Isn't harm reduction just enabling people?

Naloxone enables people to continue breathing and continue living. Drug checking supplies enable people to make informed decisions about drug consumption. Sterile injection equipment enables people who use drugs to protect themself and others from bloodborne pathogen transmission, soft tissue infection, and cardiac infections such as endocarditis and pericarditis.  Harm reduction strategies enable families to keep their loved ones alive and healthy. 

Can I overdose on fentanyl from touching it?

In short no. But don't take our word for it, please read the joint statement from the American College of Medical Toxicology and the American Academy of Clinical Toxicology below:

"Fentanyl and its analogs are potent opioid receptor agonists, but the risk of clinically significant exposure to emergency responders is extremely low. To date, we have not seen reports of emergency responders developing signs or symptoms consistent with opioid toxicity from incidental contact with opioids. Incidental dermal absorption is unlikely to cause opioid toxicity. For routine handling of drug, nitrile gloves provide sufficient dermal protection. In exceptional circumstances where there are drug particles or droplets suspended in the air, an N95 respirator provides sufficient protection. Workers who may encounter fentanyl or fentanyl analogs should be trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of opioid intoxication, have naloxone readily available, and be trained to administer naloxone and provide active medical assistance. In the unlikely event of poisoning, naloxone should be administered to those with objective signs of hypoventilation or a depressed level of consciousness, and not for vague concerns such as dizziness or anxiety. In the absence of prolonged hypoxia, no persistent effects are expected following fentanyl or fentanyl analog exposures. Those with small subclinical exposures and those who awaken normally following naloxone administration will not experience long-term effects. While individual practitioners may differ, these are the positions of American College of Medical Toxicology and American Academy of Clinical Toxicology at the time written, after a review of the issue and scientific literature." 

Reference

Moss, M. J., Warrick, B. J., Nelson, L. S., McKay, C. A., Dubé, P. A., Gosselin, S., Palmer, R. B., & Stolbach, A. I. (2017). ACMT and AACT Position Statement: Preventing Occupational Fentanyl and Fentanyl Analog Exposure to Emergency Responders. Journal of medical toxicology : official journal of the American College of Medical Toxicology, 13(4), 347–351. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13181-017-0628-2 

Read more here.

Where can I get free naloxone and testing supplies?

Please feel free to reach out to us at nnvhra@gmail.com. If we are not your jam, that is okay too. We value your voice and choice. Here is a resource to locate naloxone and testing supplies. 

Have a question?

Send us an email to nnvhra@gmail.com