Vending machines to provide free overdose meds in Midd, Vergennes

Addison County is about to become only the third county in the state to host outdoor vending machines dispensing naloxone — a medication that rapidly reverses the effects of opioid overdose.

Opioid deaths among Vermonters appear to have dipped in 2023, according to new data from the state Department of Health, following three consecutive years of record-breaking fatalities. 

Salisbury’s Chip Piper will have run more during the next 10 days than most of us will run in a year. And he’ll be doing it for an important cause.

Over the past five years, Elissa Johnk, the lead minister at the First Congregational Church of Burlington, has borne witness to Vermont’s overdose crisis. 

Vermont has made concrete efforts to address the state’s opioid crisis, but experts say there’s still plenty of work to be done — including in Addison County.

Addison County Sherriff’s Department officials have been looking to speak with two individuals they believe are responsible for illegally dumping used needles and other trash in Lincoln last month. 

The Vermont Legislature is looking more like a Mel Blanc Looney Tunes than a responsible lawmaking body. The Legislature has already legalized Dope. Now they want safe injection sites.

In mid-June, a 38-year-old mother of three died in Burlington from bacterial blood poisoning due to pneumonia, which stemmed from chronic substance use.

In mid-June, a 38-year-old mother of three died in Burlington from bacterial blood poisoning due to pneumonia, which stemmed from chronic substance use.

The film “Life After You,” which takes a serious look at opiate abuse, will be screen with a post-film question-and-answer with the filmmakers later this month.

Last year, Vermont recorded the highest number of opioid overdose deaths the state has ever seen — 210. This year could bring worse news if the latest numbers are any indication.

Brett Ann Stanciu, the librarian in a small Vermont town, struggled after a community member, known to be a habitual drug-user and a frequent trespasser in the library building after hours, took his own life just after he was witnessed breaking into the l … (read more)

MIDDLEBURY — In response to opioid crisis in Vermont, the Department of Health (VDOH) and the Hannaford Career Center are partnering to offer a series of workshops, starting Feb. 11, from 6-8:15 p.m., aimed at building understanding and community resilien … (read more)

MIDDLEBURY — The Counseling Service of Addison County and two other Vermont community mental health agencies announced on Wednesday that they are joining forces in a lawsuit against the opioid drug industry. Joining CSAC as state-designated nonprofit agen … (read more)

VERGENNES — A new counseling office for patients who are suffering addiction to alcohol or opioids has been proposed for downtown Vergennes, the Vergennes City Council learned at its meeting Tuesday evening. Alderman Bill Benton said the business, as he u … (read more)