Oakland Nonprofit Offers Drug Testing to Combat Overdose Crisis

In Oakland, California, a nonprofit organization is addressing the growing overdose crisis by providing drug testing services to users. The HIV Education and Prevention Project of Alameda County has implemented a program aimed at analyzing street drugs for potentially harmful substances, including fentanyl and other dangerous additives. This initiative reflects a broader trend towards harm reduction strategies in the region.

On a recent Thursday, staff members of the nonprofit distributed snacks and water bottles near a needle exchange on University Avenue. They engaged passers-by with an unusual offer: to have their drugs tested. Naila Vitatoe, a representative of the organization, explained the process to a middle-aged man who approached them. The nonprofit uses a machine that employs infrared light to analyze small samples of substances, returning results within minutes, along with safety advice—all at no cost to the user.

Drug testing, referred to as “checking,” is increasingly recognized as an effective public health strategy as California grapples with rising overdose deaths. Research indicates that users who are informed about the contents of their drugs are more likely to make safer choices, potentially averting fatal outcomes. “Knowledge is power,” stated Daniel Ciccarone, a professor at the UCSF School of Medicine specializing in drug use. He emphasized the importance of these programs in empowering users.

The drug supply is in constant flux, often altered by traffickers who may mix synthetic opioids and other harmful substances into heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Recently, the tranquilizer xylazine has begun to appear more frequently on the streets, complicating the already precarious situation for users. “That’s where it really shines for the conscientious consumer,” Ciccarone noted, highlighting how drug checking can reveal unexpected dangers in substances users might otherwise trust.

The nonprofit operates its drug checking program as part of a broader harm reduction strategy that includes syringe exchanges and the distribution of naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medication. Since its launch in 2023, the program has served as a critical resource for individuals seeking to understand the risks associated with their drug use.

In 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation protecting workers in drug checking programs from arrest, a move met with some opposition from police associations who argue it may inadvertently support drug dealers. Nonetheless, Braunz Courtney, the executive director of the Oakland nonprofit, is focused on normalizing drug testing as a standard practice within five years.

The organization’s staff operate a mobile unit equipped with a Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer, which provides detailed analysis of drug samples. On a recent day, a man handed a small shard of methamphetamine to technician Enzo Dominguez, who placed it on the device. The test indicated no unexpected substances present, allowing the user to leave with reassurance.

Unexpected findings during testing have previously revealed counterfeit pills containing unapproved benzodiazepines, as well as potent fentanyl mixed with heroin. When such occurrences arise, staff offer users practical advice, including not to use alone and to carry naloxone. While some users choose to discard their drugs after testing, others continue with their use.

Research backs the efficacy of drug checking programs. A 2021 meta-analysis of 90 programs worldwide found that informed users often modify their behavior for safety. For instance, a study at a supervised injection site in Vancouver found that one-third of users planned to reduce their dosage after discovering the presence of fentanyl in their drugs.

Despite skepticism regarding the impact of drug checking, particularly in an environment saturated with fentanyl, many experts believe the practice remains vital. “Fentanyl is common in the Bay Area,” Ciccarone acknowledged, “but it’s a myth that it’s in every drug.” This sentiment is echoed by Dominguez, who confirmed that their tests often show no fentanyl present in various samples.

As the opioid crisis continues to unfold, the work of organizations like the HIV Education and Prevention Project of Alameda County represents a significant step towards reducing harm and saving lives. Their drug checking initiative empowers individuals with the knowledge necessary to navigate the complex and often dangerous landscape of street drugs.