<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=47qd3n_1H4tRz8v00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=47qd3n_1H4tRz8v00" width="886" height="493" ><figcaption>Putnam County's new harm reduction vending machine</figcaption></figure>CARMEL- A harm-reduction vending machine is now installed outside the Department of Social Services Building at the Donald Smith Governmental campus on Old Route 6 in Carmel.The machine provides free harm reduction supplies, including naloxone (commonly known as Narcan), drug testing kits, and safe disposal kits, as part of a growing effort to prevent opioid overdose deaths. It aims to make harm reduction resources more accessible, reduce stigma, and save lives.Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne described the machine as “another tool for the toolbox. We are trying to make it even easier to access these resources. Our priority must be keeping people alive, so by increasing access to naloxone and other critical resources, we are empowering residents to take action and save lives.”Putnam County has joined a dozen other municipalities throughout New York State in offering this resource including Kingston, Hudson, and Poughkeepsie.Commissioner of Social Services and Mental Health Sara Servadio said, “studies have shown that harm reduction vending machines are effective in increasing access to harm reduction supplies and potentially lowering overdose fatality rates.”While Putnam County continues to see a dramatic decrease in overdose and substance involved deaths, the number of non-fatal overdose has stayed steady over the past three years which necessitates the increased access to naloxone and other harm reduction supplies.Lauren Johnson, Dual Recovery Coordinator with the Department of Mental Health applauded the move: “I am very excited for not only the increased access to these supplies, but also for the opportunity to address stigma around people who struggle with substance use. I hope this vending machine will continue to spread the message that everyone can receive help from having a naloxone kit”.The installation of the harm reduction vending machine was made possible through a grant-funded partnership between People USA, a non-profit, peer run organization dedicated to supporting behavioral health, and NY Matters, a philanthropic foundation focused on public health.Servadio said: “The county was “thrilled to partner with People, USA and NY Matters to bring this life-saving resource to our community. Harm reduction vending machines are a proven way to expand access to essential supplies and reduce the risk of overdose.”</div></body>

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CARMEL- A harm-reduction vending machine is now installed outside the Department of Social Services Building at the Donald Smith Governmental campus on Old Route 6 in Carmel. The machine provides free harm reduction supplies, including naloxone (commonly known as Narcan), drug testing kits, and safe disposal kits, as part of a growing effort to prevent opioid overdose deaths. It aims to make harm reduction resources more accessible, reduce stigma, and save lives.

Putnam County’s harm reduction vending machine

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CARMEL- A harm-reduction vending machine is now installed outside the Department of Social Services Building at the Donald Smith Governmental campus on Old

Putnam County’s harm reduction vending machine

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