〽️Service Stats & Updates
As of Monday February 9 2026...
19,103 samples analyzed
Serving 192 harm reduction programs
Reaching 296 counties in 43 states
488 unique substances identified
Note to our service users: If you’re using an older version of our card to report test strip results, please specify if “MTS” means methamphetamine or medetomidine!
A Special Thanks
As many of you know, our very own Nab was recently named a recipient of the 2025 MacArthur Fellowship, “genius grant,” for his work in overdose prevention, an honor that is truly well deserved and a reflection of his deep commitment to the work. In his reflection on this achievement, he takes the time to acknowledge those who often go unnoticed and who aren’t in the spotlight, reminding us that the field of public health has long been described as an invisible shield protecting our communities. I can personally identify with that feeling, having entered the field a little over ten years ago when few people outside my cohort even understood what I was majoring in. We encourage you to take a moment to read his full reflection here. We want everyone to know that we see you, from peer support specialists, people with lived experience, clinical staff, outreach workers, case managers, educators, advocates, researchers, and beyond. Nab is shining a light on the state of public health and encouraging all of us to uplift one another and recognize the value each role brings. We will keep fighting the fight and never forget the many vital contributions in overdose prevention that continues keeping our communities alive-thank you for all that you do!
📦 Service Updates
As we begin the new year, we’d like to share a few important service reminders. Sample collection is always voluntary, and results must be returned directly to individual participants. With our program continuing to grow, some nearby programs may be tempted to share kits; however, we ask that you please avoid doing so and contact us if sharing becomes necessary. And remember to be mindful of shipping timelines when ordering kits and awaiting posted results. Happy drug checking!
And please fill out as much of the data on the cards as you can. We need to know expected substance to do accurate lab analysis. And the sensations data are critical to undertanding changes in purity/concentration that are happening right now.
Happy drug checking!
2025 Recap
In case you missed this, check out our Year in Drugs 2025 report for a quick, eye-opening look at the latest trends and data shaping our communities: It’s an informative read packed with valuable insights and data to keep you and your community informed!
Nabarun Dasgupta
Test strip Office Hours
A place for public health department purchasers and opioid settlement fund spenders to meet THE national expert on test strips so that they can make better spending choices.
📣 Team Voices
Current recommendations advise lay responders to call 911 after reversing an overdose, but we find for people who use opioids in rural Appalachian Ohio, this is not always practical. Participants recalled numerous instances in which they were able to successfully reverse an overdose on their own, making additional support from first responders feel unnecessary - especially given fears of being stigmatized or facing legal repercussions. Our very own David C., Adams S., and others assessed preferences toward calling 9-1-1 during overdose in rural, Appalachian Ohio.
Congressional Budget Office
New report from CBO points to drug checking as a promising paradigm: "By providing crucial information to users before they consume drugs, the services enable users to make more informed decisions and thus reduce their risks… Lawmakers could expand access to drug testing programs by supporting community organizations carrying out harm-reduction initiatives that include drug testing services."
How are clinicians using buprenorphine?
The key point is that there are many different ways clinicians are using buprenorphine these days, from microinductions to macroinductions to detox to maintenance. What’s right for patients will depend on their previous treatment experience and local drug supply. Triangle CERSI found that the most important question doctor’s can ask is “What dose worked for you in the past?" Click here to read more!
📖 Reading Room
Read up on articles we found engaging and maybe watch a video about
90.5 WESA: Pittsburgh harm reduction experts warn about overdose reversal drugs
The BMJ: Rise of synthetic drugs in Europe and how it intersects with what we will see in the US next.
Brookings: Data Drops. The cost of chaos: A cracking windshield on substance use in the US
“If You’re Willing to Work…We Can Work With You”: Obligatory Labor at Residential Substance Use Services Providers in North Carolina
Check out this reel from The Daily Show- I promise you’ll find it amazing regarding the “war on drugs”. It somehow manages to be both painfully accurate and laugh-out-loud funny. 😄
American Journal of Preventive Medicine: Illicit drug use during pregnancy in states with and without punitive prenatal substance use policies
Opioid Settlement Spending in a Time of Budget Cuts: Watch this short fireside chat to explore how communities are navigating opioid settlement funding amid tightening budgets, with expert insight on emerging trends, tough trade-offs, and what it all means for prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts.
CDC Webinar: Clinical Implications of Medetomidine Mixed with Opioids
Substance Use & Addiction Journal: Piloting a Point-of-Care Drug-Checking Service at Syringe Service Programs in New York City
BCCSU Drug Checking: Medetomidine Test Strip Pilot: Preliminary Results
✈️Out and About
Nab presenting at UNC Psychiatry Grand Rounds and Illyana presenting at the Florida Harm Reduction Conference!
🤗 Opportunities for Impact
Job postings, conferences, proposals, and other events for you harm reduction baddies! If you have a job posting or event you'd like us to highlight, please be in touch.
Benevolence Farm in NC is looking for a new Deputy Director and Farm Manager. Benevolence Farm is nonprofit in North Carolina dedicated to empowering people affected by the criminal legal system by building leadership skills, supporting sustainable employment in rural areas.
San Francisco AIDS Foundation is hiring for a Bilingual (Spanish) Drug Checking Technician!
Becoming a Healer. Here's a list on where to listen!
🏆 Box of the Month
Sometimes our amazing partners write us a warm message, doodle or draw a picture on the return boxes we send out. This is in no way a requirement (♻️ we reuse the boxes), but we love receiving the random surprises!
Each month, we will showcase boxes we love. Send us more doodles and notes! They sustain us. 💖
Thanks for reading and Happy New Year!
