In addition to offering opioid overdose education and free naloxone kits, the Prevention Council of Putnam is committed to offering other evidence-based strategies to reduce the harms of substance use.

Drug Testing Strips

Drug Testing Strips are a tool used by people who use drugs to test their substances for the presence of Fentanyl or Xylazine in order to avoid overdose or other negative health outcomes. For testing guidance on how to use the test strips please visit the NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports.

Medication for Opioid Use Disorder

• The FDA has approved three medications to treat Opioid Use Disorder; buprenorphine (example: Suboxone, Subutex, Sublocade), naltrexone (Vivitrol) and methadone.
• Recent changes in legislation no longer require prescribers to have special status to prescribe buprenorphine. Prescribers do need special status to prescribe and dispense methadone.

Safe Medication Disposal

• Safely disposing of unused or expired medication both over the counter and prescription medication, reduces the risk of diversion, misuse, accidental ingestion and environmental pollution
• Putnam County hosts medication disposal boxes at various locations throughout the county. These boxes allow for safe medication disposal year round and are free of charge to the consumer.
• Deterra Bags are a medication deactivation system that uses a specialized carbon element to deactivate substances in a small bag which can be disposed of safely in your own home garbage. These bags can be obtained from the Prevention Council of Putnam either for personal use, or to supply your school, library or other organization.

Sharps:

• Sharps are defined as:
  • Needle
  • Syringes
  • Lancets
  • Auto Injectors
• Most sharps are designed for single use and should be used accordingly to prevent communicable disease or infection.
• To store sharps in the home between disposals:
  • Use a designated sharps container.
  • If you do not have access to a designated sharps box, use an empty, hard plastic container with a screw-top lid, such as a laundry detergent bottle.
  • Don’t store your sharps in:
    • Glass or soda bottles
    • Milk jugs
    • Aluminum or coffee cans
    • Paper or plastic bags
  • Clearly label the container “Home Medical Sharps – Not for Recycling.” Keep it away from children and pets.
  • Put the sharps in the container as soon as you’re done using them. Place them point first into the container.
  • Don’t overfill the container. When it’s more than half full, stop using it. Wrap the lid with strong tape. This will create a more secure seal and keep it from leaking.

Safe Syringe Disposal

• Currently, Putnam County Residents can dispose of syringes at the Putnam Hospital Center Monday through Friday 9am-4pm.

Never Use Alone

Hotline 800-484-3731.