Saud Anwar

Senator Anwar Releases Statement After Senate Approval of Legislation Addressing Opioid Use in Connecticut

HARTFORD, CT – Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) issued the following statement after the Senate’s approval of legislation addressing opioid use in the state.

“The opioid epidemic is personal to me,” said Sen. Anwar. “As a critical care doctor, I see patients die due to complications from opioid use almost once every month. These are preventable deaths. This is not an illness of individuals but an illness of our society. There are many ways to try and address this challenge. This bill is a starting point to have a comprehensive plan and look at ways individuals in our society are getting access to opioids, prevention methods, early identification and treatment opportunities. This requires all hands on deck to try to prevent, identify and manage this illness. I am happy we have been able to pass this bill and look forward to the Governor signing it and starting the process. As we learn more, I believe we will have to enhance and explore this further. I thank the chairs of the Public Health Committee, Senator Mary Abrams and Representative Jonathan Steinberg, and others who have been instrumental in addressing this.”