> ## 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. # Summer 2026 Newsletter - URL: https://www.opioiddata.org/summer-2026-newsletter/ - Published: 2026-07-07T10:31:52.000Z - Updated: 2026-07-07T10:31:51.000Z - Author: Illyana Massey - Tags: Newsletters Happy Summer from the lab! ☀️ This edition is short and sweet, but always informative, of course. We're excited to share a few updates, reminders, and resources as we continue working together to keep communities informed through drug checking. Grab a cold drink, soak up the sun, and give us a few minutes of your time. We are glad you're here! ## 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 July 7, 2026.**.. **22, 607** samples analyzed Serving **207** harm reduction programs Reaching **281** counties in **44** states **522** unique substances identified [UNC Watchlist](https://www.opioiddata.org/unc-watchlist/) --- # Don't miss the ACDC Drug Checking Summit! Looking to expand your knowledge of drug checking and connect with others from across the field? Join the **virtual ACDC Drug Checking Summit** for several days of engaging presentations, practical discussions, and the latest updates in harm reduction and drug checking- all from the comfort of your home or office. *Register today* and learn from experts and colleagues working to advance drug checking services! [ACDC Drug Checking Summit 2026 - OnlineACDC has been improving drug user-facing, harm reduction- based drug checking since 2019\. Attend our annual learning summit! (Español)![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5b/77/5b77aa04-fe0b-45a2-a796-af3d64e3ea66/content/images/icon/favicon-194x194-2665e88c-38d7-4bb7-9c95-4025647004a4.png)Eventbrite![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5b/77/5b77aa04-fe0b-45a2-a796-af3d64e3ea66/content/images/thumbnail/image-1c320702-6d4c-4128-b47f-aaa53689d18d)](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/acdc-drug-checking-summit-2026-online-tickets-1986997964400?aff=oddtdtcreator) --- # 📦 Service Updates ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5b/77/5b77aa04-fe0b-45a2-a796-af3d64e3ea66/content/images/2026/07/IMG_3760-1.jpg) CRUSHED BOX?! 😱 No worries! **Our shipping materials are built to protect your samples!** The photo above is from a recent shipment that arrived with a badly crushed box. Fortunately, every sample vial inside was completely intact thanks to the shipping materials included in our kits. While we truly appreciate programs wanting to purchase their own shipping supplies, this is exactly why we ask that **only our provided boxes, labels, and packing materials** be used. These materials have been selected to help protect your samples and ensure they arrive safely for analysis! **Reminder: Updated Mailing Address for Checks** If your program pays by check, please note our updated mailing address below. This information is included on all invoices and invoice emails, but in case you missed it, please use the following address for future payments: **UNC Street Drug Analysis Lab (IPRC)** **Attn: Nab Dasgupta** 725 MLK Jr. Blvd Campus Box 7505 Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7505 --- # Musicians for Overdose Prevention T-Shirt Memorial at NC State Capitol Watch this powerful tribute from Musicians for Overdose Prevention and the North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition honoring the lives lost to overdose since 2020\. Learn how you can help commemorate those we've lost. --- # 🔎Ketamine Mixes There's two types of ketamine, S-ketamine and R-ketamine. S-ketamine is the active ingredient in Spravato, a prescription depression nasal spray, and it's about twice as strong as racemic ketamine and four times that of R-ketamine. Most other ketamine, including standard medical ketamine is racemic, a 50/50 mix of R and S. Findings show that street ketamine is also usually a 50/50 mix, resembling standard ketamine. So what's causing the differences in varying effects reported? It more likely comes down to purity, cutting agents, or dose. Not a shift in ketamine form.[ Read more here. ](https://chemrxiv.org/doi/full/10.26434/chemrxiv.15003278/v1) Note: We do not do this kind of detailed separation at our lab. --- # 📖 Reading Room Read up on articles we found engaging or maybe watch a video about- **FDA:** [Starting Doses of Buprenorphine to Reduce Non-Fatal Overdoses and Prevent Mortality](https://www.fda.gov/science-research/advancing-regulatory-science/starting-doses-buprenorphine-reduce-non-fatal-overdoses-and-prevent-mortality) **AJPH:** [Naloxone Distribution in the United States, 2018–2023.](https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/10.2105/AJPH.2026.308541?