Fentanyl Test Strips

How Do I Get Free Fentanyl Test Strips?

The Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) offers many ways to get harm reduction supplies for free. 

Please note that the ECDOH can only send supplies to addresses in Western New York.

Online: 

• Individuals order here 
• Businesses and Community Organizations order here

Call: 716-858-7695 

Text: 716-225-5473 

Email: harm.reduction@erie.gov 

Please allow 5-7 business days for above orders to be processed.

Visit: 

• 1st Floor Lobby at the Rath Building, 95 Franklin St, Buffalo, NY 14202
• Harm Reduction OPEN (Overdose Prevention, Education, & Narcan) Stands
• Narcan Community Access Sites

Other organizations that offer free harm reduction supplies 

• NY State OASAS harm reduction supplies
• MATTERS harm reduction supplies
• MATTERS harm reduction vending machines 

Why Should I Test Drugs for Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is very common in heroin, cocaine, crack, meth, club drugs, and pills from non-medical sources. Fentanyl increases risk of overdose. 

How Do I Use Fentanyl Test Strips?

PDF of Instructions

1. Put a small amount of drug residue in a clean container or bag and add water 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of water.
2. Hold test strip at solid blue end, insert the wavy end in water and wait 15 seconds.
3. Remove and wait at least 5 minutes. In full light, look at the strip and count how many lines have appeared.

How Can I Stay Safe?

No drug is completely safe and there is always a risk of overdose. Try using the following tips.

• Use drugs with other people and take turns.
• Go slow by taking small amounts and waiting in between use.
• Get Narcan and use it if there is an overdose. Overdose is a medical emergency - Call 911 immediately.

How Do I Get Free Narcan? 

To get free Narcan, send a text to 716-225-5473, call 716-858-7695 or go to one of the Narcan Community Access Sites.