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A message from the Executive Director
Welcome to the 2023 Fall Edition of Prevention in Putnam, our quarterly newsletter. This month we have an action packed Please share with your colleagues, friends and family. We know that during this time we are inundated with information, however we hope our newsletter provides you with reliable and helpful tools and resources regarding substance use, preventing and reducing harm as well as youth problem gambling prevention that you will find useful.
Please reach out to us with any questions or concerns you may have about your adolescent’s substance use, or even if you suspect they may be struggling. We are here to help.
Best wishes for a healthy fall season!
Be well.
Yours in Prevention,
Kristin McConnell
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Proclamation from
President Biden
"Beyond the classroom, my Administration is supporting Drug-Free Communities coalitions in all 50 States so that local communities can acquire the tools and resources they need to prevent youth substance use. But prevention also means increasing awareness about the dangers of illicit fentanyl, which fuels the vast majority of overdoses in youth. So, my Administration launched a social media campaign to educate youth on the dangers of this deadly drug and the lifesaving effects of opioid-reversal medications like Naloxone. "
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Medication Take Back Day
Medication Take Back Day coming October 28, 2023 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at Putnam Hospital Center. Vape cartridges/devices, syringes, lancets, and sharps will be accepted. See flyer for details
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Community Clean up with POW'R Against Tobacco
This past Tuesday we joined POW’R Against Tobacco to hold a community wide cleanup. During our cleanup we took special note of tobacco waste litter in both the Chamber Park, and the Putnam Plaza parking lot. We collected an abundance of cigarette butts and e-cigarette waste, along with other discarded tobacco products. We also took note of the lack of “No Smoking” signage in the park, which can help to deter users. Tobacco litter is poisonous, and puts children, pets and wildlife at risk. We will continue to educate on the importance of smoke-free spaces for the health of our communities.
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Job Opportunity at SAS
Our parent company, Student Assistance Services is looking for a Controller.
Send Resume to: cdannibale@sascorp.org
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Victim Impact Panel
The Putnam County Victim Impact Panel (VIP) Program is a collaboration between The Prevention Council of Putnam, Putnam County Probation Department and Putnam County STOP DWI. The program provides bi-monthly forums on the consequences of drunk driving from people whose lives have been impacted by a drunk driver. Other panel members include people in
The VIP is still being held virtually. To register please click link below.
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Naloxone Training
Anyone in New York State can be a trained overdose responder. This includes individuals who use opioids; their family members and friends; persons affiliated with healthcare or social service agencies serving persons at risk for an overdose; public safety personnel (law enforcement officers and firefighters); school and library staff; university staff and students; supportive housing and shelter personnel and residents; and anyone else who may witness or encounter an overdose.
If you are interested in receiving a free naloxone training and kit, please visit our website to submit a request.
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Communities That Care Coalition Volunteers
Do you know a teen looking for community service hours? We are recruiting teens to join our Communities That Care Coalitions in all of our local school districts. Please help us empower our youth to become involved in our coalition work.
Visit our website for information
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Fentanyl and Xylazine Test Strips Available
Fentanyl and Xylazine test strip allow individuals to test any substance they are using for the presence of fentanyl. Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid responsible for tens of thousands of overdose deaths in 2022, Xylazine is contributing to these deaths. To get a free Test Strip Kit, please contact the Prevention Council of Putnam
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EndODNY Messages
In 2022, we lost 109,680 people to overdose in the United States alone. In Putnam County, we lost 25 people to overdose death and hundred more experienced non-fatal overdose. In response, Putnam County has been working with partners to increase access and availability of life saving resources such as naloxone (Narcan), Fentanyl and Xylazine Test Strips and Peer Recovery services. To help promote these resources, and to make information more readily available, Putnam County is launching EndODNY, a national overdose prevention automated text messaging program available to anyone in the U.S. When you text EndODNY to 55753, you will receive messages about local events, local trends, how to access treatment, how to talk to loved ones about substance use, and how to obtain and use naloxone (Narcan®). For more information click on the link.
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Safe Vape Disposal Unit Locations
Brewster Department of Motor Vehicles
1 Geneva Road
Brewster, NY 10509
Carmel Town Hall
60 McAlpin Avenue
Mahopac, NY 10541
Patterson Town Hall
1142 NY-311
Patterson, NY 12563
Philipstown Town Hall
238 Main Street
Cold Spring, NY 10516
Putnam Valley Town Hall
265 Oscawana Lake Rd
Putnam Valley, NY 10579
Town of Kent Police Department
40 Sybils Crossing
Kent Lakes, New York 10512
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Compliance Checks with
PC Sheriff's office and Kent PD
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Department announced on Aug. 1 that it had conducted “compliance checks” over a three-week period in May and arrested six clerks for selling alcohol to customers who were not yet 21 years old.
During the months of August and September 2023 Officers from the Town of Kent Police Department participated in Alcohol Awareness & Compliance Checks of the businesses in the Town of Kent that sell alcoholic beverages. Click to read press release.
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Simulated Impaired Driving Experience
SIDNE or Simulated Impaired Driving Experience is a behind the wheel driving experience that makes the dangers of distracted driving real and personal. Drivers and passengers can safely experience a simulation of what happens when they attempt to operate a vehicle while impaired or distracted. SIDNE is an initiative utilized and demonstrated in a collaborative effort by the Prevention Council of Putnam, The Putnam County Youth Bureau, and Cove Care Center. We are proud to say, that every School District in Putnam County has and or will have participated in this invaluable initiative. This year, more than 300 students completed the program.
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Overdose Awareness Day
We had an incredible experience on August 31, 2023 honoring International Overdose Awareness Day. We are so grateful to The Putnam County Sheriff's Office, Senator Harckham's office, Friends of Recovery Putnam, and Cove Care Center for joining us in this meaningful event to recognize and remember those we’ve lost to overdose. It was a beautiful night of remembrance and hope.
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Summer Concert Series
We had a great time at the Summer Concert Series! Not only did we get to enjoy all the awesome music, we also had the opportunity to provide overdose education and distribute Naloxone, drug-checking kits and Deterra drug deactivation bags to the community.
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Staff Spotlight
Our very own Victoria Metz, CRPA, recently completed the Berlin Marathon. This is a huge accomplishment and we are so proud that she is part of our team.
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