🎉 10,000 samples and counting! 🎉
Since launching in 2022, our drug checking lab has grown beyond what we could’ve imagined, and now we’re celebrating over 10,000 samples analyzed! Huge thanks to the incredible programs that utilize our services and to every participant who trusts their community—and us—in this harm reduction work. We know drug checking doesn’t magically make the supply safe, but every test is a step closer to knowledge, transparency, and safer choices. Here’s to many more samples, conversations, and moments of care! 💛
〽️Service Stats & Updates
As of Tuesday February 25, 2025...
10,891 samples analyzed
Serving 163 harm reduction programs
Reaching 240 counties in 40 states
394 unique substances identified
No changes to our Watchlist, but click below to see Live Reports on cafentanil, (dex)medetomidine, nitazenes, BTMPS and more.
New Results Page Coming!
Since we knew we would max out our original hosting service, our software dev David has been working on a fresh new results page for months. You can check it out at https://results.streetsafe.supply and read all about the upgrades. We will be updating the original and new site- so if your results are missing, try the new URL. Bear with us through a few hiccups! The data is safe, and the GitHub won't be affected.
Our service users will be receiving a questionnaire in the coming weeks so that we can update into the new system so be on the lookout for that too.
Peak OD Phenotypes
🚨 In case you missed this post, you’ll definitely want to check it out! The Opioid Data Lab breaks down “Peak OD Phenotypes,” shedding light on patterns in overdose risk that could help shape better responses and interventions. If you’re interested in data-driven harm reduction, understanding who is most at risk, and how we can act on this info, this is a must-read. Click the link to dive in!
🤗 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.
North Carolina Harm Reduction (NCHRC) is hiring for multiple positions. Check them out here!
In case you missed it, you can check out the FORE Webinar: Supporting Children and Families Impacted by Addiction from 1/28/25 here! FORE is one of our generous funders that helps make our work possible! What's super cool is that it's the re-introduction of a muppet, Carli, who's mom is dealing with addiction.
New Virtual Series Alert! Drug Policy Alliance is bringing together experts to tackle the rapidly changing drug landscape in their four-part series, New Drugs and Markets: Meeting the Challenge of a Changing Drug Policy Landscape. From emerging synthetic drugs to harm reduction strategies, these panels will break down myths, explore real risks, and spark bold solutions. Don’t miss out—register now! 🔗👇 We'll be presenting on March 13th!
What's really going on? - Canada's Take👇
🚨 What’s really in the unregulated opioid supply, and what risks do different adulterants bring? A new study led by Sam Tobias out of British Columbia analyzed over 80,000 drug samples and found that benzodiazepines and xylazine in opioids significantly increase the risk of adverse events like overdose and prolonged sedation. Understanding these patterns helps shape harm reduction strategies that meet the moment. 📊🔎 Dive into the findings and what they mean for public health here! This was Sam's dissertation paper, so congrats!!
📖 Reading Room
A place for things that taught us something new and maybe you will learn something too!
Salon: A new alternative to naloxone? 🚑 Scientists and healthcare professionals are exploring a promising option that could expand how we reverse opioid overdoses—especially in fentanyl-related cases. Read more about this potential game-changer from Claire Zagorski!
MA decriminalized drug checking after conference bill reconciliations. Means no more MOUs with police departments, so no more asking permission! Read more here.
Dive into 'A Week of Chaos in Public Health' for an essential breakdown of recent public health controversies that directly impact you and your family. Dr. Jetelina offers critical context about CDC changes, mask effectiveness debates, and concerning public health leadership shifts that mainstream media isn't fully explaining.
PA Groundhog: Report Exposes Major Disruption in Opioid Supply & PAG RELEASES NEW ADULTERANT REPORT
Stat News: DEA unveils telehealth rules for Adderall, buprenorphine, other controlled medications
🤓 Scientific Literature
- Bufanda, L.P., et al. Managing xylazine-involved overdoses in a community harm reduction setting: lessons from Tijuana, Mexico. Harm Reduction Journal. 2025.
- Volpe, I., & Barratt, M.J. How do drug checking services share their findings with the public? A global review for Victoria, Australia. Melbourne, Australia: RMIT University. 2025. 📢 This global review of communication methods and data for drug checking is awesome. We 💖 Monica and the whole team in Melbourne!
- Zoorob MJ, et al. Drug Decriminalization, Fentanyl, and Fatal Overdoses in Oregon. JAMA Network Open. 2024.
🥼 Lab Visits
Justin Elkins & Beth Ockerbloom from Queen City Harm Reduction, Charlotte, NC swung by to check out the lab! Find out more about their awesome work here!
📣 Team Voices
Check out monthly blog posts from members of our team!
Erin Tracy
👋 Meet our Team Members
Each month will feature different team members 😊
Dmitri Fisher
Dmitri's love for community and the people in his life who use drugs fuels his passion for harm reduction—because everyone has the right to autonomy plus health and care shouldn’t depend on sobriety! After volunteering with NCHRC’s SSP outreach and co-leading a naloxone training at Gillings School of Global Public Health, he’s thrilled to join the Street Drug Analysis Lab team as an intern & we're thrilled to have him!
💝 Helping Out With a Donation
The devastating wildfires in Los Angeles has forced 180,000 people to evacuate and severely impacted unhoused and marginalized communities. With L.A. County home to the largest unhoused population in California, harm reduction organizations are providing urgent relief and long-term support. Check their sites for immediate needs but shelter supplies, hygiene items, and financial donations always help sustain rebuilding efforts. The harm reduction community remains committed to standing with those most affected and addressing the systemic injustices that worsen these crises. Click here to see how to donate.
🔔 Operation Reminders
As we begin the new year, we'd like to share some important program reminders.
Our commitment to accessibility means ensuring all participants receive timely access to their results. Please distribute the Blue QR code cards to everyone using our drug checking service. The people come first☺️
Regarding shipping: While we deeply appreciate your willingness to use your own supplies, we must ask that you exclusively use our provided materials (boxes, vials, etc.). And only FedEx Ground. Our program operates under specific legal and environmental requirements, so standardized shipping materials helps us maintain these compliance standards to continue serving your communities. If it's sent any other way, we risk a $10,000 fine😬 No joke.
We appreciate everything that you do for your communities! 🥰
🏆 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.
