CARMEL, NY — Putnam County officials are reporting a notable decline in fatal drug overdoses, with 12 lives lost in 2024 compared to 14 in 2023 and 24 in 2022. While this downward trend is encouraging, health officials caution that the number of non-fatal overdoses has remained steady over the past three years—highlighting the continued need for proactive prevention and support strategies.
Combating the Opioid Crisis With Collaboration
As the opioid crisis remains a serious concern, Putnam County has taken several steps to better understand and prevent drug-related fatalities. A major initiative is the launch of a Suicide and Overdose Fatality Review Team—a multidisciplinary task force created to analyze local overdose and suicide deaths in greater depth.
The team is spearheaded by a group of experienced leaders in mental health and public safety, including:
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Paul Tang, Director of Mental Health
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Lauren Johnson, Dual Recovery Coordinator
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Marla Behler, Director of the Child Advocacy Center
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Shanna Siegel, Putnam County Department of Health
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Megan Castellano, Guardian Homefront
Their mission is to identify systemic gaps, assess risk factors, and recommend local interventions aimed at saving lives.
Launch of LOSS Team to Support Suicide Loss Survivors
In addition to the review team, Putnam County has been selected as one of only three municipalities in New York State to receive funding to develop a LOSS Team (Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors). The Suicide Prevention Center of New York has granted the county $12,480 for a two-year period running from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2026.
According to Sara Servadio, Commissioner of Mental Health, Social Services, and Youth Bureau, the LOSS Team aims to improve infrastructure and support at the county level for those affected by suicide loss. “The purpose of the LOSS Team is to review individual cases of suicide and overdose deaths to identify patterns, system failures, and areas for prevention,” she told the Legislature’s Health and Education Committee.
A Human-Centered, Respectful Approach
Paul Tang emphasized that the review teams are deeply committed to a person-centered approach:
“The team has been charged with identifying gaps and improvements to drive meaningful local interventions. We remain committed to honest dialogue, always honoring the life of each person and respecting the loved ones they leave behind.”
Marla Behler, who also serves on the county’s Child Fatality Review Team, echoed the importance of these efforts:
“Preventable deaths, including overdose and suicide, devastate families. By examining the details of a person’s life and their interactions with our care systems, we not only honor their memory but also work to protect others from similar fates.”
LOSS Team Volunteers Offer Compassionate Support
According to Megan Castellano, the LOSS Team includes volunteers who have experienced the pain of suicide loss themselves. These individuals are trained to offer empathy, reassurance, and practical support to those going through similar grief.
“You don’t have to face the journey alone,” she emphasized.
Resources for Those in Need
Putnam County residents can reach out to the LOSS Team by calling 845-808-1410. For immediate mental health support, anyone in crisis is urged to contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.
Looking Forward
While the drop in overdose fatalities is a hopeful sign, Putnam County leaders remain focused on preventing future tragedies. Through data-driven reviews, community outreach, and survivor-led support, the county aims to build a more resilient, compassionate system that saves lives and uplifts those in need.
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