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Welcome to the 2024 Winter Edition of Prevention in Putnam, our quarterly newsletter. Please share with your colleagues, friends and family. We are excited to share valuable information and resources with our community to address substance use and promote overall well-being.
In this edition, we have curated articles, tips, and tools to assist you in preventing substance use and reducing harms related to substance use. Our focus extends to recovery support services, an important aspect of fostering a healthy community. We believe that by sharing reliable information, we can contribute to creating a supportive environment for individuals and families.
Wishing you a happy and healthy new year. Stay warm this winter.
Yours in Prevention,
Kristin McConnell
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Medication Take Back Day a Success
Medication Take Back events provide safe, convenient, and anonymous means of disposing of prescription, over-the-counter, and pet medications, while also educating the general public about the potential for misuse and the dangers of improper medication disposal. The event was a huge success collecting 153 pounds of medications.
The next medication take back day will be April 27, 2024. Stay tuned for details.
Read more here.
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Milton Carpenter Scholarship
The Prevention Council of Putnam is proud to announce that we have acquired the Milton Carpenter Scholarship. Milton Carpenter's life experiences and personal values greatly influenced the establishment and criteria of the scholarship he created. Despite facing significant challenges early in life, he managed to overcome them and achieve success through his own efforts. His upbringing in a family affected by alcoholism likely shaped his perspective on the importance of education and the impact it can have on one's future.
For information and guidelines for applying please use the link below.
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The BRIDGE Alliance
In 2023, the BRIDGE Alliance was formed. The alliance is working to bridge the gap between consumers and community resources to prevent overdose-related risk factors and negative health outcomes through collaborative data collection, education and intervention at both the individual and community level. Membership includes the Putnam County Coroner’s Office, Putnam County Department of Health, Putnam County Emergency Medical Services, Putnam County Departments of Mental Health and Social Services, Prevention Council of Putnam, Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, Carmel Police Department, Kent Police Department and the High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area.
For more information and a full list of resources, visit their website.
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Click on image for full list of resources | | |
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Teen Health and Wellness
Ms. Amanda Magnotta, Carmel High School Student Assistance Counselor, along with representatives from the Prevention Council of Putnam and CoveCare Center will host the webinar.
Please use the attached flyer to register for the January 10th webinar. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Ms. Amanda Magnotta 845-225-8441 ext.448 or
email: amagnott@carmelschools.org
Link to flyer
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COA (Children of Addiction) Awareness Week
COA awareness week coming February 11-17, 2024.
Offering hope to the vulnerable kids and teens impacted by parental addiction.
Watch our social media for information.
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Narcan® Behind Every Bar
The presence of fentanyl in the overall drug supply has dramatically increased unintended use of opioids, causing the number of overdose deaths to rise. People who intend to use other drugs such as amphetamines or cocaine may not be aware of the high likelihood of fentanyl or other opioid adulterants being added to these substances. Additionally, mixing alcohol with opioids increases the likelihood of experiencing respiratory depression and overdose.
Due to this increase, the Prevention Council of Putnam has replicated NYC’s NARCAN® BEHIND EVERY BAR campaign as part of a harm reduction approach to substance use. The campaign provides access to free Narcan® (naloxone) trainings and kits to bars, restaurants, cafes, vendors and venues. Narcan® (naloxone) is a medication that can help save a life by reversing the effects of an opioid overdose. It only works on opioids, such as heroin, prescription painkillers and fentanyl, but it is safe to use even if opioids are not present.
If you are a Putnam County business who would like to participate or learn more about reducing the risk of overdose, email info@preventioncouncilputnam.org.
The Prevention Council of Putnam would like to thank all the participating businesses who have been trained and carry Narcan at their locations.
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Sharps Disposal at
Putnam Hospital
Safe disposal of medical sharps (syringes, needles and lancets) is critically important to optimize health, safety and protection of the environment and the community. See the sharps disposal program outlined below:
- Sharps can be dropped off at Putnam Hospital from 8:00am-3:00pm Monday – Friday at the front desk in the Main Lobby.
- The staff at the front desk will accept the containers. Sharps cannot be left at the front desk unattended.
- Putnam Hospital will accept sharps that are in sharps disposal boxes or plastic detergent containers and must be labeled “HAZARDOUS WASTE”.
- Putnam Hospital provides sharps containers free of charge in exchange for used containers. Request replacement sharps containers at the front desk
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Fentanyl and Xylazine Test Strips
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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Communities That Care Coalition Volunteers
Do you know a teen looking for community service hours? We are recruiting teens to join our Communities That Care Coalitions in all of our local school districts. Please help us empower our youth to become involved in our coalition work.
Visit our website for information
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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 VIP is still being held virtually. To register please click link below.
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Naloxone Training
Anyone in New York State can be a trained overdose responder. This includes individuals who use opioids; their family members and friends; persons affiliated with healthcare or social service agencies serving persons at risk for an overdose; public safety personnel (law enforcement officers and firefighters); school and library staff; university staff and students; supportive housing and shelter personnel and residents; and anyone else who may witness or encounter an overdose.
If you are interested in receiving a free naloxone training and kit, please visit our website to submit a request.
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Social Host Laws
Social host laws and ordinances are designed to reduce underage alcohol consumption by imposing liability on adults who knowingly host parties or allow the consumption of alcohol on the property they own, lease, or control. Under these laws, adults can be held liable for alcohol-impaired driving crashes regardless of whether they are the ones who provided the alcohol to minors. Several jurisdictions also have laws that can be applied even if the adult was unaware that underage alcohol consumption occurred on their property.
Read more about Social Host Laws here.
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Recovery Peer Advocate
Our Certified Recovery Peer Advocate, Victoria, can assist individuals and families who are struggling with mental health and substance use disorder, no matter where they are in their journey. Whether you are questioning a change or ready to take action, Victoria is here to listen. For more information click below.
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