Newtown United Methodist Church (NUMC) and Newtown Parent Connection (NPC) recently announced a new collaborative effort. The two entities host its next public program next week, when they continue to focus on the ongoing epidemic of drug addictions across the country.

On Tuesday, October 30, NPC and NUMC are hosting free Narcan training from 7 to 8 pm. Registration will open at 6:45, and the program will be at the church, 92 Church Hill Road in Sandy Hook.

Free Narcan kits will be available, and also can be distributed to those covered by insurance. Attendees are asked to bring an insurance card, if covered.

Narcan (naloxone HCl) Nasal Spray is the first and only FDA-approved nasal form of naloxone for the emergency treatment of a known or suspected opioid overdose.

NUMC Pastor Lori Miller [naviga:u]told The Newtown Bee last month[/naviga:u] that her congregation had been learning about NPC’s work and how Newtown as a community has been responding to the opioid crisis and substance abuse.

“I met with Dorrie [Carolan, founder of NPC] last year and was really impressed by the programs NPC runs at Fairfield Hills,” Pastor Miller said. “At the same time, NUMC had been engaged in a visioning program to determine how we as a congregation were being called to further support the community as a whole.”

She said one of the things that the church leadership determined was that the church should be more engaged in issues affecting Newtown. Ms Carolan met with NUMC’s Mission and Outreach committee and developed programs that have not only followed the Methodist church’s Sunday worship, but have also been created to draw attendees from all over the community.

“This is a hurt and a need that a lot of God’s children are experiencing right now, and we see this as a way to put our faith into action,” Pastor Miller said. “So we want to offer a place for people to come and learn there is help available if someone you love is struggling.”

For additional information or to register for either program contact NPC at 203-270-1600 or [naviga:u]newtownparentconnection.org[/naviga:u] or the NUMC office at 203-426-9998.