Tag: boac

Broome County has received reports of increased non-fatal overdoses during the past week. The Broome Opioid Awareness Council (BOAC) wants to encourage those with a substance use disorder to practice harm reduction strategies and to not use alone, have a Narcan kit available, and call 911 if you are on the site of an overdose.

Both in-person and virtual Narcan trainings are offered throughout the county. Having Narcan on site can save lives during an overdose. Community resources of free Narcan trainings are:

• The Addiction Center of Broome County: 30 State Street, Binghamton, NY, 13901. (607) 723- 7308.
• Helio Health: 249 Glenwood Road, Binghamton, NY, 13905. (607) 296-3072.
• Southern Tier AIDS Program (STAP): 277 Main Street, Johnson City, NY, 13790. (607) 237-0497
• Truth Pharm: 49 Pine Street, Suite 6, Binghamton, NY, 13901. (607) 296-3016.
• United Health Services (UHS): (607) 762-2200. For UHS Addiction Medicine, call (607) 762-2901.

You can simply call, text, reach out on Facebook, or send an email and you will be connected with a staff member who will ask you a few questions and set up a training or train you on the spot. The Broome County Health Department would also like to remind those of the “Good Samaritan Law” which protects all involved when seeking assistance regarding a possible overdose.

There is also the Never Use Alone hotline- simply call 1-800-997-2280 and speak to someone judgement free. Fentanyl test strips are also available in Broome County. Community members can reach out to 2-1-1 for more information on how to get the fentanyl test strips.

BOAC would like to remind community members to sign up for the free Spike Auto Text program, which alerts community members, professionals, and loved ones via text when there is an increase in overdoses. Individuals can sign up for the anonymous pilot program by texting SPIKE to 1 (855) 963-5669 (855-9-OD-KNOW) and follow the quick and easy prompts.

For more information and where to find phone numbers, visit: broomecountyny.gov/boac.

(BINGHAMTON, NY) The Broome Opioid Awareness Council (BOAC), The Prevention Coalition of Broome County and Broome County Suicide Awareness for Everyone (BCSAFE) are teaming up to encourage community members to get rid of unused, expired, or unwanted medications in honor of the DEA’s National Drug Take Back Day. The national event aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing prescription and over-the-counter drugs, while also educating the public about the importance of prescription and medication safety.  

The event will take place Saturday April 24th at the Broome County Health Department, at 225 Front Street in Binghamton from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Residents can drop off both prescription and over-the-counter medications, including patches and liquids. Community partners will provide education and resources regarding substance use disorders, mental health and suicide prevention, and veteran support. Free Deterra Drug Deactivation Bags and Rx Lock Boxes will also be available while supplies last. Deterra Bags are helpful for those that are not able to access a drop box location. Lock Boxes are used to safely store medications in the home to prevent misuse.

Narcan training will also be available at the event. Narcan is used to reverse an overdose of prescription pain medications such as morphine, codeine, methadone and Vicodin, and other opioid street drugs such as heroin and fentanyl. Those interested will learn about overdose prevention and how to correctly administer Narcan. 

“Partnering with other coalitions and agencies to work on this complex public health issue takes a multi-faceted approach. We are pleased to host events like this and offer our community members the opportunity to properly dispose of prescription and over the counter medications, ultimately saving lives and helping those with substance use disorders” added Marissa Knapp, Opioid Overdose Prevention Coordinator.

Unwanted medications should NOT be flushed down the toilet or thrown in household trash as they can be found by others and contaminate the environment. 

For those not able to attend this event, there are locations throughout Broome County that accept unwanted medications for proper handling:

Broome County Sheriff’s Office (Administration Lobby)
155 Lt. VanWinkle Drive, Binghamton, NY
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday

Endicott Police Station (Lobby)
1101 Park Street, Endicott, NY
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday

Broome County Public Library (Front Bear Circulation Desk)
185 Court Street, Binghamton, NY
Hours: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday & Saturday

Broome County Office Building (Lobby)
60 Hawley Street, Binghamton, NY
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday

(BINGHAMTON, NY) The Broome Opioid Awareness Council (BOAC) announced today that it is releasing funds for another year of mini grants. $40,000 total in funding is available in 2021, up from $25,000 in previous years, to be awarded for 4 projects that address specific deliverables, the work will be completed by community agencies to conduct opioid overdose awareness activities.

