In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we want to talk about Naloxone, also known as Narcan, and why it is important.

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we are happy to welcome Victoria George from Rushford/the Meriden Healthy Youth Coalition to talk to us about mental health during the holiday season. 

The holidays are often portrayed as a time of joy, family gatherings, and celebrations, but for many of us, they can bring a lot of stress, anxiety, and even sadness.

But here’s the thing: It’s okay to not feel okay during the holidays. There’s no rule that says you have to feel “merry” 100% of the time. In fact, recognizing and acknowledging your emotions is the first step toward managing them.

The holidays can bring up a wide range of emotions. For some, it’s a time of great joy – a chance to connect with loved ones, create new memories, and celebrate traditions. But for others, the holidays can feel like a reminder of loss, loneliness, or past trauma.

Let’s talk about some practical strategies for maintaining your mental health and finding balance during this time.

Remember, you are not alone. Help is available.

The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress. 9-8-8 can also provide prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones.

For help, text or call 988, or chat with 988 professionals on their website at www.988lifeline.org/chat. Services area available in English and Spanish.

In this episode of, Meriden Health Talk, we are talking about toy safety as December is National Safe Toys and Gifts Month! 

Here are some considerations as you are out shopping for that perfect gift:

This holiday season, let’s make thoughtful choices to ensure our gifts bring joy and safety. By prioritizing quality, age-appropriateness, and safety, we can protect our loved ones and create lasting holiday memories. Questions on toy safety? Please visit the Safe Kids Worldwide website at www.safekids.org. 

In this episode of, Meriden Health Talk, we are hearing from our two Parent Ambassadors from the Meriden Early Start Program! 

Meriden Early Start is the new state-funded early care and education program that launched in July 2025. It combines 3 existing programs- child daycare contracts, School Readiness Grants, and State Head Start Supplement Grants- into 1 new program. 

Our Parent Ambassadors' role is to serve as advocates for families of young children. They help get parents connected with local early childhood programs and services. They aim to help parents and caregivers feel empowered in their child’s education and development. As Parent Ambassadors they play an important role in making sure parent voices are heard, valued and included in the community.

Be on the lookout for an opportunity to join their Meriden Family Voices Committee - This will be a welcoming space where parents, caregivers and families can come together to share experiences, raise concerns, and bring ideas that will strengthen child care and support for families.

To learn more about the Meriden Early Start Program please visit the website: Early Start (formerly School Readiness) | City of Meriden, CT

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, our Environmental Health staff is offering guidance on how to safely prepare and handle food to avoid foodborne illness this Thanksgiving!

We hope everyone has a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving!

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, Rhonda Knight, our Early Childhood Coordinator is talking about the Meriden Early Start program!

Meriden Early Start is a state-funded early childhood education program that helps young children build strong foundations for lifelong learning. Imagine a classroom filled with discovery—toddlers stacking blocks, preschoolers exploring letters through play, and infants reaching milestones with gentle guidance.

There are so many benefits to being part of Meriden Early Start.

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we are talking about septic systems! Do you know if your home is on a septic system or city sewer? Septic systems are underground wastewater treatment structures on your property that treat wastewater from household plumbing produced by bathrooms, showers, kitchen drains and laundry. 

If you have questions regarding your septic system, you can contact our Environmental Health Office at (203) 630-4226. For more general information regarding septic system, please visit: https://shorturl.at/W6OxE

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we connected with Rushford, one of our community partners, to talk about our Meriden Opioid Referral for Recovery program, known as MORR. Thank you to Rushford for recording this podcast episode.

People CAN and DO recover, and we are here to help. The Meriden Opioid Referral for Recovery program, known as MORR, is designed to meet individuals wherever they are at in their recovery journey and connect them to programs and services that will best fit their individual needs. Rushford offers a full continuum of programs and treatment options that will help you start and maintain recovery. In addition to residential and outpatient programs and case management, Rushford also has trained Peer Recovery Support Specialists that provide a unique level of support as they have lived-experience with substance use or mental health challenges. Rushford is proud to partner with the Meriden Department of Health and Human Services and our first responders, including Meriden's police and fire departments, and Hunter’s Ambulance on the MORR program.

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we are back to talk more about lead and some things you want to look for if you question whether you or your child would be exposed to lead.  

Housing – Any home that was built prior to 1978 has the potential to have lead.  If the house was built before 1950, it is almost certain to have lead.  We would look for any painted surface that appears to have multiple layers of paint, and if the paint appears to be chipped or cracked in any way. Old wooden windows, old doors, old stairs are common locations where lead can be found.

Staff for the Meriden Environmental Health Department has been trained to know what to look for when inspecting homes.  When applicable, we can test items to see if they come up positive for lead, or collect samples of items for analysis. If you need more information, please call the Environmental Health Department at 203-630-4226, and ask to speak to someone about lead.  

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we are talking about some important safety tips to keep your Halloween happy and safe!

Be street smart. Always use sidewalks and crosswalks.

Stay visible by carrying a flashlight or glow stick.

While it is tempting for children to dig into their Halloween candy as soon as they get it, adults should check treats before consuming. Adults should look for sealed, labeled packages, and avoid homemade goodies from people you don’t know, especially if their child has food allergies.

If you are staying home and handing out treats, please keep pets inside and secured. Clear your walkways of obstacles, and light them up if possible.

The most important tip of all - HAVE FUN! Meriden’s Trunk or Treat will be held Saturday, October 25 from 12 – 2 pm at the Meriden Green. All children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, you can visit the Parks & Rec’s Facebook page under: Meriden Parks & Recreation Department.