In an effort to curb fentanyl overdose occurrences and protect California drug users, the state has rolled out free fentanyl test strips for a limited time.
Pike Long, an expert with the California Department of Public Health, said fentanyl test strips are a “useful addition” to the state’s harm-reduction strategy, which includes “never use alone and always carry naloxone.”
The test strips are an extension of an existing Department of Health Services (DHCS) project to distribute free naloxone, also known as Narcan, a life-saving drug that can reverse an overdose. Test strips will be distributed to the following eligible organizations: Apply online.
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Fentanyl test strips are considered drug paraphernalia in many states. (FNC)
The California Department of Health Services follows what is known as a “harm reduction” model, which aims to reduce the effects of drug use through the provision of clean syringes, naloxone, and other materials to “meet people where they are.” is focused on. Making drug use “safer”.
“Harm reduction programs help people who use drugs protect themselves from injury and infection and provide essential safety net services,” the California Department of Health Services website states.
State Health and Human Resources Secretary Mark Ghaley said harm reduction programs are “a big part of how we can better protect people and get them treated.”
“This work will take time. Shame is not the answer. Support and science-driven policies are.”
Schools, universities, law enforcement agencies, harm reduction organizations, county public health services, community centers, local government agencies, homeless organizations, rehabilitation facilities, and hospitals are all eligible to receive free test strips.
“California is committed to combating the opioid and fentanyl crisis,” DHCS Secretary Michelle Barth said in a statement Thursday. “Fentanyl test strips are a powerful tool to effectively prevent opioid-related overdoses, and we urge our community partners to apply for this additional tool to help address this crisis.”
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U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents seized more than 1.2 million fentanyl pills during two raids on Dec. 29. (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)
Illegal fentanyl, a synthetic opioid often sold in pill form, is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
According to the CDC, fentanyl and other synthetic opioids are the most common drugs that lead to overdose deaths, and more than 150 people die every day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
Street fentanyl can also be mixed with other drugs, making even small amounts potentially deadly. The drug fentanyl is often prescribed by doctors for patients with severe pain, such as from surgery or advanced cancer.
Fentanyl test strips can detect deadly opioids hidden in recreational drugs
Narcan packs come in cardboard boxes. (Fox News)
In 2022, there were 6,473 fentanyl-related deaths and more than 21,300 emergency department visits for opioid-related incidents, according to the state’s most recent data. More than 13.6 million fentanyl prescriptions were filled that year.
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Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office says the state has distributed more than 3.9 million kits of naloxone since the state announced its naloxone distribution project in 2018, resulting in more than 247,000 opioid overdoses. He said he has been reported to have recovered.
