Housatonic Valley Health District

09/08/2026

You can stay up to date on Public Health Information and Events through Housatonic Valley Health District’s Monthly Newsletter!
Subscribe here: https://buff.ly/R5ddK6U

09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day! Today we celebrate the hard work, dedication, and grit of the workers that keep our communities moving forward. We hope today we can all take a well-deserved break, enjoy the long weekend, and soak up the last bits of summer! HVHD Offices will resume regular office hours Tuesday, September 8th.

09/04/2026

Naloxone (Narcan) is a life-saving medication intended to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It is a pre-filled nasal spray, so simple that anyone can administer it. To administer, all you need to do is follow 3 simple steps.

Step 1: Make sure the person receiving Narcan is lying on their back.

Step 2: Insert the medication into the nostril and press the button.

Step 3: Call 911.

Narcan can be used even if the person receiving it has not taken any substances, so it is best to be safe and use Narcan even on suspected overdoses. For free Narcan, please visit either of our HVHD offices.

09/02/2026

In an effort to enhance our data-driven efforts, Western CT Coalition has launched a survey to help community and regional organizations to better understand adult health trends, community strengths, emerging issues, and prevention needs. The data will be used to inform health promotion and prevention strategies in the 43 towns we service.

The survey, accessible at this link, is open to anyone aged 18 and older who lives or works in Western CT. It takes around 14 minutes to complete, and all responses are confidential and anonymous - any question that a participant does not want to answer can be skipped. Responses will be collected through the month of September; the survey will close on Thursday, October 1.

09/01/2026

September 6-12 marks National Su***de Prevention Week, an annual campaign to educate our community about su***de prevention and the warning signs of su***de. Prevention is everyone’s responsibility. Families, schools, workplaces, faith communities, health systems, and individuals all have a role to play. Small acts of connection, such as a check-in, a shared resource, a moment of genuine attention, are how communities take care of each other.

08/31/2026

Every August 31, International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) brings a global community together to take action on overdose. Hold an event, spread the message, take action today. This year the theme for IOAD is 25 Years On. Still Needed. For 25 years, International Overdose Awareness Day has brought people together to remember those we’ve lost and to take action to save lives. The truth is, we shouldn’t still need this day. But we do. Overdose continues to affect every community. Yet it can be prevented. We know how to reduce risk and keep people safe. By speaking openly, learning from one another, and treating each other with care and respect, we build a world where fewer lives are lost. Because while this day is still needed, it doesn’t have to be forever.

08/25/2026

If you see a Spotted Lanternfly don't hesitate to kill it!
For more information visit: https://buff.ly/bJRCYb2

The Spotted Lanternfly is an invasive insect that arrived in North America on goods imported from Asia. Although SLF's potential impact on Connecticut's hardwood forests is manageable, its potential impact on Connecticut's agricultural industry could be devastating.

Follow all quarantine orders regarding the movement of plants, wood and other materials.

Reporting: As of August 2026, reports of SLF sightings are requested for Windham, Tolland, and Litchfield counties, and optional for Hartford, Fairfield, New Haven, Middlesex, and New London counties. You can report by taking a photo using this SLF Reporting Form from the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. Photographs are required for identification purposes.

Check your vehicles for stowaways. Inspect your vehicles, trailers, and other items for SLF adults and egg masses when traveling through areas with known or suspected SLF populations. These insects are known to hitchhike on vehicles and even clothing.

You can find removal and control options on the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station SLF Portal.

08/19/2026

08/13/2026

Join Hearing Life for a Free Lunch and Learn event surrounding Hearing Health.

08/12/2026

Join us for an open discussion about immunizations and community health. This gathering is an opportunity to ask questions, share experiences, address concerns, and learn in a welcoming environment. Together, we can explore how immunizations help protect communities, families, and individuals of all ages, and encourage staying informed and making healthy choices.