Mental Health Well-Being, Substance Use Resources & Support

Published on December 16, 2024

With the holiday season upon us, and the end of the year fast approaching, Tompkins County Whole Health (TCWH) would like to remind the community of resources available to support your mental health well-being. This time of the year also provides an opportunity to raise awareness of drug overdose, strengthen our efforts to prevent overdoses and substance use-related harms and deaths, and enhance our support for individuals with substance use.

While the holiday season may be a time of celebration, joy and festive activities for many, for others it is a time of year that brings feelings of sadness, grief, loneliness, and stress – and for those already impacted by mental health conditions or substance use, those symptoms are even more exacerbated. According to a survey conducted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 64% of respondents with a mental illness reported having worsened symptoms during the holiday months. If you or someone you know are experiencing new or worsening symptoms that are overwhelming and difficult to manage, it is important to know where to go to seek support. Resources are available in our community, 24/7.

Are you experiencing problems with mental health and want to get help now? Come during Open Access hours to begin treatment as soon as you walk into our building at 201 E. Green Street (Ithaca). TCWH currently offers walk-in, Open Access Hours on Mondays-Thursdays from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM, to see a clinician and begin the intake process, no appointment needed. Learn more about Tompkins County Whole Health’s Mental Health Services online at: https://www.tompkinscountyny.gov/All-Departments/Whole-Health/Mental-Health-Services

EMERGENCY AND CRISIS CONTACTS FOR 24-HOUR HELP if you or someone you know needs to speak with a mental health professional:

• For life-threatening emergencies, dial 911
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, DIAL 988 (1-800-273-8255)
  • Veterans: dial 988 and Press 1 or text 838255

    Visit www.veteranscrisisline.net for online chat and more 

• Crisis Text Line, text HOME to 741-741 
• Ithaca’s Suicide Prevention and Crisis Service hotline, 1-607-272-1616

Opportunities for drug overdose are also of concern over the holiday season and throughout the year. It is important to know the signs of overdose and be prepared to act quickly to help prevent death. The Centers for Disease Control reports that nationwide 64.7% of drug overdose deaths had at least one potential opportunity for intervention. One step we can all take to help save lives from drug overdose is to be trained in the use of naloxone (i.e. Narcan), an opioid overdose reversal spray.

TCWH Commissioner Frank Kruppa stated, “We implore everyone in our community to pick up a Narcan kit and become trained in its use. In its nasal spray form, Narcan is simple to use and effective. Having a Narcan kit and being prepared to use it may save someone’s life.”

 Tompkins County Whole Health recommends the following overdose prevention strategies:

• Never use alone. Use with others and take turns. If you are alone, call the “Never Use Alone” Hotline to be connected with an operator who will stay on the line while you use. Dial 877-696-1996.
• Use fentanyl and xylazine test strips as a precaution, or have supply checked at a drug testing site (Southern Tier AIDS Program, Inc., 314 W. State St/MLK Jr. St, Ithaca).
• Carry naloxone (Narcan) and be trained in its use.
• Before using drugs, ask someone you trust to check on you regularly.
• Go slow by taking small amounts, especially if you haven’t used in a while. There is no safe dose of opioids.
• Wait long enough to feel the effects of what you took before taking more.
• Avoid mixing with alcohol or other drugs, especially drugs that make you sleepy.
• Seek treatment and support..
• Always dial 9-1-1 in the event of a medical emergency.

Overdose Prevention Resources

• Narcan kits, fentanyl testing strips, and xylazine testing strips are available free of cost at local community agencies:
  • Tompkins County Whole Health
  • Cayuga Addiction Recovery Services
  • REACH Medical
  • Southern Tier AIDS Program
• Naloxone (Narcan) is available at pharmacies via a statewide pharmacy standing order. Individuals will need to have insurance to access this standing order at no cost in a pharmacy. If you do not have insurance, dial 2-1-1 (1-877-211-8667) to receive assistance.
• Narcan and testing strips can also be ordered for free through NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports (NYS OASAS), delivered to your residence. Order online at: https://oasas.ny.gov/harm-reduction.
• Another resource for individuals interested in obtaining free testing supplies can be found via: NY Matters
• For more information about drug checking programs: https://www.health.ny.gov/press/releases/2023/2023-10-23_drug_checking_programs.htm
• NYS OASAS “Project COPE” website for overdose prevention and harm reduction education

Addiction and Mental Health Community Resources

• Tompkins County Whole Health’s Mental Health Services: 607-274-6200
• Cayuga Addiction Recovery Services (CARS): 607-273-5500
• REACH Medical: 607-273-7000
• To find other available treatment programs throughout the state, use the NYS OASAS online directory.
• Ithaca Community Recovery’s support groups for individuals to help navigate your personal recovery, as well as for friends and families affected by their loved one’s substance use.
• NYS OASAS HOPEline, a 24/7 helpline to call or text for support. Call 1-877-8-HOPENY (467369) or Text HOPENY (467369) for immediate assistance.
• The 9-8-8 Lifeline call service is also available, 24/7, to speak confidentially with mental health professionals about your concerns; dial 9-8-8 to connect with this support.
• Need help finding help? Dial 2-1-1 (1-877-211-8667) for supportive, local referrals and resource connections.

Tompkins County Whole Health (TCWH) compiles data related to opioid overdoses in our county. Over the past 5 years, Tompkins County has lost 100 residents due to unintentional overdose. TCWH also compiles data about Narcan use, distribution, and training in Tompkins County.

Learn more about local opioid statistics and additional resources on our website.

Tompkins County Whole Health: envisioning a future where every person in Tompkins County can achieve wellness. Find us online at TompkinsCountyNY.gov/All-Departments/Whole-Health and follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/TompkinsWholeHealth  and on Twitter at @TCWholeHealth. Sign up to receive Whole Health updates or other county announcements via email or text.

 - end -