> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.opioiddata.org/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # March 2026 Newsletter - URL: https://www.opioiddata.org/march-2026-newsletter/ - Published: 2026-03-27T10:07:49.000Z - Updated: 2026-05-20T16:28:18.000Z - Author: Illyana Massey - Tags: Newsletters March is here, and we’re springing forward with fresh updates from the lab! 🌱 This month is an easy read and we’ve got a few highlights to share, with even more cool reads and insights coming your way in the next few weeks, so stay tuned. As always, we’re glad you’re here and part of the work helping keep communities safe & informed! ## Let's keep talking. Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. Be in the know with our free newsletter. # 〽️Service Stats & Updates As of **Tuesday March 24, 2026.**.. **19,103** samples analyzed Serving **192** harm reduction programs Reaching **296** counties in **43** states **488** unique substances identified [UNC Watchlist](https://www.opioiddata.org/unc-watchlist/) # πŸ”Ž New Substances Detected Here are the 15 new things we found in the drug supply last month. You can see the [full list here](https://deepnote.com/app/opioiddatalab/Newly-Detected-Substances-2f2c3288-10a7-4e03-a6c2-57bb006b5823), updated monthly. Just because we are seeing it for the first time, doesn't mean it hasn't been circulating already. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5b/77/5b77aa04-fe0b-45a2-a796-af3d64e3ea66/content/images/2026/03/image--6-.png) - **Bromantane** – Russian adaptogen/stimulant, used for fatigue and cognitive enhancement - **Modafinil** – Prescription wakefulness agent (narcolepsy); widely used off-label as a cognitive enhancer (Provigil) **Dissociatives / Novel Psychoactives** - **3-Methoxy-2-oxo PCP** – Novel dissociative, PCP analog - **2C-C** – Phenethylamine psychedelic (Shulgin compound) - **5-MeO-DiPT** – Tryptamine psychedelic ("Foxy Methoxy") - **Isophenidine (isopropylphenidine)** – Dissociative NMDA antagonist, research chemical **Opioid-Adjacent / Kratom** - **Dihydro-7-hydroxy mitragynine (MGM-15)** – Potent semi-synthetic kratom alkaloid derivative with opioid activity **Anabolic Steroids / Hormones** - **Oxymetholone** – Anabolic steroid (Anadrol) - **Exemestane** – Aromatase inhibitor used in steroid cycling and breast cancer treatment - **Fluoxymesterone** – Potent anabolic/androgenic steroid (Halotestin) **Pharmaceuticals (unexpected in drug supply)** - **Nabumetone** – NSAID (anti-inflammatory) - **Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim** – Antibiotic combination (Bactrim/Septra) - **Meclizine** – Antihistamine/antiemetic (motion sickness) - **Propylene glycol** – Solvent/excipient, not typically a standalone drug supply findings --- # πŸ‘©πŸ½β€πŸ”¬ Lab Visits We were delighted to host Union County NC. Thanks for driving all the way to discuss the benefits of drug checking and checking out where the magic happens! ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5b/77/5b77aa04-fe0b-45a2-a796-af3d64e3ea66/content/images/2026/03/IMG_5994-2.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5b/77/5b77aa04-fe0b-45a2-a796-af3d64e3ea66/content/images/2026/03/IMG_5995-2..jpg) --- # Congrats to the New Dr on our Team! πŸŽ“ ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5b/77/5b77aa04-fe0b-45a2-a796-af3d64e3ea66/content/images/2026/03/Colston_Headshot.jpg) We want to give a special shoutout to our team member David, who successfully defended his dissertation this month, an incredible accomplishment! We’re so proud of his hard work and dedication, and grateful to have him as part of our team. --- # πŸ“¦ Service Updates Thank you all for your continued partnership. We appreciate the important work you do in your communities! - Samples are **always voluntary**, and individuals must have access to their results! - Please **do not share kits** between programs-reach out to us if needed - Use **only the materials and labels we provide** and ship via **FedEx only** - **Do not add water** to vials; if solution has evaporated (around 3 months), that’s okay, just contact us - Be mindful of **shipping timelines** when ordering and