Central Connecticut Health District

08/31/2026

August is National Immunization Awareness Month!

Vaccines are one of the best ways to protect yourself, your family, and your community from serious illness.

This month, take a moment to:
✅ Check that you and your family are up to date on recommended vaccines
✅ Talk with your healthcare provider about which vaccines you may need
✅ Help protect those who are most vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases

Stay protected. Stay healthy. Get vaccinated! 💙

08/31/2026

Today, Central Connecticut Health District remembers those we have lost to overdose, stands with families and loved ones affected by substance use, and recognizes the importance of compassion, connection, and community support. Overdose deaths are preventable. Recovery is possible. And help is available.

We are committed to connecting our community with resources that can help save lives, including:
💜 Naloxone (Narcan) — Carry it. Learn how to use it. It can reverse an opioid overdose and save a life.
💜 Fentanyl & xylazine test strips — Tools that can help people make informed decisions and reduce risk.
💜 Recovery support — Our Recovery Coaches can help connect individuals and families to treatment, recovery, and community resources.
💜 Local resources & referrals — No matter where someone is in their journey, we can help connect them with support.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, you are not alone. Please reach out to us! 860-785-8380 ext. 216.

💜

08/31/2026

Please note: The Hope After Loss group will not be meeting this evening at our Rocky Hill clinic location due to this event. The next meeting at our Rocky Hill clinic location will be Monday, September 21st.

08/29/2026

On Monday, August 31, TriCircle will be out in the community, honoring the memory of those lost to overdose and supporting the loved ones left behind.

For that reason, our regularly scheduled Hope After Loss meeting is canceled.

We'll be bringing our Memorial Quilt to two events, and we hope you'll join us!

11 AM - 12:30 PM: International Overdose Awareness Day Remembrance Ceremony📍 The Root Center for Advanced Recovery, 335 Broad Street, Manchester, CT

5:30 - 8:30 PM: Overdose Awareness Day Resource Fair and Vigil
📍 Coe Memorial Park, 101 Litchfield Street, Torrington, CT

08/29/2026

Thank you The Community Room Cafe for letting us set up a table outside on this beautiful day! We were able to speak with so many residents, pass along a lot of resources and hand out many boxes of naloxone. (And thank you for the delicious chai too!) ☕️

08/25/2026

Connecticut has confirmed its third measles case of 2026. This case involves a Hartford County adult who developed symptoms after returning from international travel.

Connecticut has confirmed its third measles case of 2026. This case involves a Hartford County adult who developed symptoms after returning from international travel.

Nationwide, measles cases now exceeding 2,700 in 2026, the highest total since 1991. DPH urges residents to confirm their MMR vaccination status, especially ahead of international travel. The MMR vaccine is about 97% effective at preventing infection.

Read the press release for case details, exposure guidance, and how to check your MMR vaccination status: https://ow.ly/tvnA50ZEXYS

08/25/2026

Weekly Health Update 🩺

Here are a few key health trends from CCHD’s Weekly Epidemiologist Report for August 25:

🦠 COVID-19: COVID-19 activity is increasing across the Northeast, with wastewater surveillance showing high levels. With the start of the school year, cases may continue to rise.

😷 Measles: Connecticut has reported 3 measles cases this year. Nationwide, 94% of reported cases are among unvaccinated individuals. Check with your healthcare provider to make sure you and your family are up to date on measles vaccination.

☀️ Heat & Allergies: Heat-related illness is occurring at a higher rate than the 9-year average. Pollen levels are also expected to remain elevated, with ragweed and grasses among the top allergens.

🦟 Ticks & Mosquitoes: CCHD has seen the highest number of tick-bite-related emergency department visits in the past five years during April, June, and July. So far, no mosquitoes tested within our district have been positive for arboviruses.

🏊 Before you swim: Check Connecticut’s State Swimming Water Quality Report before heading to your favorite beach, lake, or pond.

📊 Want to learn more? To read this week’s full Weekly Epidemiologist Report, please visit: www.ccthd.org/the-weekly-epidemiologist-report

Stay informed, stay safe, and take steps to protect your health as summer comes to an end!

08/20/2026

💙 New school year, new routines, new feelings.

The first day of school can bring a mix of emotions. Excitement, nervousness, stress, and everything in between are all normal parts of a new beginning.

Take a moment to check in with your child:
💬 Ask how they’re feeling
👂 Listen and let them know they’re being heard
💙 Remind them that it’s okay to ask for support

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health or experiencing a crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 to reach the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline anytime, 24/7.

Learn more about mental health services in CT: https://ow.ly/uy6y50Zy9VQ

08/19/2026

Local prescribers -The Hartford OD2A Prescriber Series: Clinical Excellence in Pain & SUD is a FREE six-part virtual webinar series focused on improving pain management, opioid prescribing, communication, and substance use disorder (SUD) care.

The series aims to help healthcare providers improve pain management while reducing opioid-related risks, use patient-centered and stigma-free communication, recognize and treat substance use disorders, and develop team-based approaches to care.

You can earn 1 ACCME/AMA credit for each session, for a total of 6. To register, please go to: https://ow.ly/SCbH50ZBEsU

08/19/2026

Clear vision doesn't always mean healthy eyes. Many eye diseases develop without noticeable symptoms, which is why annual eye exams are so important. A comprehensive eye exam can help detect issues early and keep your eyes healthy for years to come. Contact your vision provider to schedule your appointment!