The funds will be available to non-profit organizations, community agencies, municipalities and schools to develop, enhance or establish opioid awareness related activities in Broome County.  This year awards will be accepted for activities that address work with recovery peers, harm reduction education and messaging, increased access to Narcan and education and prevention efforts around substance use disorders.

“Fighting this public health epidemic takes a multi-faceted approach, and we are excited to offer our community partners the opportunity to again explore new ways of saving lives and reducing the stigma associated with substance use disorders,” stated Rebecca Kaufman, Director of Public Health.     

“We saw some exciting projects the past few years and again are looking for proposals to tackle this complex public health subject area which impacts all sectors and people in our community” added Marissa Knapp, Opioid Overdose Prevention Coordinator.   
   
The grant applications can be found at www.bidnetdirect.com/new-york/broome-county .    
Successful applicants will be awarded a contract until 8/31/2021, contingent upon successful program performance. Projects will be funded depending on the scope of the projects that address 1 of the 4 subject areas, a total of 4 awards will be awarded up to $10,000 each.  

“I am excited for the additional amount of funding available this year to help combat the opioid epidemic in Broome County. Thank you to the many community agencies who work to save lives in our area and finding new ways to reach people due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” added Broome County Executive Jason Garnar. “I look forward to seeing new initiatives funded this year.”

(BROOME COUNTY, NY) Broome County has received reports of increased overdoses during the past 24 hours. The Broome Opioid Awareness Council (BOAC) wants to encourage those with a substance use disorder to practice harm reduction strategies and to not use alone, have a Narcan kit available and if you are on the site of an overdose call 911. 

Virtual Narcan trainings are being offered throughout the county. The Addiction Center of Broome County (ACBC), Helio Health, Southern Tier AIDS Program (STAP),Truth Pharm and United Health Services (UHS) are all offering virtual trainings in a way that protects a community member who would like to be trained and the staff from these organizations. You can simply call, text, reach out on Facebook or send an email and you will be connected with a staff member who will ask you a few questions and train you on the spot. It will then be decided the best way to get you a Narcan kit. It’s especially important now more than ever to check on those with a substance use disorder and make sure both the family and the person who uses drugs to have a lifesaving Narcan kit. 

Narcan is the drug used to reverse an overdose of opioids including heroin and prescription pain pills like morphine, codeine, methadone and Vicodin. Participants will learn about overdose prevention and how to correctly administer Narcan.
Community members can also visit their local pharmacy and use the Naloxone Co-payment Assistance Program (N-CAP), no prior prescription from a medical provider is needed. Call your pharmacy ahead to ensure availability. 

Additionally, support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), counseling and services provided by local agencies are being offered virtually. Residents are also encouraged to call 211 24 hours a day with questions or looking for more information or help. 

For more information and where to find phone numbers visit: broomecountyny.gov/boac

(BROOME COUNTY, NY) Broome County has received reports of increased overdoses throughout the month of February. The Broome Opioid Awareness Council (BOAC) wants to encourage those with a substance use disorder to practice harm reduction strategies and to not use alone, have a Narcan kit available and if you are on the site of an overdose call 911. 

Virtual Narcan trainings are being offered throughout the county. The Addiction Center of Broome County (ACBC), Helio Health, Southern Tier AIDS Program (STAP) and Truth Pharm are all offering virtual trainings. You can simply call, text, reach out on Facebook or send an email to the organizations and you will be connected with a staff member who will ask you a few questions and train you on the spot. It will then be decided the best way to get you a Narcan kit. 

It’s important now more than ever to check on those with a substance use disorder and make sure both the family and the person who uses drugs have a lifesaving Narcan kit. Narcan is the drug used to reverse an overdose of opioids including heroin and prescription pain pills like morphine, codeine, methadone and Vicodin. Participants will learn about overdose prevention and how to correctly administer Narcan.

Community members can also visit their local pharmacy and use the Naloxone Co-payment Assistance Program (N-CAP). No prior prescription from a medical provider is needed. Call your pharmacy ahead to ensure availability. 

Additionally, support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), as well as counseling and services provided by local agencies are being offered virtually. Residents are also encouraged to call 211 24 hours a day with questions or if they are looking for more information or help. 

