Broome County has received reports of increased overdoses during the past week. The Broome Opioid Awareness Council (BOAC) encourages anyone who uses drugs recreationally or daily to practice harm reduction strategies, to not use alone, have a Narcan kit available, regularly use fentanyl test strips, and call 911 if you are on the site of an overdose.
Both in-person and virtual Narcan trainings are offered throughout the county. The Addiction Center of Broome County (ACBC), Helio Health, Southern Tier AIDS Program (STAP), Truth Pharm, and United Health Services all offer quick and easy trainings. 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. 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 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 returning to in person and many are still being offered virtually. Residents can also call 211 24 hours a day for additional information.
For more information and where to find phone numbers visit: broomecountyny.gov/boac.
