Water and Kindness believes in Community Support
Harm reduction supplies along with plan b, Condoms, cOVID-19 Antigen tests and N95 masks help us to support our community with A Safety Net of resources.
What is Harm Reduction?
According to The National Harm Reduction Coalition, Harm Reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use. Harm Reduction is also a movement for social justice built on a belief in, and respect for, the rights of people who use drugs.
Harm reduction is also used as an umbrella term for interventions aiming to reduce the problematic effects of behaviors. Although harm reduction was originally and most frequently associated with substance use, it is increasingly being applied to a multitude of other behavioral disorders.
What is Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid, stronger than heroin and morphine. It exists as a pharmaceutical that is prescribed by a doctor for severe pain management or as an illicitly manufactured substance. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl comes in a variety of forms like powder, liquid and pills and is often mixed with other drugs to increase their potency and addictiveness.
Fentanyl use comes with a significant risk of overdose. A small amount (two milligrams - roughly 10-15 grains of salt) can be lethal.
Overdose signs include: Excessive drowsiness or losing consciousness, Pinpoint (very small) pupils, Slow, shallow, or absent breathing, Gurgling or choking sounds, Cold, clammy skin, Blue or purple lips and nails, Limp body, Slow or weak pulse.
In case of a suspected overdose, it's crucial to seek immediate medical attention by calling emergency services. Naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medication, can be life-saving and should be administered if available.
Fentanyl test strips can be used to test substances for unwanted fentanyl. They can be picked up at the Water and kindness free store and various locations throughout city heights. If you’re having trouble finding some near you, send us a message and we’ll make sure that you can access them.
What is Naloxone (Narcan)?
Naloxone (also known as by the brand name Narcan) is a medication used to reverse an opioid overdose. Naloxone works by blocking the effects of opiates on the brain and can quickly restore the breathing of a person experiencing an opioid overdose. Naloxone will only work if a person has opiates in their system. Opioids are a group of drugs that include heroin and prescription medications like oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, fentanyl, and methadone.
Watch the video to learn how to administer Naloxone and click this link to explore more frequently asked questions concerning Naloxone.
Plan B is a type of emergency contraceptive pill that prevents pregnancy after unprotected sex (works best if taken within 3 days of unprotected sex). It contains the hormone levonorgestrel, which works by preventing the release of an egg from the ovary or by stopping the egg from being fertilized.
Condoms are thin, flexible barriers, typically made of latex, polyurethane, or polyisoprene, that are used to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Covid Rapid Tests are a rapid diagnostic test used to detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Testing when you think you may have had contact with someone that was sick can help you to further prevent the spread of Covid-19 in our community.
N95 masks are a type of respirator used to protect the wearer from airborne particles and contaminants. It is designed to filter out at least 95% of airborne particles, including dust, smoke, and infectious agents. N95 masks are commonly used in healthcare settings, during wildfires, and in situations where exposure to airborne hazards is a concern.
