Harm Reduction

Safe Use Services

The rise of fentanyl contamination in illicit substances poses a significant danger to users, often leading to unintentional overdoses. Many individuals seeking recreational drugs may unknowingly consume products laced with fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid that is stronger than heroin or morphine.

Project Safe Point 

• • FREE Syringe exchange in Columbia & Greene County
  • Wednesday of each week
  • Overdose prevention training, treatment readiness referrals to doctors and clinics, HIV and Hepatitis C screening, Medication for Opioid Use Disorder. For Immediate Assistance Call: 1-866-930-4999

Never Use Alone

• • Toll-free national overdose prevention hotline
  • Operates 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
  • Life-saving crisis response and medical intervention services for people who use drugs while alone

Alliance For Positive Health 

• Syringe Exchange, Education, Supplies

Tips to Stay Safe

There are many ways to stay safe and alive:

• Test illicit drugs by using test strips
• Avoid using substances alone
• Avoid mixing substances
• Carry naloxone
• Request harm reduction supplies be shipped directly to you from OASAS or contact the above organizations
• Contact Columbia Pathways to Recovery
  • Recovery Helpline: Hope365 9am to 9pm 7 days a week

Opioid Overdose Risk Factors

• 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.

Opioid Overdose Signs

• 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

Responding to an Opioid Overdose

• Call 911 immediately
• Administer naloxone- remember, giving naloxone is safe, regardless of if someone is overdosing
• Perform rescue breathing
• Wait for emergency help to arrive

Crisis Lines

Call 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – FREE confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Call NYS Office of Mental Health Emotional Support Help Line 1-844-863-9314, 7 days a week from 8am – 10pm

Syringe Kiosks

Syringe Kiosk – drop box to securely dispose of used syringes. There are currently several kiosks/drop boxes located within or nearby Columbia and Greene Counties.

More information on Harm Reduction

National Harm Reduction Coalition

Black Harm Reduction Network

OASAS Harm Reduction

SAMHSA Harm Reduction