Overdose crisis still raging on in Broome County

Watch the full-length interview in the player below with Marissa Knapp, Coordinator of the Broome County Overdose Action Collaborative .

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) — While overdose numbers in Broome County are slightly down from last year, public health officials say the private use of Narcan is likely masking an ongoing crisis.

The county health department reported 19 suspected fatal overdoses and 81 non-fatal overdoses through the month of April. Those numbers come from first responders and don’t include situations where the overdose-reversing drug Narcan is used without calling for help.

Marissa Knapp is the coordinator of the Broome Overdose Action Collaborative, or BOAC. She says our area is faring better than some others because of partnerships that have made Narcan more available. However, the crisis is being fueled by the availability and affordability of poly substances such as fentanyl and xylazine.

Knapp says the majority of the drug supply now has fentanyl added to it, including in heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and counterfeit pills.

“We really, really want to get the message out that anyone who is using drugs, even if you’re using drugs recreationally, if you’re experimenting with drugs, you really need to have a Narcan kit,” Knap said.

Knapp says other important forms of harm reduction include never using drugs alone and utilizing fentanyl and xylazine test strips to detect the presence of poly substances. She says the STAP office in Johnson City can also analyze drugs confidentially for users.

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Both STAP and ACBC offer syringe exchange programs. Knapp says drug treatment services such as detox, in-patient rehab and out-patient therapy are available in our area, and virtual treatment models can make it easier for users who are reluctant to take the first step.

“A big part of my job is to decrease stigma and to really have the conversation that people who use drugs are our mothers, our fathers, our children, our neighbors. Substance use disorders don’t discriminate,” she said.

Knapp stresses the importance of rescue breaths when a person is overdosing. Knapp she reminds bystanders about New York’s Good Samaritan law that shields other users when they call 911.

Knapp encourages the use of the Never Use Alone Hotline at 877-696-1996. Additional resources can be found at GoBroomeCounty.com/BOAC .

WIVT and WBGH will be airing a half-hour special for NYS OASAS tonight, May 21 at 7 p.m. EST.

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