For more information and where to find phone numbers head to: broomecountyny.gov/boac 

(BROOME COUNTY, NY) Broome County has received reports of increased non-fatal overdoses over the last few days. The Broome Opioid Awareness Council (BOAC) wants to remind the community about the virtual Narcan trainings that are being offered throughout the county.

The Addiction Center of Broome County (ACBC), Helio Health, Southern Tier AIDS Program (STAP) and Truth Pharm are all offering virtual trainings in a way that protects a community member who would like to be trained and the staff from these organizations. You can simply call, text, reach out on Facebook or send an email and you will be connected with a staff member who will ask you a few questions and train you on the spot. It will then be decided the best way to get you a Narcan kit.

It’s especially important now more than ever to check on those with a substance use disorder and make sure both the family and the person who uses drugs to have a lifesaving Narcan kit. For more information and where to find phone numbers visit: broomecountyny.gov/boac.

Narcan is the drug used to reverse an overdose of opioids including heroin and prescription pain pills like morphine, codeine, methadone and Vicodin. Participants will learn about overdose prevention and how to correctly administer Narcan.

Community members can also visit their local pharmacy and use the Naloxone Co-payment Assistance Program (N-CAP), no prior prescription from a medical provider is needed. Call your pharmacy ahead to ensure availability.

Additionally, support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), counseling and services provided by local agencies are being offered virtually. Residents are also encouraged to call 211 with questions or if they are looking for more information or help.

Those those with a substance use disorder should practice harm reduction measures and not use alone, have a Narcan kit available and if you are on the site of an overdose call 911.

(BINGHAMTON, NY) Truth Pharm and Broome County Opioid Awareness Council (BOAC) will be co-hosting a Narcan Training on Friday March 6^th from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. at the Broome County Public Library in honor of Black Balloon Day.

Black Balloon Day is a national and international event to bring awareness to overdose deaths and show support for families who have been affected by substance use disorders. Black Balloons will be handed out at the Broome County Public Library and community members are encouraged to hang them up outside their homes, workplace or anywhere they can bring awareness, encourage a conversation and educate others about substance use disorders and fatal overdoses. 

Marissa Knapp, Broome County’s Opioid Overdose Prevention Coordinator, said, “A big part of my job is to not only decrease stigma surrounding substance use disorders but also start conversations and help community members understand that it’s never too soon or too late to get help. Being trained in Narcan is one small step that can ultimately save someone’s life.”

Narcan is a simple to use nasal spray medication used to reverse an overdose of opioids including heroin and prescription pain pills like morphine, codeine, methadone and Vicodin. Participants at Friday’s event will learn about overdose prevention and how to correctly administer Narcan. Community members can also visit their local pharmacy and use the Naloxone Co-payment Assistance Program (N-CAP). No prior prescription from a medical provider is needed. Call your pharmacy ahead to ensure availability.

Walk in hours are also available at the Addiction Center of Broome County (ACBC) Southern Tier AIDS Program (STAP), Truth Pharm and United Health Services on Mitchell Ave for a Narcan kit and education.

Alexis Pleus the Executive Director of Truth Pharm said, “Our entire community has suffered so much loss due to substance use disorders. We feel it is our duty to comfort our community, raise awareness and provide tools to reduce further impacts. We’re so glad to be coordinating with BOAC and the Broome County Public Library for this important endeavor.”                                         

As always, we encourage those with a substance use disorder to practice harm reduction measures and to not use drugs alone, have a Narcan kit available and if you are on the site of an overdose to call 911.

(BINGHAMTON, NY) The Broome Opioid Awareness Council (BOAC) announced today that it is releasing funds for another year of opioid overdose mini grants. $25,000 total in funding is available in 2020 for community agencies to conduct opioid overdose awareness activities.

The funds will be available to non-profit organizations, community agencies, municipalities and schools to develop, enhance or establish opioid awareness related activities in Broome County. 

Last year funds were awarded to Truth Pharm and the Addiction Center of Broome County (ACBC) and initiatives included prevention programming, education, training community members in Narcan and other services to help those in treatment with a substance use disorder.

“Fighting this public health epidemic takes a multi-faceted approach, and we are excited to offer our community partners the opportunity to again explore new ways of saving lives and reducing the stigma associated with substance use disorders,” stated Rebecca Kaufman, Director of Public Health.    

