Press Articles

By Robert Sample | Were he alive today, Ian Eaccarino would be 41 — but his life was cut short by a drug overdose at the age of 20. Eaccarino’s death in 1997 gave his mom, Norwalk’s Ginger Katz, a new mission that involves keeping his memory alive and ensuring Eaccarino did not die in vain.

By Joseph Hong | Citing a report that showed increased marijuana use by Colorado’s youth immediately following legalization in the state, the Palm Springs Unified School District wants to prevent similar outcomes for its students. In late May, the district announced a proposal to stifle potentially detrimental effects of cannabis legalization on students and campus climate. The district's three-pronged strategy includes reassessing school discipline, renewing counseling efforts and a prevention curriculum for parents and students across grade levels.

By Nia Hamm | HARTFORD — The opioid epidemic is ravaging communities across the nation including many in Connecticut. However, some local health officials believe far more people may be suffering from opioid addiction than the state actually reports. This could mean the opioid crises is far worse than previously thought. “The only word I could describe what it’s like to lose a child is, it’s human torture,” said Ginger Katz. Katz lost her son, 20-year-old, Ian Eaccarino, to a drug overdose involving opioids more than two decades ago.

By Sarah Cody | NORWALK, Conn. (WTNH) — Parenting during the opioid epidemic: a Norwalk mother is traveling the state, with a plea for prevention. NORWALK, Conn. (WTNH) — Parenting during the opioid epidemic: a Norwalk mother is traveling the state, with a plea for prevention. “I’m in a club that nobody wants to join – nobody signs up for this,” said Ginger Katz who lost her son Ian to a heroin overdose in 1996. “I got up for my morning run and I found him at 6am. My cries for help were heard two blocks away.” For years, he’d struggled to overcome his problem.