Harm Reduction

Harm Reduction Services

• Project Safe Point – Syringe exchange services (free & completely anonymous) to Columbia & Greene County residents on Wednesday of each week in addition to training in overdose prevention methods, treatment readiness programs, referrals to doctors and rehab clinics, HIV and Hepatitis C screenings and Medicated Assisted Treatment.

• Never Use Alone– Toll-free national overdose prevention, detection, life-saving crisis response and medical intervention services for people who use drugs while alone. Never Use Alone’s peer operators are available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. No stigma. No judgment. Just love

6 Tips for Practicing Safe Drug Use

1. Know where you’re head is at: are you anxious, stressed, worried, scared? What is the environment like? Who are you with?
2. Make a safety plan: Does anyone know where you are? Do you have a plan for transportation?
3. Pick one drug- take it slow: using multiple substances increases the chances of an overdose, consuming less of anything is always safer, and never use substances alone.
4. “Test it before you ingest it”: most illicit substances are contaminated with fentanyl and recently zylazine, testing substances will help you make informed decisions about whether you want to use that substance.
5. Recognize the signs of an overdose & respond: know the signs of an overdose, call 911 and carry naloxone!
6. Spread Awareness to keep others safe: tell your kids, your friends, your co-workers, neighbors, share far and wide!

Tips for preventing an overdose:

Changes in tolerance from not using or using less.

Unknown strength of illicit drugs/ using fentanyl or xylazine test strips

Mixing opioids with respiratory depressants or “downers” such as alcohol or benzodiazepines.

Mixing opioids with stimulants, such as cocaine and methamphetamine.

Signs of an Overdose:

Falling asleep, loss of consciousness

Shallow or no breathing

Limp body (though may be rigid with fentanyl)

Choking or gurgling sounds

Small, constricted, ‘pinpoint’ pupils

Pale blue or cold skin, lips, or nails

If you suspect an opioid overdose:

Call 911 immediately

Administer naloxone.

Giving naloxone to a person who is overdosing can save their life.

Naloxone is not harmful if someone is NOT having an overdose.

If you are trained and comfortable do rescue breathing and/or chest compressions.

Wait for emergency help to arrive.

Emotional and Mental Health

Call 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – A national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

NYS Office of Mental Health Emotional Support Help Line Call 

1-844-863-9314, 7 days a week from 8am – 10pm

Syringe Kiosks

• Syringe Kiosk – Generally a kiosk or anonymous drop box where users can safely and securely dispose of their used syringes, these are usually present at syringe exchanges as well. There are currently several kiosks/drop boxes located within or nearby Columbia and Greene Counties.

For more information on Harm Reduction

National Harm Reduction Coalition

OASAS Harm Reduction

SAMHSA Harm Reduction

Medication Take-Back

In order to prevent misuse of medications, Columbia and Greene County have several locations where you can dispose  any of unused, unwanted, or expired prescription and nonprescription Medication. By disposing of medications properly you will:

• Prevent drug abuse
• Prevent accidental overdose
• Prevent accidental poisoning of children and pets
• Reduce crime by keeping drugs off the street
• Reduce environment pollution
• Protect our local nature and water supply

Deterra bags are a convenient and effective way to dispose of unwanted, expired, or unused medication.

Contact Us For Free Bags!