Posts Tagged ‘overdose’

New York State Department of Health Launches New Harm Reduction Campaign to Help Reduce Overdoses

Friday, February 10th, 2023

“Safer Choices” Campaign Designed to Promote Tools and Knowledge to Reduce Overdose Deaths in New York

ALBANY, N.Y. (February 9, 2023) – The New York State Department of Health today announced the launch of a new harm reduction campaign, “Safer Choices,” to help prevent overdose deaths across New York. The multi-media campaign, starting with a focus on social media platforms and web-based resources, is meant to equip individuals with an understanding of how to reduce overdose, as deadly fentanyl continues to be found in a wide variety of drugs. The campaign also continues to emphasize the importance of naloxone as a life-saving tool in the event of an overdose.   

“To help reduce the number of overdose deaths across the state, we need to make sure people who use drugs, and their family members and friends, know how to reduce the risk of overdose and how to respond should an overdose occur,” Acting State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “This new campaign will not only save lives, but it will also serve to help reduce the bias and discrimination associated with a substance use disorder diagnosis.”

The campaign shares helpful information and steps for family members, friends, and persons who use drugs. Tips for family members and friends strongly recommending carrying naloxone in case they witness an overdose, as well as information about Opioid Overdose Training programs across the state and about the Naloxone Co-payment Assistance Program (N-CAP), which can  cover co-payments for naloxone of up to $40.

These important messages focus on other life-saving steps that can be taken, which include testing drugs for fentanyl contamination. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times stronger than heroin, has been found in powder cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, molly/MDMA, counterfeit Xanax, other pills, and powder sold as heroin. In addition, the campaign advises individuals to never use opioids and other drugs alone, and to know that, in case of an overdose, calling 911 will not result in a possession charge. Persons who use drugs are also encouraged to carry naloxone and know how to administer this life-saving drug.

More information about the new harm reduction campaign can be found at https://www.health.ny.gov/saferchoices.

This latest campaign builds on the Department’s ongoing work to support a variety of harm reduction initiatives. Other programs include the Local Health Department Initiative, providing funding to 24 county health departments with the highest overdose rates outside of New York City to bolster primary care, corrections, harm reduction, emergency departments, public safety, and more; over 900 registered Opioid Overdose Prevention Programs, which provide training to non-medical individuals to recognize opioid overdoses and provide naloxone at no cost to the participant. The Department also operates New York MATTERS, an electronic referral system for connecting individuals with opioid use disorder to local treatment and harm reduction services.

Additionally, the State has authorized 25 Syringe Exchange Programs (SEPs) with over 81 sites statewide. SEPs remain at the forefront of innovation in addressing the needs of New Yorkers who use drugs and lead in the distribution of naloxone to New Yorkers vulnerable to overdose. The State’s 14 Drug User Health Hubs have been built upon the long-standing foundation of SEPs. These Hubs focus on reducing overdose by providing access to buprenorphine, building safety plans with people who have experienced a non-fatal overdose and equipping participants with naloxone.

Governor Hochul’s administration also recently announced more than $8.6 million for innovative programs to treat opioid addiction through grants awarded through New York State’s Opioid Settlement Fund.

People with question or requests for additional information should visit https://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/opioid/

Information on where to find nearby Syringe Exchange Program site locations can be found here.

New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state’s toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369). 

                                           -###-

Contact: New York State Department of Health   

518-474-2043 x. 2   

press@health.ny.gov   

facebook.com/NYSDOH

twitter.com/HealthNYGov

pinterest.com/nysdoh

health.ny.gov  

New York State Department of Health Launches New Harm Reduction Campaign to Help Reduce Overdoses

“Safer Choices” Campaign Designed to Promote Tools and Knowledge to Reduce Overdose Deaths in New York

ALBANY, N.Y. (February 9, 2023) – The New York State Department of Health today announced the launch of a new harm reduction campaign, “Safer Choices,” to help prevent overdose deaths across New York. The multi-media campaign, starting with a focus on social media platforms and web-based resources, is meant to equip individuals with an understanding of how to reduce overdose, as deadly fentanyl continues to be found in a wide variety of drugs. The campaign also continues to emphasize the importance of naloxone as a life-saving tool in the event of an overdose.   

“To help reduce the number of overdose deaths across the state, we need to make sure people who use drugs, and their family members and friends, know how to reduce the risk of overdose and how to respond should an overdose occur,” Acting State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “This new campaign will not only save lives, but it will also serve to help reduce the bias and discrimination associated with a substance use disorder diagnosis.”

