Spike in suspected overdoses in Broome County

BROOME COUNTY, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – Suspected overdoses are on the rise in Broome County.

On Tuesday, the Broome County Health Department announced that there has been a spike in reported suspected overdoses over the past few days.

According to the health department, Broome County has seen a total of six suspected fatal overdoses and 18 suspected nonfatal overdoses during the month of April. The health department has also reported 81 suspected non-fatal overdoses and 19 suspected fatal overdoses year to date.

The Broome Overdose Action Collaborative urges anyone using drugs, whether it is recreationally or daily, to practice harm reduction. BOAC encourages those to not use alone, have a Narcan kit readily available, use fentanyl and xylazine test strips, and call 911 if you are on the site of an overdose.

There are many options for in-person and virtual Narcan training throughout the county. Carrying Narcan can save a life during an overdose. The following community organizations offer free Narcan and training:

• The Addiction Center of Broome County: 30 State Street, Binghamton, NY, 13901. (607) 723-7308, ext. 0.
• Binghamton University Faculty, Staff, and Students can call (607)777-3545 or email oem@binghamton.edu.
• The Broome County Health Department (607)778-2805 or email Overdoseprevention@broomecountyny.gov
• Fairview Recovery Services: 5 Merrick St. Binghamton, NY 13904 Call Don at (607)821-7811
• Helio Health: 249 Glenwood Road, Binghamton, NY, 13905. (607) 745-4291.
• Southern Tier AIDS Program (STAP): 277 Main Street, Johnson City, NY, 13790. (607) 237-0497
• Truth Pharm: 49 Pine Street, Suite 6, Binghamton, NY, 13901. (607) 296-3016.
• United Health Services (UHS): (607) 762-3288. For UHS Addiction Medicine, call (607) 762-2800.

Those who are interested can call, text, reach out on Facebook, or send an email to any of the above organizations to be connected with a staff member who will ask you a few questions and set up a training or train you on the spot.

Fentanyl and xylazine test strips are also available. Community members can reach out to 2-1-1 for more information.

The health department would also like to remind the public of the “Good Samaritan Law” which protects anyone involved when seeking assistance for a possible overdose.

BOAC is encouraging those who use substances to utilize the Never Use Alone hotline. To speak to someone judgment-free, call 1(800)997-2280.

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