In an effort to slow the proliferation of synthetic opioid-related deaths, California will begin offering free fentanyl-testing strips to eligible organizations across the state that ask for them, the state Department of Health Care Services announced Thursday.

The tests will be made available through the state's Naloxone Distribution Project, a network of organizations that ships naloxone (commonly sold under the brand name Narcan) — a medication that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose — for free to first responders, schools, harm reduction organizations, tribal entities and public health agencies. The project is funded through state general funds and legal settlements.

"Fentanyl test strips can be a useful addition to time-tested harm reduction strategies, such as never using alone and always carrying naloxone," Pike Long, a harm reduction specialist with the state Department of Public Health Services, said in a statement.

There are two kinds of fentanyl, pharmaceutical and illicitly manufactured fentanyl. The latter is distributed through illegal drug markets for its heroin-like effect and often sold as counterfeit pills. It can also be up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine.

The state's most recent public health data show 6,473 deaths were related to fentanyl overdoses in 2022 and more than 21,000 emergency department visits were related to any type of opioid-related overdose.

With Thursday's announcement, the Naloxone Distribution Project's list of eligibile entities can now apply for a supply of fentanyl testing kits online that have a measuring scoop, the fentanyl test strip, a water pouch and test instructions.

The all-in-one fentanyl test strip kits also reduce errors in testing drugs for fentanyl by including clear markings on the water pouch to prevent under and over dilution, and a result guide for test comparison.

Where to get test strips

Los Angeles LGBTQ Center

The center provides free fentanyl test strips to those who request them. It also provides free or low-cost, comprehensive, judgment-free addiction recovery services. For more information, email recovery@lalgbtcenter.org or call (323) 993-7448.

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