The campaign shares helpful information and steps for family members, friends, and persons who use drugs. Tips for family members and friends strongly recommending carrying naloxone in case they witness an overdose, as well as information about Opioid Overdose Training programs across the state and about the Naloxone Co-payment Assistance Program (N-CAP), which can  cover co-payments for naloxone of up to $40.

These important messages focus on other life-saving steps that can be taken, which include testing drugs for fentanyl contamination. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times stronger than heroin, has been found in powder cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, molly/MDMA, counterfeit Xanax, other pills, and powder sold as heroin. In addition, the campaign advises individuals to never use opioids and other drugs alone, and to know that, in case of an overdose, calling 911 will not result in a possession charge. Persons who use drugs are also encouraged to carry naloxone and know how to administer this life-saving drug.

More information about the new harm reduction campaign can be found at https://www.health.ny.gov/saferchoices.

This latest campaign builds on the Department’s ongoing work to support a variety of harm reduction initiatives. Other programs include the Local Health Department Initiative, providing funding to 24 county health departments with the highest overdose rates outside of New York City to bolster primary care, corrections, harm reduction, emergency departments, public safety, and more; over 900 registered Opioid Overdose Prevention Programs, which provide training to non-medical individuals to recognize opioid overdoses and provide naloxone at no cost to the participant. The Department also operates New York MATTERS, an electronic referral system for connecting individuals with opioid use disorder to local treatment and harm reduction services.

Additionally, the State has authorized 25 Syringe Exchange Programs (SEPs) with over 81 sites statewide. SEPs remain at the forefront of innovation in addressing the needs of New Yorkers who use drugs and lead in the distribution of naloxone to New Yorkers vulnerable to overdose. The State’s 14 Drug User Health Hubs have been built upon the long-standing foundation of SEPs. These Hubs focus on reducing overdose by providing access to buprenorphine, building safety plans with people who have experienced a non-fatal overdose and equipping participants with naloxone.

Governor Hochul’s administration also recently announced more than $8.6 million for innovative programs to treat opioid addiction through grants awarded through New York State’s Opioid Settlement Fund.

People with question or requests for additional information should visit https://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/opioid/

Information on where to find nearby Syringe Exchange Program site locations can be found here.

New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state’s toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369). 

                                           -###-

Contact: New York State Department of Health   

518-474-2043 x. 2   

press@health.ny.gov   

facebook.com/NYSDOH

twitter.com/HealthNYGov

pinterest.com/nysdoh

health.ny.gov  

International Overdose Awareness Day – HVCS Event

Thursday, July 8th, 2021

International Overdose Awareness Day

 

For more details on HVCS’ live and virtual commemorizations of IOAD 2021, please visit this page.

International Overdose Awareness Day – Video

Thursday, October 1st, 2020

On August 21, 2020, HVCS observed International Overdose Awareness Day with a Facebook Live event. Personal experience speakers, community service providers, and HVCS staff all recorded videos for the occasion. We wrapped things up with a Narcan training. This event was sponsored by PCSB.

International Overdose Awareness Day

Wednesday, July 29th, 2020

International Overdose Awareness Day Virtual Event

Press from HVCS’ International Overdose Awareness Day Event

Tuesday, September 4th, 2018

HVCS' Overdose Awareness Day

Devan Marano shares her personal story at the Overdose Awareness Day observance in Newburgh.

On Friday, August 31, 2018, Hudson Valley Community Services partnered with Catholic Charities’ TEAM Newburgh to hold a local observance of International Overdose Awareness Day in front of HVCS’ Newburgh office.

International Overdose Awareness Day is an annual global event held on August 31st which aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. It also acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have died or had a permanent injury as a result of drug overdose. International Overdose Awareness Day spreads the message that the tragedy of overdose death is preventable.

The opioid/heroin addiction crisis has had a profound impact on the Hudson Valley over the past few years. In 2016, 367 residents died from opioid overdoses according to the New York State Heroin and Opioid Task Force, and available data on the first three quarters of 2017 suggests similar totals for last year. The epidemic has had a lasting impact on friends, families and neighborhoods—not to mention those who struggle with addiction. HVCS, other healthcare and social support agencies, law enforcement, and local governments have committed resources to prevent overdose deaths, increase the number of residents who seek help for their addiction disorders, and stem the tide of this epidemic. This event was an opportunity to honor and remember those we have lost to addiction disorders via overdose, and continue to educate the community on available resources.

