Catholic Charities of Columbia & Greene Counties

Some important facts about binge drinking to keep in mind for #NationalPreventionWeek #PreventionHappensHere.

Wanda is ready to chat! She’s helping working families, foster parents, single parents, and families across the state. Get connected to the resources you need to help your kids grow healthy and strong. www.health.ny.gov/prevention/nutrition/wic/

Next week is National Prevention Week. In the coming days, we will be sharing social media posts to raise awareness about the importance of preventing substance abuse and misuse. This week provides a great reminder of the importance of educating our students, families and communites on the benefits of choosing a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.

** ALERT GREENE COUNTY NY OVERDOSE SPIKE ALERT ISSUED ** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - PLEASE SHARE An overdose spike alert issued has been issued for Greene County... NY. Several overdoses occurred in a short time frame yesterday. BE VIGILANT. This could be indicative of a contaminated drug supply. Overdoses have -occurred in the past for people using crack, cocaine and other substances beside Opiates including Pressed Pills that are made to look like a genuine pill but contain deadly fentanyl instead. Use safely and always assume your supply may be contaminated. Columbia County, while not in an overdose spike alert at the present time, has seen an increase in overdoses over the last few weeks including suspected fatalities. (pending toxicology) If you or a loved one is in active addiction, you are encouraged to take the following precautions: If you do use, use safely by using less than usual or seek help for your addiction If you do use, you can call the Never Use Alone Hotline and someone will stay on the phone with you. NO JUDGEMENT, NO SHAMING! Call (800) 997-2280 Have access to Narcan Let a friend or loved one know where you are at all times ** If you are in Columbia & Greene County and need Narcan or fentanyl test strips please text NARCANKIT to 21000 and a Greener Pathways Peer advocate will connect with you to get you Narcan or strips. If someone you know experiences an overdose call 911 immediately. You can be protected by the Good Samaritan Law. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an unprecedented disruption to the normal operating procedures of health and human services agencies. Unfortunately, the necessity for overdose prevention and response has not abated during the pandemic. Please be aware that the substance use community faces increased risk as support services shutter or slow down operations, hospitals face severely increased caseloads, and people who use drugs are asked to socially distance from their support or safety groups. Help is available by calling Greener Pathways at 518-291-4500 or text to 518-822-7437, Twin County Recovery Services Columbia Clinic at 518-828-9300 or Greene Clinic at 518-943-2036, Greene County Mental Health Center at 518-622-9163, Mobile Crisis Assessment Team at 518-943-5555, Columbia Greene County Pathways To Recovery Helpline at 877-467-3365. In an emergency, call 911. Minutes matter in an overdose and you can save a life. Greener Pathways is the Mobile Outreach Program of Twin County Recovery Services.

April is Alcohol Awareness Month. It is a great time to be reminded of when drinking can become a problem for you or your loved ones. The attached graphic has some great information to keep in mind. Excessive alcohol use can lead to many negative side effects including injury, violence, liver damage and cancer.

The Spring edition of the Substance Abuse Prevention Education Newsletter.

We are hiring at our Hudson office! Our local positions as well as all others for Catholic Charities can be found here: https://secure2.saashr.com/ta/MMH2221.careers?careerssearch

Learn more about problem gambling at knowtheodds.org. For hope and help, reach out to the NYS HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY or Text 467369. Resources are also av...ailable at oasas.ny.gov. You are not alone. #AwarenessPlusAction #PGAM

Does someone at home have COVID-19? Clean first, then disinfect all of your surfaces to protect your entire family. Make sure your loved one has a separate room and bathroom, and have everyone wear a mask. #cleanawaycovid

for the month of January 2021, Catholic Charities of Columbia and Greene Counties will receive a $1 donation from each purchase of the $2.50 reusable Fight Hunger Bag at the Hannaford stores located at 2967 Route 9 STE 400, Valatie NY and 223 Main Street, Cairo NY.

With the holidays and 2020 soon to be in the past, here is something to look forward to in 2021....

Check out our very own Kendra Huber live on News 10 this morning talking about our food pantry services in Greene County!

Congratulations to our very own Theresa Lux of Catholic Charities of Columbia and Greene Counties, who has been named as a Woman of Excellence in Columbia Count...y! Her impact on the community through her passion and determination is felt by so many our neighbors, we are so proud to see her honored. https://www.ccwomensalliance.org/100-women-nominees

We are thrilled to have been named a grant recipient through the Albany Times Union's Big $100,000 Giveaway. This recognition is extra-special, because it was... voted on by you. Congrats to all of our fellow non-profits who were involved and a special thanks to each of you who took the time to help us out! We'll be using the grant to increase our outreach and to let people in need know about our many services.

Our Substance Abuse Prevention Educator, Kelly, is back to discusses how to talk about substance abuse and prevention with kids ages 13-18. Catholic Charities Prevention Abuse Education works with school districts to teach kids about how to live a healthy life free of substance abuse. Special thanks to Kelly and her efforts to build a healthier, more informed community!