Milford Legislator Opposes Safe Injection Site Proposal

MILFORD, CT — State Rep. Kathy Kennedy (R-Milford, Orange) said she is opposed to legislation that would authorize a safe injection site in the state.

“Connecticut should never sanction the use of illegal drugs — especially at a time when families are fighting every day to keep their children safe from addiction,” Kennedy said in a statement. “Opening a government-approved drug consumption site sends exactly the wrong message. It tells our young people that drug use is something the state will manage instead of prevent.”

The proposal for a safe injection site, also referred to as a supervised consumption or overdose prevention center, passed through a divided Public Health Committee vote and will now move on to the state Senate.

In February, dozens of advocates went to the state Capitol to testify in favor of the bill, which would make Connecticut one of a handful of states with an overdose prevention center, according to The Connecticut Mirror.

The facilities allow people to bring and use illegal drugs under the supervision of trained staff. Proponents say that the facilities reduce public drug use and decrease demand for emergency services without an increase in crime, The Connecticut Mirror reported.

Last year, nearly 1,000 Connecticut residents died due to unintentional drug overdoses, many of which involved fentanyl and related substances.

“These are real mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, friends, and neighbors,” Kennedy said in a statement. “Every one of these deaths represents heartbreak for a family and a community. We must be honest about the danger drugs pose — especially to our children and young adults — and take every step to prevent use in the first place.”

Kennedy credited community engagement efforts like the Milford Prevention Council, which partners with schools, parents, law enforcement, and local organizations to educate young people about the dangers of substance abuse and promote healthy, drug-free choices.

“The Milford Prevention Council works tirelessly to reach our youth before addiction takes hold,” Kennedy said. “They focus on awareness, early intervention, and equipping families with the tools they need. That’s where our energy and funding should go — stopping drug use before it starts.”