Alameda Police Department (APD) announced this week that it is offering fentanyl test kits to the public. Testing kits are available for no charge at the front counter of the APD station at 1555 Oak St. (corner of Lincoln Avenue).
“This resource is a part of APD’s ongoing commitment to promoting public health and safety in our community,” APD noted on its Facebook page. “Fentanyl test strips help detect the presence of this dangerous synthetic opioid, allowing individuals to make informed decisions about substance use.”
The plain blue packages contain a single test strip with six-step instructions to crush the sample, mix with water, and test. Clearly defined results, which take five minutes, are easy to interpret for those wishing to ensure their sample has been not contaminated with fentanyl.
All APD officers are equipped with naloxone, commonly referred to by its brand name, Narcan. Officers are trained to administer this critical medication when they encounter an individual experiencing an opioid overdose such as those caused by ingesting fentanyl.
“We extend our gratitude to the California Department of Health Services for making this additional resource available to our community through the Naloxone Distribution Project,” APD stated.
For information and resources on substance abuse or treatment programs, call Alameda County’s Behavioral Health Services hotline at 844-682-7215.