“We saw some exciting projects the last 2 years and again are looking for proposals to tackle this complex public health subject area which impacts all sectors and people in our community”, added Marissa Knapp, Opioid Overdose Prevention Coordinator.      

The grant applications can be found at www.bidnetdirect.com/new-york/broome-county.

Successful applicants will be awarded a contract until 12.31.20, contingent upon successful program performance. Projects will be funded depending on the scope of the projects and may range in award amounts up to $25,000.

 “We continue to combat the opioid epidemic in Broome County and are thankful to the many community agencies who work to save lives in our area,” added Broome County Executive Jason Garnar. “These awarded funds continue to support organizations focused on prevention, education, treatment and recovery in Broome County.”

(BINGHAMTON, NY) The Broome Opioid Awareness Council (BOAC) announced today that they have over 2,000 Drug Deactivation pouches that will be available to community members.

The Deterra Drug Deactivation System is a safe medication disposal pouch that allows people to easily and effectively dispose of unused, unwanted or expired medications, including opioid painkillers, right at-home. These pouches will be available starting in February at various municipalities, home care agencies, community agencies and county departments.

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“This is another great step in fighting the opioid epidemic in our community,” said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar. “Thank you to BOAC for all their hard work and taking this next step to fight addiction in Broome County.”

Research has shown that 3 of 4 persons who use heroin reported they first used a prescription opioid and 70% of prescribed opioids for surgical use remain unused and available in someone’s home for abuse. BOAC has worked with local partners and community members on education and hosting 2 RX take back days a year and there are currently 13 medication drop boxes located across Broome County, however those sites aren’t always accessible or convenient for all community members.

Anyone can use a Deterra pouch to dispose of drugs including pills, patches, liquids, creams and films. Simply add the recommended amount of unused medicines into the pouch, fill the pouch half-way with warm water, wait 30 seconds, seal the pouch and gently shake. You can then dispose of them in normal household trash. Each Deterra pouch contains activated carbon, which firmly bonds to pharmaceuticals rendering them inert and non-retrievable for all practical purposes. The Deterra pouch is the only environmentally sound, in-home drug disposal system that permanently deactivates drugs. For more information about the pouches visit  https://deterrasystem.com/.

“Fighting this complex public health epidemic takes a multi-faceted approach, and we are pleased to offer our community members another way to properly dispose of prescription opioids, ultimately saving lives and helping those with substance use disorders,” stated Marissa Knapp, Opioid Overdose Prevention Coordinator for Broome County.     

The Drug Deactivation pouches will be available to the community in a few weeks. For more information contact Marissa Knapp at 607-778-2812 or visit broomecountyny.gov/boac and check out the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BroomeOpioidAwarenessCouncil/.

(BINGHAMTON, NY) The Broome Opioid Awareness Council (BOAC) announced today that it is releasing funds for another year of opioid overdose mini grants. $25,000 total in funding is available in 2019 for community agencies to conduct opioid overdose awareness activities.

The funds will be available to non-profit organizations, community agencies, municipalities and schools to develop, enhance or establish opioid awareness related activities in Broome County. 

Last year funds were awarded to four (4) Broome County agencies that included: The Boys and Girls Club of Western Broome, Broome Tioga BOCES- Compass Academy High School, Southern Tier Aids Program (STAP) and Truth Pharm. Programs awarded included a hybrid model high school that interacts with both education and clinical substance use disorder treatment, prevention programming, and education and training in the community in high-risk locations.

“Fighting this public health epidemic takes a multi-faceted approach, and we are excited to offer our community partners the opportunity to again explore new ways of saving lives and reducing the stigma associated with substance use disorders,” stated Rebecca Kaufman, Director of Public Health.    

“We saw some exciting projects last year and again are looking for proposals to tackle this complex public health subject area which impacts all sectors and people in our community”, added Marissa Lamphere, Opioid Overdose Prevention Coordinator.      

The grant applications can be found at www.bidnetdirect.com/new-york/broome-county.

Successful applicants will be awarded a contract until 12.31.19, contingent upon successful program performance. Projects will be funded depending on the scope of the projects and may range in award amounts up to $25,000.

 “Today we will partner for a better tomorrow to save more lives in Broome County,” added Jason Garnar, Broome County Executive. “These grassroots efforts will be another step in building the foundation of prevention, education, treatment and recovery.”