returning kits **Data Cards Reminder** Please fill out data cards as thoroughly as possible. Knowing the **expected substance** helps ensure accurate lab analysis, and **sensations data** are critical for understanding changes in potency and composition in the drug supply. **Mailer Update (Effective May 1)** Starting May 1, there will be a **$10 fee for additional mailers** for all programs, including those in North Carolina. One mailer is provided per 5 kits. We do not want you holding onto 1-2 samples for an extended time but also you can send more than 5 samples back in a box if necessary! This change helps us cover rising material and shipping costs, and we appreciate your understanding. Thanks again and happy drug checking! --- # πŸ“– Reading Room Read up on articles we found engaging or maybe watch a video about- **Vital Strategies' Vital Stories:** [Q&A with Indigenous Harm Reduction Program Leaders](https://www.vitalstrategies.org/qa-with-indigenous-harm-reduction-program-leaders-philomena-kebec-kaya-littleturtle-and-tiffany-pyette/) Philomena Kebec, Kaya Littleturtle and Tiffany Pyette **StatNews:** [America must not learn to live with 72,000 overdose deaths a year](https://www.statnews.com/2026/03/09/drug-overdose-deaths-opioids-decline-plateau/) Why are we celebrating a death toll that exceeds total American combat fatalities in Vietnam *every year*? **Bellingcat:** [New Footage Shows Wanted Kinahan Cartel Kingpins Post-Sanctions](https://www.bellingcat.com/news/2026/03/07/new-footage-shows-wanted-kinahan-cartel-kingpins-post-sanctions/) **MBPOnline:** [As Mississippi waits to spend opioid settlement funds, children and families suffer](https://www.mpbonline.org/blogs/news/as-mississippi-waits-to-spend-opioid-settlement-funds-children-and-families-suffer/) **The Herald Sun:** [Probe confirms NC juvenile detention problems. Some kids locked up, isolated.](https://www.heraldsun.com/article314760983.html) Take a look at **Kentucky's Just Say Yes Icelandic Model** ⬇️ [2023KYHRSJustSayYesLessonsfromaKYCtyIPM2023KYHRSJustSayYesLessonsfromaKYCtyIPM.pdf6 MBdownload-circle](https://www.opioiddata.org/content/files/2026/03/2023KYHRSJustSayYesLessonsfromaKYCtyIPM.pdf "Download") --- # πŸ€— 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. Join **MAHEC** for Community Wound Care: Strategies to Address Wounds Associated with Substance Use, Homelessness, and Trauma. [It is a full day training and you can learn more here!](https://mahec.net/home/event/77985) **NCHRC** is hiring a[**Outreach Specialist** ](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScuVjaz5AZ21Wm4%5F5HbSWUfMmJidwsLrRO0hTbeWkZBVgTElg/viewform)for Harnett County. **Guilford County** & [NC Survivor's Union](https://www.ncsurvivorsunion.org/) are hiring a Peer Support Specialist! [Job Description (1) (1)Job Description (1) (1).pdf88 KBdownload-circle](https://www.opioiddata.org/content/files/2026/03/Job-Description--1---1-.pdf "Download") We also want to shoutout **Guilford County** for installing a ***no cost naloxone vending machine!!*** The vending machine provides free access to naloxone, wound care kits, and fentanyl and xylazine test strips. [See more here. ](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/guilford-county%5Ftoday-guilford-county-public-health-in-activity-7430704732958224384-mG%5FF/?utm%5Fsource=share&utm%5Fmedium=member%5Fios&rcm=ACoAAAQ62DUBufbeTX7YLlr007Uf6f7KIKIf09U&skipRedirect=true) Need **drug checking training**? You may missed sample collection training for this month but head over to [Remedy Alliance Drug Checking for the People](https://www.drugcheckingftp.org/#about-us) to stay updated for more upcoming trainings! --- # πŸ† 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. πŸ’– ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5b/77/5b77aa04-fe0b-45a2-a796-af3d64e3ea66/content/images/2026/03/image-1.png) No box this month but we received these really adorable items! We appreciate all the goodies that we receive πŸ˜„ ## Thanks for reading!!! ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5b/77/5b77aa04-fe0b-45a2-a796-af3d64e3ea66/content/images/2025/10/Black-And-White-Simple-Personal-Business-Card--1-.png)