WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: The Naloxone Distribution Project, one of California’s critical harm reduction programs, is now offering fentanyl test strips as another tool to curb rising deaths from fentanyl contamination.

March 28, 2024 - SACRAMENTO — As California’s Naloxone Distribution Project (NDP) delivers millions of naloxone kits that have resulted in more than 247,000 reported opioid overdose reversals, today the state announced the project will now also offer fentanyl test strips to eligible organizations. The test strips detect the presence of fentanyl, offering another tool to prevent overdoses.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES SECRETARY DR. MARK GHALY: “Harm reduction programs like this one are a huge part of how we better protect people, how we get them into treatment. This work is time tested. Shame isn’t a solution; support and science-driven policy is.”

WHY THIS MATTERS: A critical component of California’s all-hands-on-deck approach to addressing a confluence of overdose crises, NDP has distributed more than 3,918,000 kits of naloxone, resulting in more than 247,000 reported opioid overdose reversals. The addition of test strips to that toolkit will work to prevent overdoses in the first place – and add another opportunity to connect people with recovery support and treatment.

Watch Dr. Ghaly here

BIGGER PICTURE: As part of ongoing, statewide efforts, California released the Master Plan for Tackling the Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis to support overdose prevention efforts like those announced today. Recently, the state launched Opioids.CA.GOV, a one-stop-shop for Californians seeking resources around prevention and treatment, as well as information on how California is working to hold Big Pharma and drug-traffickers accountable in this crisis.

 

Learn more about today’s announcement here.
Source: Office of the Governor