, and our commitment to helping people of all ages access the care and support they deserve.

We’re grateful to CT Insider and Hearst Connecticut Media Group for the opportunity to share our story—and especially proud of the dedicated McCall team members who bring our mission to life every day!

The McCall Funding Committee is excited to announce recent financial support extended to our organization. We’re extremely grateful for the generous gifts that will help further our mission.

Thank you to the Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation.

Award amount: $2,750

This funding will support a new psychological health and safety training for McCall staff.

Backpacks, Supplies, and Smiles.

A big thank you to Kim Rexford and the staff at Cigna Healthcare for donating backpacks and school supplies to support our first back-to-school drive for McCall clients and their families.

The drive was held at McCall’s Whole Health Center on Thursday, August 20, and thanks to the incredible response, every item found a home!

Summer Learning at McCall.

Thanks to the thoughtful coordination of Jamie Calvano, LADC, ADS, Senior Director of Quality and Compliance, McCall once again welcomed local high school students for our Summer Internship Program.

Students from the Torrington and Waterbury areas spent a week rotating through a variety of McCall programs, gaining a firsthand look at the many career paths within behavioral healthcare. Whether they were already interested in the field or still exploring their options, the experience offered meaningful connections, real-world insight, and a warm introduction to the work we do every day.

McCall’s Softball Team Takes Third Place!

Each year, McCall sponsors a team of staff in the Connecticut Sober Softball League, a co-ed league for people in recovery.

We’re proud of our players for finishing in third place this year—and for representing McCall in style with their new jerseys!

Affordable Housing for Healthcare Workers.

McCall was honored to attend the announcement of Cole Street Commons, which will transform the former St. Mary’s School into affordable housing for healthcare workers.

This project is a meaningful investment in Waterbury and in the dedicated professionals who care for our community every day. Congratulations to the state, city, and development partners bringing this vision to life!

58 High St. Torrington, CT 06790

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