%5F%5Fcf%5Fchl%5Ff%5Ftk=Jo9EIkv1eoK8GpONvYSO6PWOvCgzAde7astyazumsXk-1783393175-1.0.1.1-w0nkqaHxcr3e8JpWMsX6TUSj4hyZ9Ur3C%5F4qaOceqME) Naloxone distributed to non–health care settings increased from 1.39 million units in 2018 to 16.1 million in 2023. **Assembly:** [From One Recovery to Another](https://www.theassemblync.com/news/health/hurricane-helene-substance-use-disorder-recovery-disasters/). How does a natural disaster affect recovery from substance use? Learn how Hurricane Helene disrupted treatment and recovery services across North Carolina and the lessons it offers for supporting communities before, during, and after a crisis. Find out about [Building a Safety Net for Harm Reduction During Disasters!](https://www.theassemblync.com/news/health/harm-reduction-substance-abuse-hurricane-helene/) Good coverage of cannabis in [The Assembly!](https://www.instagram.com/p/DZu5cFNDykp/?img%5Findex=2) **Barbers? Narcan?** [See how everyday community members are making a difference!](https://www.cbs17.com/news/local-news/two-wilson-barbers-talk-about-saving-a-life-with-narcan/) **Community News:** [Durham's HEART program shows major drop in crime reports since inception, reshapes crisis response](https://abc11.com/post/durhams-heart-program-shows-major-drop-crime-reports-inception-reshapes-crisis-response/19082404/) **Cumberland County NC:**[Using Demographic and Substance Use Features to Predict Suspected Xylazine-Associated Wound Development Among People Who Use Drugs in North Carolina](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/gregory-berry-839840353%5Fusing-demographic-and-substance-use-features-share-7463707591366443008-nhjO/?utm%5Fsource=share&utm%5Fmedium=member%5Fios&rcm=ACoAAAQ62DUBufbeTX7YLlr007Uf6f7KIKIf09U) **Filter:**[ Appalachians Want to Use Mobile Syringe Programs, If They’re Discreet](https://filtermag.org/appalachian-mobile-syringe-programs/) **Health Affairs:** [New ICD Codes For Xylazine-Associated Wounds: A Critical Tool, But Only If They’re Widely Implemented](https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/new-icd-codes-xylazine-associated-wounds-critical-tool-but-only-if-they-re-widely) **Hot Press:** [The Joint Committee on Drugs Use Final Report could herald the biggest shake up of drug laws in the history of the Irish state](https://www.hotpress.com/lifestyle-sports/the-joint-committee-on-drugs-use-final-report-could-herald-the-biggest-shake-up-of-drug-laws-in-the-history-of-the-irish-state-23146844) **Nature:** Researchers and science publishers need to seize the opportunity offered by the drastic shifts in the way news is produced — one reason ***Nature*** has joined TikTok. [The Future of Science.](https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-026-01723-1) Check out **Remedy Alliance's** [2025 Impact Report!](https://www.canva.com/design/DAHDAfVmlI0/Ju7LgstBk0yqdWV4UwNIrA/view?utm%5Fcontent=DAHDAfVmlI0&utm%5Fcampaign=designshare&utm%5Fmedium=link2&utm%5Fsource=uniquelinks&utlId=h43a83a6115) **Stat News:**[Treatment for alcohol addiction is undergoing a seismic shift. Many say it’s overdue](https://www.statnews.com/2026/05/14/alcohol-use-disorder-treatment-landscape-changing-deadliest-drug-series-part-4/) **Science Direct:** [Pharmacokinetics of xylazine and fentanyl in patients presenting to the emergency department after non-fatal opioid overdose.](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376871626002097?dgcid=coauthor) --- # 🤗 Opportunities for Impact Please send us job postings, conferences, proposals, and other events for you harm reduction baddies and we will highlight in our next newsletter! **Wake County NC** is looking for a [Drug & Injury Prevention Unit Manager!](https://ewaketalent.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/3/home/requisition/9449?c=ewaketalent&sq=injury) **Virginia Harm Reduction Coalition** is hiring a new Director of Operations! Read more below. [2026 VHRC Director of Operations JOB POSTING.docx2026 VHRC Director of Operations JOB POSTING.docx.pdf91 KBdownload-circle](https://www.opioiddata.org/content/files/2026/07/2026-VHRC-Director-of-Operations-JOB-POSTING.docx.pdf "Download") --- **Defining Practice: Competencies for Drug Checking Technicians**, a new toolkit, has been released to support the growth and professional development of the drug checking workforce. Developed through international collaboration with experienced drug checking technicians, the resource outlines core competencies, skill development, and guidance for training and supervision. While designed primarily for FTIR-based drug checking programs serving people who use drugs, many of the lessons can be adapted to fit a variety of program settings. Check it out! [Drug Checking ToolkitDrug Checking Toolkit.pdf6 MBdownload-circle](https://www.opioiddata.org/content/files/2026/07/Drug-Checking-Toolkit-1.pdf "Download") --- [](https://www.southpiedmontahec.org/event/75020) # 🏆 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. 💖 ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5b/77/5b77aa04-fe0b-45a2-a796-af3d64e3ea66/content/images/2026/07/IMG_3807-1.jpg) --- ## Thanks from the Opioid Data Lab team! ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5b/77/5b77aa04-fe0b-45a2-a796-af3d64e3ea66/content/images/2026/04/image-9.png)