FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                            Connecticut Department of Mental Health
December 4, 2017                                                                    and Addiction Services 
                                                                               Contact:  Diana Lejardi 
                                                                               (860) 418-6967
                                                                               (860) 558-0024 (cell)     

(Hartford, CT) – The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) today announced the launch of a new website which provides real-time information on bed availability for addiction services. The website gives users real-time information of availability for approximately 1,000 DMHAS-funded beds including detoxification services, residential addiction treatment and recovery housing. The information on the website will be updated by providers multiple times throughout the day.

“Every city and every town in the country has been touched in some way by substance abuse,” Governor Dannel P. Malloy said. “We have many resources in Connecticut that are available to people who are in need of addiction services. We encourage anyone who needs help to reach out and get support as soon as possible.”

The website is part of DMHAS’ infrastructure improvement funded by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) through its grant to expand Medication Assisted Treatment for Prescription Drug and Other Opioid Addiction. The grant, which runs from September 1, 2016 through August 31, 2019, provides the state with $1 million annually to expand medication assisted treatment (MAT) as well as strengthen outpatient resources and improve statewide infrastructure. Input and feedback on the website’s development was also provided by the Alcohol and Drug Policy Council’s Treatment Subcommittee.

“This website will be a tremendous help to people looking for addiction services funded by DMHAS. It gives current information on the availability of inpatient and recovery house beds available throughout the state,” said DMHAS Commissioner Miriam Delphin-Rittmon. “A wide range of treatment and community supports are vital in helping people with substance use disorders live in recovery.”

The website allows users to easily access the information 24-hours-per-day on their phones, tablets or desktop computers. The website can be accessed by visiting the DMHAS website (www.ct.gov/dmhas) or directly by going to www.ctaddictionservices.com.

In addition to the new website, people can be connected to addiction services and treatment by calling the ACCESS Line at 1-800-563-4086. For more information about the bed availability website or the ACCESS Line, please go to www.ct.gov/dmhas.

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