Winsted, Connecticut — March 12, 2026 — Public safety leaders, behavioral health professionals, and community partners from across Connecticut and neighboring states gathered at CT State Community College – Northwestern for the Deflection Summit, marking the second summit hosted at the campus in the past three years. The event highlighted the growing collaboration between first responders, corrections professionals, and behavioral health providers working together to address substance use and behavioral health challenges in their communities. The summit was co-hosted by Community and Law Enforcement for Addiction Recovery (CLEAR), McCall Behavioral Health Network, and CT State Community College – Northwestern, and brought together representatives from law enforcement, fire service, EMS, corrections, probation and parole, behavioral health providers, and community organizations. Participants shared strategies that connect individuals to treatment, recovery supports, and community services rather than deeper involvement in the criminal justice system. The summit was facilitated by Lauren Pristo of CLEAR/McCall
O2SL and QRT National
OPERATION 2 SAVE LIVES & QRT NATIONAL