Written by: Lucy Connery MPH
As of June 2023, MATTERS has distributed over 1 MILLION test strips to individuals and organizations across New York State (NYS)!
MATTERS launched its fentanyl test strip distribution program in August 2022 and recently expanded to include xylazine test strips.
Thank you to the NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports for your partnership and support!
Why is this important?
Fentanyl is a potent, synthetic opioid that is commonly mixed into the opioid (heroin, oxycodone, etc.) and non-opioid (cocaine, methamphetamines, etc.) drug supplies. Xylazine is an FDA-approved veterinary tranquilizer that is toxic to humans, causing skin wounds and disfigurement. Xylazine and fentanyl are being mixed with other substances in order to lower the cost of producing drugs while still providing some euphoric effects.
These substances are typically present without the user’s knowledge and increase the risk for overdose and other health consequences. Using test strips can empower individuals to know what is in their supply and to avoid contaminants such as fentanyl and xylazine.
Learn more
Visit our harm reduction page to learn more about fentanyl, xylazine, drug testing strips, and other harm reduction strategies. Have questions? Contact us.
See our progress
Click through the graphs below to see our distribution progress.
