The Broome Opioid Awareness Council is continuing its practice of alerting residents to spikes in drug overdoses.

“BOAC” on December 28 informed the public it has received reports of increased overdoses in the past week and is encouraging anyone who uses drugs recreationally or daily to practice what they call “harm reduction strategies” such as not using along and having Narcan overdose reversal kits on hand.

Broome County Sheriff's Office
Broome County Sheriff's Office
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The agency reminds residents that they can safely call 9-1-1 to summon help at the site of an overdose without fear of repercussion. Users are also encouraged to use fentanyl test strips regularly to look for traces of the deadly additive that has been turning up more frequently in already dangerous illicit drugs.

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There are regular trainings available for the use of Narcan in the area.  Residents can call, text or contact The Addiction Center of Broome County, Helio Health, Southern Tier AIDS Program (STAP), Truth Pharm or United Health Services to arrange for training.

Community members can also go to local pharmacies and use the Naloxone Co-payment Assistance Program, otherwise known as N-CAP, to get the opioid overdose reversal with no prior prescription needed.  Interested residents should call the pharmacy ahead, however, to ensure availability.

For more information and to find phone numbers, go to www.gobroomecounty.com/boac.

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