The Hudson Valley’s International Overdose Awareness Day event featured a forum for personal experience speakers, Narcan trainings, educational opportunities, tributes to those lost to overdose, a social media awareness wall, activities to engage children and youth, and free snacks.

Check out local press coverage of the event:

Spectrum News: http://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/hudson-valley/news/2018/08/31/overdose-awareness-day-hudson-valley

Times Herald Record: Story (http://www.recordonline.com/news/20180831/overdose-survivors-impart-lifesaving-training) and slide show (http://www.recordonline.com/photogallery/TH/20180831/PHOTOGALLERY/831009999/PH/1)

International Overdose Awareness Day

Wednesday, July 11th, 2018

International Overdose Awareness Day in Newburgh

Narcan Training & Community Awareness

Monday, January 29th, 2018

Narcan Training and Community AWARENESS with Parents, High School Students and Adolescents sharing their experiences, hope and their peer to peer program that helps them help others.

Narcan (naloxone) is an opioid antagonist and is used for the complete or partial reversal of opioid overdose, including respiratory depression. It is also used for diagnosis of suspected or known acute opioid overdose and also for blood pressure support in septic shock. Free Narcan Kits will be given after the training.

Sponsored by New Paltz High School, Awareness Inc. and Hudson Valley Community Services.

RSVP Required To Reserve A Space: ucawarenessprogram@gmail.com

 

Snow Date: February 8, 2018

HVCS’ Frank Barone Speaks At An Opioid Overdose Forum on January 20, 2018

Monday, January 22nd, 2018

Our very own Frank Barone, who works in our Syringe Exchange Program, was among the panelists at an opioid overdose town hall held on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at the Newburgh Armory. The town hall was organized by NYS Assemblyman Frank Skartados and featured several voices from those impacted by the opioid epidemic and calls for compassionate treatment for people who use opioids.

Thanks to Orie Givens from Spectrum News for this press coverage (video).

“Frank Barone from Hudson Valley Community Services survived his addiction and now helps others dealing with opioid use, working with a syringe exchange program.

“You can read a hundred books and you think that you know about addiction, but until you’ve actually been through addiction and have experienced it, you’re never going to truly understand what it’s like to be a heroin addict on the streets,” said Barone.”

 

TOWN HALL ON OPIOID OVERDOSE THIS SATURDAY IN NEWBURGH

Tuesday, January 16th, 2018

Town Hall on OverdoseNew York State is in crisis. Opioid overdose now takes the lives of more New Yorkers than homicides, traffic accidents and suicides combined. New York State Assemblyman Frank Skartados invites Hudson Valley residents to become a part of the solution and to join together to discuss a compassionate community response to opioid overdose deaths in New York’s 104th District. On Saturday, January 20th from 2-5 p.m. New York State Assemblyman Frank K. Skartados will be holding a town hall and forum panel on opioid overdose at the Newburgh Armory Unity Center 321 S William St, Newburgh, NY 12550.

AM Skartados has partnered with Hudson Valley Community Services (HVCS) and other agencies, including Adelphi University, Cornerstone Family Health, Drug Policy Alliance,  Hudson Valley Community Services, Team Newburgh United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region, and VOCAL-NY, to join people impacted by opioid use with experts in the fields of science, public health, criminal justice, and drug policy. HVCS’ Frank Barone, a member of our Syringe Exchange Program staff, will take part in a panel discussion.

This event will begin a compassionate and scientifically-informed discussion about drug use, overdose and New Yorkers’ best prospects for saving lives and living well. Information about local services available to people who use drugs and people in recovery will also be provided. Overdose and addiction affect us in a variety of ways.

The following experts and residents will field questions during the forum:

Keynote: Carl Hart, PhD Columbia University and Drug Policy Alliance

  • Hart is a Scientist, Activist, and Educator who is working to drive a compassionate response to people who use drugs and ensure that science informs policy.

Kassandra Frederique, MSW Drug Policy Alliance

  • Frederique is the New York State Director of DPAleadinge their statewide mission to advance those policies and attitudes that best reduce the harms of both drug use and drug prohibition, and to promote the sovereignty of individuals over their minds and bodies.

Judith Branche, MD, CornerStone Family Health

  • Branch is the Medical Director of the Center for Recovery at Cornerstone Family Health Center.

Jeff Kaufmann, Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP)

  • Kaufmann was a police officer with the New York Police Department. While earning a law degree and and working with the NYPD’s Legal Bureau became critical of New York State’s drug policies.

