This session dives into how a Syringe Exchange Program in the Twin Cities, Minnesota, tackled the alarming reality of drug overdoses not decreasing locally, despite what the CDC and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) reports on national trends. In our community, we faced significant challenges with the government’s data collection, which only takes into consideration 911 calls, EMS and Police reports for data collection. However, our participants kept reporting overdoses on a daily basis without calling 911. To get a clearer picture, we developed a unique Naloxone questionnaire for participants, revealing that local overdose rates and deaths were not declining. Furthermore, in our county, it’s taking about 4 doses to bring someone back, while the national average is one.

Through drug testing in partnership with the UCLA, we uncovered widespread fentanyl, xylazine, and medetomidine in the local drug supply. And through a focus group with people with lived experience, a key finding was the confusing “mixed messaging” in Naloxone trainings across different organizations. This presentation will explore how self-reporting data collection, and participant feedback, local organizations have driven efforts to create a uniform, culturally competent harm reduction messaging in our region. We’ll share challenges, successes, and strategies other programs can adapt.