Sahara Club remembers those lost to overdose
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WARREN -- Southington resident Beth Conde said it is not easy to remember those who have died from a drug overdose, but to come together with others to share memories of loved ones is important.
Conde was among more than 100 people who gathered Monday evening outside the Sahara Club II where people could sign their names to a large banner for loved ones while hearing testimonies from those gathered in the parking lot.
The event marked its sixth year and took place on International Overdose Awareness Day.
Lizzie King, board president at the Sahara Club, said the overdose awareness memorial allows people to come together and support one another while taking part in a candlelight vigil and balloon release.
She said different agencies set up tables at the event and those who attended received a T-shirt and could sign the memorial banner, which will be placed inside the Sahara Club with past year's banners.
"This is about community support and engagement," King said.
She said a demographic survey was also taking place where people do not have to give their name, just provide information on if they are a person who took part at the event and attends support and recovery meetings offered at the Sahara Club.
King said this helps when applying for grants.
"It is so important that people have a connection with others in the community. People are welcome to share their own stories if they choose to do so," she said.
King said earlier in the day, she walked the nearby neighborhoods distributing drug overdose awareness fliers.
"This way they have information on what are the signs and what they can do if they encounter someone having an overdose," she said.
STATISTICS
Ben Smith of Warren provided drug overdose statistics from Trumbull County in 2025 and part of 2026 from the Trumbull County Mental Health and Recovery Board.
In 2025, there were 304 total overdoses in the county, with 54 of them being fatal.
As of July 2026, there have been 155 overdoses reported, with 26 fatal.
Smith said last year as of July, there were 183 overdoses so the number is down about 15% this year.
"People tell me they attend this to remember those we have lost," Smith said.
He said over the years, the number of overdoses has decreased, which shows some improvements being made.
Smith said most of the overdose deaths -- according to toxicology reports -- were fentanyl mixed with other substances and are down 8% from two years ago.
"Things have been improving," he said.
SIGNING THE BANNER
Conde said it is important to remember those who have died.
"It is unfortunate that drugs flooding our streets has taken a toll on our community. Parents, children and families have lost loved ones. Even though they have passed, they are always there with us. They will never be forgotten," she said.
Conde said it is heartbreaking to hear the stories of people who have lost a loved one.
"What this does is raise awareness of the dangers of drugs," Conde said.
She said her fiance, who is her son's father, died from a drug overdose in 2017.
"Even though it was almost 10 years ago, it doesn't make it any easier," she said.
Conde said support groups and events like the one on Monday help provide comfort.
"I am able to talk to people who understand what I am going through. My daughter is going through an addiction. People here are very supportive and make me feel better," Conde said.
Vanessa White of McDonald said, "To me having events like this is a big step in the right direction. It is important to remember and honor those we have lost. This event helps keep me sober. I have lost friends and people I have known to drug overdoses."
She said she likes sharing fellowship with others who are recovering.
Patrick Mullally of Mesopotamia said Monday was International Overdose Awareness Day and it is important to let the community know that the club is here to support them.
"The Sahara Club is a community recovery center. We strive to help people with recovery," Mullally said.
He said each balloon had an LED light in them when they were released at dusk.
Mullally said he knows others who have died from an overdose in the past six years since the event first took place.
Mullally said the Sahara Club hosts 28 recovery and support meetings per week to help people get sober.
Laura McLean of Warren said a Narcan kit was also handed out to anyone who needed one.
People took turns at the microphone sharing their stories of being drug addicts and getting high with others.
King said signs of an overdose include being passed out, having a very slow pulse, having very slow or shallow breathing, and gurgling or raspy breathing.
People's risk increases for an overdose if they buy drugs on the street, have a history of drug abuse or addiction, use more than three prescribed doses, or drink alcohol, use heroin or take other drugs with morphine-type drugs.