STAY SAFE
How do I stay safe while struggling with drug use?
Look for places that offer harm reduction services, which help keep you safe by reducing the chance of getting infections, overdosing, and death.
Services:
- Offer new/sterile needles and syringes
- Collect used needles
- Give out naloxone kits
- Provide overdose reversal education
- Offer drug test strips
- Offer non-judgmental counseling and peer support
- Refer you to drug treatment services
- Test for HIV and hepatitis
- Connect you to medical care and support services
How can I test for fentanyl?
Fentanyl test strips can tell you if there is fentanyl in something that you are using. The test strip will not tell you the amount of fentanyl or if other drugs or substances are present.
You may be able to get free fentanyl test strips at your local health department. You can also buy them online or get them at places that offer harm reduction services.
To learn step by step how to use the fentanyl testing kit, go to How to Test for Fentanyl.
TAKE ACTION
What can I do in case of an overdose?
Call 911
Give naloxone
Provide rescue breathing
Is training available?
Yes! A short Rapid REVIVE! training is available. It teaches you how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose. Longer courses are also available for those who wish to become REVIVE! trainers.
What is Naloxone and where can I get it?
Naloxone is a medication that can be used to stop an opioid overdose. It’s available in different forms, but nasal spray is the most common. It's also sometimes called Narcan. You may be able to get naloxone from your local health department, over the counter at the pharmacy, from your healthcare provider, or at other community locations.
For community partners:
- Request naloxone and fentanyl test strips
- Learn more at naloxone distribution to community partners - naloxone (virginia.gov)
- Contact opioidreversal@vdh.virginia.gov for questions on naloxone distribution to community partners.
FIND SUPPORT
National Resources
- Overdose Prevention Resources | National Harm Reduction Coalition
- FindTreatment.gov
- For help with substance use, call the National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Need More?
Find more information from VDH:
- Opioid and Drug Overdose Prevention - Injury and Violence Prevention (virginia.gov)
- Opioid Resources VSP Div II Sept 2019
Contact Us:
- For questions about overdose prevention or harm reduction email overdose@vdh.virginia.gov.
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