Frank Barone, Hudson Valley Community Services

  • Barone is a Syringe Exchange program prevention specialist and uses harm reduction techniques to engage people who use drugs and to minimize the harm use causes.

Lauren Mandel, RN Newburgh resident and nurse

  • Mandel is a Newburgh resident who has practiced nursing for decades. Her son Zane died after using an opioid in September.

Sgt. Julio Fernandez, Adelphi University School of Social Work

  • Fernandez works to analyze local data on opioid overdoses and hospitalizations to create a data-driven community response at Adelphi’s Hudson Valley Center.

Those interested may register online at: https://vocal.ourpowerbase.net/civicrm/event/register?cid=0&reset=1&id=1598

or share and follow the Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1854211644870945/

Calendar Information:

What: Town Hall on Opioid Overdose

Where: Newburgh Armory Unity Center, Larkin Center, 321 S. William St., Newburgh NY 12550

When: Saturday, January 20, 2018, 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Who: Concerned residents of New York’s 104th District and those affected by and concerned about opioid overdoses

More information: Contact Jawanza Williams, jawanza@vocal-ny.org

Town Hall on Opioids and Overdose

Tuesday, January 16th, 2018

Town Hall on OverdoseNew York State is in crisis. Opioid overdose now takes the lives of more New Yorkers than homicides, traffic accidents and suicides combined. New York State Assemblyman Frank Skartados invites Hudson Valley residents to become a part of the solution and to join together to discuss a compassionate community response to opioid overdose deaths in New York’s 104th District. On Saturday, January 20th from 2-5 p.m. New York State Assemblyman Frank K. Skartados will be holding a town hall and forum panel on opioid overdose at the Newburgh Armory Unity Center 321 S William St, Newburgh, NY 12550.

AM Skartados has partnered with Hudson Valley Community Services (HVCS) and other agencies, including Adelphi University, Cornerstone Family Health, Drug Policy Alliance,  Hudson Valley Community Services, Team Newburgh United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region, and VOCAL-NY, to join people impacted by opioid use with experts in the fields of science, public health, criminal justice, and drug policy. HVCS’ Frank Barone, a member of our Syringe Exchange Program staff, will take part in a panel discussion.

This event will begin a compassionate and scientifically-informed discussion about drug use, overdose and New Yorkers’ best prospects for saving lives and living well. Information about local services available to people who use drugs and people in recovery will also be provided. Overdose and addiction affect us in a variety of ways.

The following experts and residents will field questions during the forum:

Keynote: Carl Hart, PhD Columbia University and Drug Policy Alliance

  • Hart is a Scientist, Activist, and Educator who is working to drive a compassionate response to people who use drugs and ensure that science informs policy.

Kassandra Frederique, MSW Drug Policy Alliance

  • Frederique is the New York State Director of DPAleadinge their statewide mission to advance those policies and attitudes that best reduce the harms of both drug use and drug prohibition, and to promote the sovereignty of individuals over their minds and bodies.

Judith Branche, MD, CornerStone Family Health

  • Branch is the Medical Director of the Center for Recovery at Cornerstone Family Health Center.

Jeff Kaufmann, Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP)

  • Kaufmann was a police officer with the New York Police Department. While earning a law degree and and working with the NYPD’s Legal Bureau became critical of New York State’s drug policies.

Frank Barone, Hudson Valley Community Services

  • Barone is a Syringe Exchange program prevention specialist and uses harm reduction techniques to engage people who use drugs and to minimize the harm use causes.

Lauren Mandel, RN Newburgh resident and nurse

  • Mandel is a Newburgh resident who has practiced nursing for decades. Her son Zane died after using an opioid in September.

Sgt. Julio Fernandez, Adelphi University School of Social Work

  • Fernandez works to analyze local data on opioid overdoses and hospitalizations to create a data-driven community response at Adelphi’s Hudson Valley Center.

Those interested may register online at: https://vocal.ourpowerbase.net/civicrm/event/register?cid=0&reset=1&id=1598

or share and follow the Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1854211644870945/

Calendar Information:

What: Town Hall on Opioid Overdose

Where: Newburgh Armory Unity Center, Larkin Center, 321 S. William St., Newburgh NY 12550

When: Saturday, January 20, 2018, 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Who: Concerned residents of New York’s 104th District and those affected by and concerned about opioid overdoses

More information: Contact Jawanza Williams, jawanza@vocal-ny.org