Harm reduction is an approach to preventing overdoses and infectious disease transmission by encouraging individuals who use drugs to use them in the safest manner possible. Not everyone is ready or able to break their addiction, but by meeting them where they are at, we can help keep them safe until they are ready.
According to the NYS Department of Health, in 2021, Greene County had the second highest opioid overdose death rate out of 57 upstate counties and the highest death rate for overdoses involving heroin. To reduce overdose deaths and improve the health of our community, the Public Health Department is implementing a new confidential system where residents can request free Harm Reduction Supplies.
By filling out the confidential form below, you can obtain one or more of the following types of harm reduction supplies at no cost.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 50-100 times stronger than morphine. It is the leading cause of overdose deaths, often mixed in with heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, or pills.
Fentanyl test strips could save your life. They are easy to use and available in Greene County, for FREE.
Naloxone (also known as Narcan®) is a medicine that can save someone’s life if they are overdosing on opioids—whether it’s a prescription opioid pain medicine, heroin, or a drug containing fentanyl. Naloxone quickly blocks and reverses the effects of an overdose.
Xylazine (‘tranq dope’ or ‘sleep dope’) is a VERY STRONG veterinary sedative that is not safe for human use. It is NOT an opioid but is usually sold mixed with fentanyl. It can be brown or white powder, or dyed different colors (purple, pink) and can also be found mixed into pills. People using it have reported a strong smell like gasoline and dry mouth, but it can be hard to know what you have. It increases risk of death from overdose and causes other very serious problems, including dangerous skin wounds. You can read more about xylazine here.
External (male) condoms, internal (female) condoms, and dental dams are the only form of birth control that prevents Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Use of condoms, along with a second form of birth control, is most effective at preventing both STIs and unplanned pregnancy.
Greene County Public Health and Family Planning support harm reduction efforts within our community.
This confidential order form can provide you with items you may need to help keep yourself and others safe. You can receive your items through discreet mail, or you can pick up in-office.
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