Prevent Overdose RI

ℹ️🧪 Today we are releasing a drug supply update for the month of November featuring two samples from Providence. One pill sold as Xanax and a vial of white powder sold as ketamine. Full update here: preventoverdoseri.org/wp-content/upl…

There are ways to reduce overdose risk within the toxic supply: - test your drugs - have narcan - dont use alone - go slow - avoid mixing depressants and downers.

For more information and to see past updates, visit testri.org.

Register for the webinar below to hear from different @FOREfdn grantees, including @_alexbcollins who will be talking about testRI!

As the opioid epidemic continues to affect the Ocean State, University professors and community experts discuss the importance of naloxone — a drug that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose — and where it can be accessed on campus. browndailyherald.com/article/2022/1…

when treating a skin infection possibly due to xylazine use: - do not inject at the site of infection - avoid direct pressure to the site if possible - keep the area clean and dry

Use the recovery position to keep the airway clear (place on side, hand supports the head, knee stops body from rolling onto stomach) rescue breaths are important if slowed or stopped breathing after naloxone.

If xylazine is involved in an overdose the person may still appear sedated even after breathing returns. * Check for normal breathing and pulse * Use naloxone if slowed or stopped breathing

there's been a lot of talk about xylazine showing up in the drug supply. today, we're releasing a zine (a xylaZINE) about the drug - what it is and what it means when it shows up in the drug supply. download it below: medium.com/pphc/xylazine-…

We've long seen fentanyl in cocaine (& the ODs from it). Casual users are at high risk. Remember: start w/small amounts, test your drugs for fentanyl, don't use alone, carry Narcan. We have test strips & Narcan for free. We want you here.💜 news.yahoo.com/three-yorkers-…

ℹ️🧪 We are releasing the first of two drug supply updates today for the month of September. The first update features two samples tested from Providence. Both samples contained percocets; one in a blue 30 pill, the other in a baggie. preventoverdoseri.org/wp-content/upl…

The percocet sample in a blue pill was found to be made up mostly of fentanyl.

The percocet sample in a baggie was found to be made up mostly of fentanyl as well.

Pressed pills, or pills that are not from your own prescription and pharmacy, may contain unknown substances that could increase overdose risk. Using fentanyl test strips, going slow, and having naloxone is important to reduce overdose risk.

Last call! If you're interested in volunteering, please sign up at tinyurl.com/IOAD22 by tomorrow! International Overdose Awareness Day is next Wednesday 8/31 and will include a vigil at Burnside Park in PVD honoring those we've lost, 6-8 p.m.

Check out @alison_bologna's latest segment from @NBC10’s series on Rhode Island’s overdose crisis featuring local artists’ inspiring #murals: bit.ly/3R5kpSa #Hope #EndOverdose #RecoveryIsPossible (1/2)

💜Thank you to our amazing community partners: @weberrenew @CCare_RI @PSNRI1 @AvenuePVD 💜And the TALENTED artists: Greg Was Here Joanna Vespia Michael Ezzell Ryan Richardson Yenny Hernandez (2/2)

In addition to our effort to distribute 3000 doses of #Narcan across #RI on International Overdose Awareness Day, 8/31, we will be hosting a vigil at Burnside Park at 6pm. Join us as we remember those lost to #overdose. #IOAD2022 #EndOverdoseRI

While regional variations are occurring across the country, the local drug supply in Rhode Island is also incredibly complex and variable. But there are ways to reduce overdose risk within the toxic supply:

After launching in May, 13 samples were tested with all but one from Providence. Samples included cocaine, fentanyl, and crystal meth: