Law Enforcement and Community Provision of Fentanyl Test Strips to People Who Use Drugs for Engagement and Referral to Services.

ABSTRACT: Use of fentanyl test strips (FTS) to test illicit drugs has been shown to be an effective harm-reduction tool for raising awareness of fentanyl risks, increased self-efficacy to prevent overdose, and safer use behavior changes. From March to June 2020, a total of 6 Massachusetts municipal police departments piloted FTS kit distribution during post-overdose outreach visits, community outreach, and related programming. The Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative developed the kits, trained departments, and oversaw implementation. The pilot evaluation involved site observations, process measures, and interviews with staff and kit recipients. For every kit distributed, there was approximately 1 health or support service or referral provided; 320 kits were distributed. Key themes from

SUBMITTER: Olson R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9531966 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Nov-Dec 01

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature