Outreach workers distribute new fentanyl detection devices in Chicago neighborhoods
A new fentanyl detection device is being distributed to residents in Chicago neighborhoods that have seen high rates of opioid-related overdoses. Outreach workers with the West Side Heroin and Opioid Task Force hit the streets on Tuesday to show members of the public how the device works.
Workers were set up at the corner of North Pulaski Road and West Lake Street, educating people on how to use the device, which is called "DEFENT ONE."
“We can know how to use these products and tools ourselves, but if we don’t get them into the community to the hands of the ones who really need it, then we’re really not doing much with it,” said outreach worker Synque Adams.
The task force received hundreds of devices from Defense Diagnostics to distribute as part of their harm reduction efforts in Garfield Park.
“It’s a new interesting device. People might be excited to try it, or they might want something they’re familiar with,” said outreach worker Kait Ripcho. “However many we can get out there is what we want.”
Outreach workers said the all-in-one single-use device is an alternative to fentanyl test strips.
“We’re going to open this top and with the scooper, you’re going to put this inside of this device,” explained Brianna Allen, an outreach worker and housing specialist. “Put it all the way in and close the lid—you’re going to pull this latch, take it apart and push the top down.”
She said the device provides test results in minutes so people can see whether the product is laced with fentanyl.
“Fentanyl is something that’s really killing people today, and this is just a good device to have just to be safe,” she said.
The device was launched last December and was first distributed in Chicago at Lollapalooza. The founder and CEO told NBC Chicago the goal is to inform and protect people.
“The first step is education, the second step is people testing at consumption, the third is testing it at the time of purchase,” said Ahmad Hussain, Defense Diagnostics CEO and founder. “If you have enough people testing across the country—we’re essentially going to make substances that are laced unsaleable.”
The Chicago Department of Public Health said so far this year EMS responded to more than 6,300 opioid-related overdoses. That’s down 15% compared to January through November of last year. Those on the frontlines said they’ll continue training to prevent another death.
“The goal is to save lives. It’s very simple, you know,” Ripcho said. “Adults are going to do what they’re going to do, and it’s our job to try to give them safer ways.”
Outreach workers said the device also has a QR code where people can scan and submit positive test results anonymously, which allows the company to map out fentanyl hotspots in the community.
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/outreach-workers-distribute-new-fentanyl-detection-devices-in-chicago-neighborhoods/3869633/