Eskenazi Health is partnering with Overdose Lifeline to supply fentanyl test strips that can be used to test drugs for the presence of fentanyl and similar synthetic substances. Fentanyl test strips are now available for free within all Eskenazi Health NaloxBox locations (not including naloxone vending machines). The test strips are inside the NaloxBoxes alongside the naloxone. Please click here to view an interactive map of all available naloxone and fentanyl test strip (FTS) locations in Indiana.

Since April 2022, Eskenazi Health and Overdose Lifeline have collaborated to improve access to naloxone, a lifesaving medicine that temporarily reverses opioid overdose. Naloxone access points, called NaloxBoxes, were installed on the exterior of several Eskenazi Health Center buildings allowing for 24/7 access, as well as a naloxone vending machine available inside Michael & Susan Smith Emergency Department at Eskenazi Health and Eskenazi Health Center West 38th Street. Both options provide free, convenient access with the goal of reducing stigma around naloxone by making it accessible and obtainable without the need for assistance from another person. Naloxone is also available for free from all Eskenazi Health Pharmacy locations around the city with no prescription needed. Access to naloxone is just one of many resources Eskenazi Health makes available to its patients and the community.

While the increased availability of naloxone has positively impacted access, deaths from drug overdoses are continuing to occur at a staggering rate. In many cases, overdose deaths involve synthetic opioids, like fentanyl. Fentanyl can be up to 50 to 100 times stronger than other opioids, and due to its high potency, can significantly increase the risk of overdose.

Fentanyl test strips are a harm reduction tool that is associated with helping to prevent overdose. Current fentanyl test strips are 96 – 100% accurate in detecting the presence of fentanyl. Using a test strip can allow a person using drugs to know what they may be putting in their body and to take the necessary steps to avoid an overdose.

Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center Adult Addiction Services and Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center Narcotics Treatment Program have immediate openings available for anyone experiencing substance use disorder, anxiety and depression. The Adult Addiction Services team is located at 3171 N. Meridian St. and provides treatment for substance use and co-occurring issues with an array of clinical services and medication management. Walk-in intakes are available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., or by calling 317.880.8491 to make an appointment. The Narcotics Treatment Program is located at 832 N. Meridian St. and provides services for opioid use disorder with counseling and methadone treatment. Walk-in intakes are available Monday through Friday, 8 – 11 a.m., or by calling 317.880.8491 to make an appointment.

Overdose Lifeline is a statewide Indiana nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals, families and communities affected by the disease of addiction/substance use disorder. Through advocacy, education and support, Overdose Lifeline envisions a time when the disease of addiction does not carry a stigma but is provided the attention and care required of a chronic disease. To learn more, please visit https://www.overdoselifeline.org/.

For more information or questions about Eskenazi Health’s partnership with Overdose Lifeline, please contact your Eskenazi Health pharmacy.