Pictured in photo from left to right: Paul Tang- Director of Mental Health, Sara Servadio- Commissioner of Mental Health, Social Services and Youth Bureau, Renee Prato- Adult Mental Health Coordinator and Lauren Johnson- Dual Recovery Coordinator

10 February 2025

CARMEL, NY – Putnam County Department of Mental Health announced the installation of a harm reduction vending machine outside of the Department of Social Services Building, located at 110 Old Route 6, Carmel NY. The machine, stocked with free harm reduction supplies including naloxone (Narcan ®), drug testing kits and safe disposal kits, is part of a growing effort to address ongoing opioid overdose fatalities. Harm reduction vending machines are automated dispensers that provide free, 24/7 access to life-saving supplies. These machines are designed to expand access to harm reduction resources, reduce stigma, and ultimately save lives.

Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne emphasized the county’s commitment to adding and exploring new ways to prevent overdose deaths. “This is another tool for the toolbox, and we’re trying to make it even easier to access these resources. Our priority has to 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 joins at least 12 other municipalities throughout New York State in offering this resource including our neighboring towns of Kingston, Hudson, and Poughkeepsie in the Hudson Valley. 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 3 years which necessitates the increased access to naloxone and other harm reduction supplies.

Lauren Johnson, Dual Recovery Coordinator with the Department of Mental Health said, “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 benefit from having a naloxone kit”.

The installation of this harm reduction vending machine is 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.

“We are thrilled to partner with People, USA and NY Matters to bring this life-saving resource to our community,” said Sara Servadio, Putnam County Commissioner for the Departments of Mental Health, Social Services and Youth Bureau. “Harm reduction vending machines are a proven way to expand access to essential supplies and reduce the risk of overdose.”

For more information on the Harm Reduction Vending Machine please contact the Putnam County Department of Mental Health at 845-808-1500, 110 Old Rt 6, Carmel, NY. Resources for Putnam residents can be found at: https://www.putnamcountyny.gov/department-of-social-services