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Welcome to the 2023 Summer Edition of Prevention in Putnam, our quarterly newsletter. Please share with your colleagues, friends and family. We know you are inundated with information, however we hope our newsletter provides you with reliable and helpful tools and resources regarding substance use, preventing and reducing harm as well as youth problem gambling prevention that you will find useful.
Best wishes for a healthy and fun summer season!
Be well.
Yours in Prevention,
Kristin McConnell
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Vape Disposal Units
Thank you to Kent Police for hosting Putnam County’s first Vape Disposal Box. These boxes allow Putnam County residents to safely dispose of the electronic nicotine delivery systems, vapes and cartridges. Proper disposal of these devices and cartridges prevent nicotine from being diverted to underage persons and also helps protect our environment by preventing high potency nicotine from entering our soil and ground water.
In addition to the Kent location, The Prevention Council of Putnam will be installing Vape Disposal Boxes at 5 more locations. Check out our website for up-to-date information on Vape Disposal Box location as well as information on support with your tobacco/nicotine use.
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Putnam County Community Scan
This Spring we completed a county-wide community scan to help us gain information on alcohol, tobacco, and other drug trends so that we can have the most accurate data-driven strategies to prevent and reduce negative outcomes to our community.
The scan included key informant interviews, retailer visits, and public space canvassing. We completed the public space canvasing for Brewster, Mahopac, Carmel, Cold Spring, and Putnam Valley throughout the months of April and May.
Stay tuned for results.
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Fentanyl and Xylazine Test Strips Available
Fentanyl and Xylazine test strip allow individuals to test any substance they are using for the presence of fentanyl. Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid responsible for tens of thousands of overdose deaths in 2022, Xylazine is contributing to these deaths. To get a free Test Strip Kit, please contact the Prevention Council of Putnam
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Public Safety Alert from DEA
“Xylazine is making the deadliest drug threat our country has ever faced, fentanyl, even deadlier,” said Administrator Milgram. “DEA has seized xylazine and fentanyl mixtures in 48 of 50 States. The DEA Laboratory System is reporting that in 2022 approximately 23% of fentanyl powder and 7% of fentanyl pills seized by the DEA contained xylazine.”
Continue Reading
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Keep Kids Safe from Cannabis Edibles.
Watch our current ad for Ways to Keep Kids Safe from Cannabis Edibles.
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Naloxone at the Summer Concert Series.
Come join us for naloxone training during the Summer Concert series in your area. You can simply come to our table and receive a quick training and rescue kit. Stay updated on the upcoming dates by checking our social media pages or clicking on the image provided to view the list of dates.
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International Overdose Awareness Day August 31, 2023
Overdose touches people and communities in many ways. “Recognizing those people who go unseen,” we honor the people whose lives have been shattered by overdose. They are the family and friends grieving the loss of a loved one, workers in healthcare and support services, or first responders.
This year, we would like to say to these people: #WESEEYOU.
Please join us on August 31, 2023 at 7:00pm at Mahopac Chamber Park.
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Medication Take Back Days a Success
The Putnam Communities That Care Coalition, the Putnam County Department of Health, Putnam Hospital Center, Poison Control Center, Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, Kent Police Department, Carmel Police Department, Carmel Town Hall and community volunteers, joined forces to facilitate Medication Take Back Days in the towns of Carmel and Kent. On April 29, 2023, it was held at the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department in Carmel, where we collected 234 pounds of medication and 175 pounds of sharps. On May 22, 2023, it was held at the Carmel Police Department / Town hall in Carmel, NY. We collected 80 pounds of medication and sharps. On June 10, 2023, it was held at the Kent Police Station/ Town hall and we collected 100 pounds of medication and sharps. In addition to the collection of medication and sharps, Deterra Drug Deactivation kits and Naloxone kits were made available. Naloxone training was also made available at each site. We appreciate all the support from our Community Partners that helped facilitate the smooth running of all these events.
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Simulated Impaired Driving Experience (SIDNE)
SIDNE or Simulated Impaired Driving Experience is a behind the wheel driving experience that makes the dangers of distracted driving real and personal. Drivers and passengers can safely experience a simulation of what happens when they attempt to operate a vehicle while impaired or distracted. SIDNE is an initiative utilized and demonstrated in a collaborative effort by the Prevention Council of Putnam, The Putnam County Youth Bureau, and Cove Care Center. We are proud to say, that every School District in Putnam County has and or will have participated in this invaluable initiative.
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Naloxone Training
Naloxone, also known by its brand name Narcan, is a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. The New York State Department of Health has designated sites as Opioid Overdose Prevention Providers (OOPPs) which allows these sites to provide naloxone trainings and kits at no cost to recipients. The Prevention Council of Putnam (PCP) is a designated OOPPs provider and has been providing naloxone trainings to Putnam residents, organizations, schools, police departments, etc. In addition, PCP has furnished 149 naloxone boxes across Putnam County thanks to our HEALing Communities Study (HCS) grant, which allow for public access of naloxone in identified high risk areas.
If you are interested in receiving a free naloxone training and kit, please visit our website to submit a request.
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Victim Impact Panel
The Putnam County Victim Impact Panel (VIP) Program is a collaboration between The Prevention Council of Putnam, Putnam County Probation Department and Putnam County STOP DWI. The program provides bi-monthly forums on the consequences of drunk driving from people whose lives have been impacted by a drunk driver. Other panel members include people in
The Victim Impact Panel will return to in person on September 19, 2023. See our website for updated information and registration information.
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