On September 21st, 2023, in recognition of National Opioid and Substance Awareness Day, there will be Narcan training and distribution in Glens Falls and Warrensburg. For this event, Warren County Health Services is partnering with the Adirondack Health Institute, Alliance for Positive Health, and the Hope & Healing Recovery Community and Outreach Center.

Training and distribution will take place from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM at Community Action located at 190 Maple Street in Glens Fall, and from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Cumberland Farms located at 3805 Main Street in Warrensburg. This opioid antidote will be distributed free of charge!

Narcan is a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses… But Naloxone, which is sold under the name Narcan, is a safe medication that can save someone’s life by reversing the effects of an opioid overdose. Naloxone only works on opioids such as heroin, prescription pain medication, and fentanyl. These distribution sites will be staffed by community organizations trained in Narcan administration. The training will include recognizing an overdose, Naloxone administration, and what to expect after naloxone is given. There will also be harm reduction information provided with Narcan kits. 

This event is open to anyone in need of Narcan kits or harm reduction information. Individuals who are struggling with opioid addiction, or who have a loved one who is struggling with this addiction, are encouraged to attend to receive a free Narcan rescue kit and training for its use. 

Warren County Director of Health Services, Ginelle Jones, understands the need for this resource: “We continue to see the devastating impact that opioids have on our community… Increased availability of Narcan, and offering training to those who would like to learn how to use it, can save lives and give those struggling with opioid addiction a chance to seek treatment to overcome their addiction,” she said. 

New York State’s Good Samaritan Law allows people to call 911 without fear of arrest if they are having a drug overdose that requires emergency medical care, or if they witness someone overdosing. 

The Adirondack Health Institute has installed Narcan rescue kits around Warren County that are available free to the public 24/7. There are 37 emergency box locations within a twenty mile radius of Glens Falls. These Narcan emergency boxes are filled with four doses of Narcan, and are intended for emergency use during a suspected overdose.

For more information, please visit ahihealth.org

Are You a Homeless Veteran? Do you have an eviction notice? Supportive Services For Veterans Families (SSVF) is a Veterans Administration (VA) funded Case Management program for homeless veteran families and at-risk veteran families. Supportive services grants have been awarded to selected private non-profit organizations and consumer cooperatives, that will assist very-low-income veteran families residing in or transitioning to permanent housing. Grantees will provide a range of supportive services to eligible veteran families that are designed to promote housing stability.

SSVF provides intensive short term case management services and assistance in looking for affordable housing units, as well as providing educational programs, including financial literacy and budgeting. They also provide resources to find both public and federal benefits, aid in job searches, make referrals to community resources, and potentially even financial assistance – which is based on need and availability, and determined on a case by case basis. 

Aubrie Spencer, 15, went missing from her mother’s home in Glens Falls on September 13th, 2023. Aubrie is 5-foot 3-inches tall with brown hair, multiple nose piercings, and a birthmark on her neck. 

It is believed that she is with a 14 year old boy who is 5-foot 5-inches tall with bright red hair.

The family has posted fliers throughout Glens Falls and on some social media sites. Aubrie is familiar with the Capital Region, and could be anywhere between Glens Falls and Albany. 

She left her mother’s house through a window at about 11:20 PM on September 13th. The family is worried about the state of her mental health and ask people not to approach her, but to instead call Aubrie’s mother, Jennifer Donnelly at (518) 832-3374, or Brian Blachut at (518) 742-6891, or The Glens Falls Police Department at (518) 761-3840 .

Five-year-old Ivy, rescued from an overcrowded home, was used to being just another face in the crowd. It took her a little while to adjust to receiving one-on-one attention. She can still be a little cautious at first introductions but will quickly relax with a good petting session. When comfortable, Ivy is so full of love, giving it with her whole heart, and eager to share that love with everyone.

If you are interested in learning more about Ivy, please contact the Adoption Center at 518.409.8105 ext 101 or adoptadk@animalleague.org. You can also complete the adoption application using the link: www.animalleague.org/adkpreapproval

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Glens Falls Water and Sewer Department received reports on Saturday September 16th, 2023, that tap water in homes was discolored… This issue was not related to the water main break found in downtown Glens Falls on Friday. The Glens Falls Water and Sewer Department stated via press release that the discoloration presents no threat to public health, and the water remains potable and safe to drink. 

Local resident Mike Metzger posted on Facebook about the rust-colored water and his disappointment with the communication from the City of Glens Falls regarding the issue: “Water in Glens Falls was rust-colored brown today, many still reported brown water. Yet, no official word from city government or local media other than what seems to be an unrelated story about a water main break,” his post read. 

Other Glens Falls residents posted on Nextdoor, an app that connects people in local neighborhoods. Crystal Howell posed the question “Anyone else in GF have brown water?” This post had eight replies, including one from Cathy Corrigan stating: “My water is dark brown and I ran all of my faucets for almost 2 hours!! The city is no help! Called Water Dept emergency number and I got an answering service!! All my water is dark brown.”

The Glens Falls Water and Sewer Department stated via press release that the issue was created by spikes in the freshwater distribution system, resulting in release of particles for the interior of the drinking water pipes. While there is no threat to human health, the mineral particles discolor the water. 

Residents who see discoloration in their water should run multiple faucets for approximately 10 minutes, or until the discoloration clears. Residents who continue to have problems with water discoloration should call the Water & Sewer Hotline at (518) 761-3857.