The use of technology for drug-checking is an evidence-based strategy that can reduce drug-related harms (including overdose) by determining the content of illicit substances. The East Bay Drug Checking Collaborative (EBDC), made up of representatives from the HIV Education and Prevention Project of Alameda County (HEPPAC), Punks with Lunch, and NEED, has been working to increase access to drug-checking across Alameda County.
In 2024, HEPPAC hired Facente Consulting to help visually communicate drug-checking results on a routine basis so that people who use drugs have up-to-date access on what EBDC is learning about the local drug supply. Facente Consulting will collaborate with HEPPAC to develop a drug-checking data entry spreadsheet and community-friendly infographic templates for communicating drug-checking findings on a routine basis. We will also provide technical assistance to HEPPAC related to entering data, translating findings into harm reduction tips for people who use drugs, and utilizing the infographic templates.