(BROOME COUNTY, NY) - Broome County has received reports of increased suspected overdoses during the past 24 hours. The Broome Overdose Action Collaborative (BOAC) wants to encourage anyone using drugs recreationally, those using daily or those with a substance use disorder to practice harm reduction strategies and to not use alone, have a Narcan kit available, use fentanyl and xylazine test strips, and if you are on the site of an overdose call 911.
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.
• Binghamton University Faculty, Staff and Students can email Bennett Doughty at Bdoughty@binghamton.edu
• Fairview Recover Services: 5 Merrick St. Binghamton, NY 13904 Call Don at 607-821-7811
• 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.
Xylazine has often been found in the drug supply in Broome County. Xylazine is a non-opioid sedative, not approved for use for people. Xylazine can be mixed with illegal drugs like cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl to enhance drug effects or increase street value. People may not be aware of the presence of xylazine in drugs. If you encounter someone who is experiencing an opioid overdose or an overdose involving opioids and xylazine, call 911, administer naloxone, and provide rescue breathing. Rescue breathing is essential, because xylazine can cause breathing to slow down.
BOAC would like to remind those who use substances about the Never Use Alone hotline- simply call 1-800-997-2280 and speak to someone judgement free. Fentanyl and xylazine 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 and xylazine test strips.
For more information and where to find phone numbers visit: http://www.gobroomecounty.com/boac.
