History of Harm Reduction Efforts at COGI

COGI has been focused on Harm Reduction for several years.   Our program began by reaching out to Schuylkill County Drug & Alcohol to obtain funding to purchase replacement Naloxone for EMS agencies due to the rising costs.   In 2018, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) began a program seeking agencies to serve as a Centralized Coordinating Entity (CCE) for each county.   COGI applied and was awarded the designation of CCE for Schuylkill County, PA.

From 2018 – 2023, COGI served as the CCE for Schuylkill County and in 2024 Pennsylvania made changes to their POPP Program (Pennsylvania Overdose Prevention Program) and COGI is now one of the Recognized Entities serving Schuylkill County.

Current Harm Reduction Work

Presently COGI continues to serve as a Recognized Entity under Pennsylvania’s Opioid Prevention Program and distributed Narcan kits, Fentanyl Testing Strips, and Xylazine Testing Strips to communities and agencies throughout Schuylkill County.   Emergency Responders receive Narcan Kits to treat individuals experiencing an Overdose.   Agencies are supplied with Narcan (and in some cases testing strips) for their First Aid Kits or for public distribution.    All materials are received by COGI from the POPP program at no cost and distribute these items at no cost to the recipient.

Supplemental Narcan Expansion Funds

COGI was a recipient of an award through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) which ends June 2025 for funds to expand Narcan Distribution in Schuylkill County.   Through these funds, COGI was able to purchase Narcan Cabinets, print Resource Cards with QR codes that provide information for additional Narcan Locations, Treatment Providers, and Recovery Support Services.   A similar post card was created for use by First Responders after they treat someone who suffered an Overdose.

A limited number of cabinets are still available.   If you have an interest in placing a cabinet in your location, please contact Kelly at kexamitas@coginc.org or 570-628-6990 x1013.

Wound Care

COGI also obtained “Wound Care” kits through the POPP Program.   These kits are used within our Medication Assisted Treatment program by our physicians.   Individuals who are using substances containing Xylazine often suffer from a severe flesh wound.   These wounds are very dangerous and need continuous care and sterile dressings.   Wound Care Kits are provided to these individuals for home care.

How to Find Narcan and Drug Testing Strips

HARM REDUCTION SUPPLIES 08.27.25

COGI Harm Reduction Data