Reducing harm through supplies
Brown Bag Program
The Lewis County Health Department offers Harm Reduction supplies through our brown bag program. The BBP supplies are located in our public restrooms and there are no questions asked. Take what you need. These supplies are offered to help people avoid accidental overdose and reduce the sharing of supplies which spreads infectious diseases like HIV and HEP-C.
What is in the Brown Bag?
1. Fentanyl Test Strips (FTS)
- Purpose: Used to test drugs for the presence of fentanyl, a powerful opioid often found in street drugs. This helps individuals make safer choices and reduce the risk of accidental overdose.
2. Xylazine Test Strips (XTS)
- Purpose: Used to detect the presence of xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer increasingly found in the illicit drug supply. This helps users avoid potentially dangerous substances.
3. Cotton Pellets
- Purpose: Sterile cotton pellets are used in the preparation of injecting drugs to filter out impurities. This reduces the risk of infections and other complications.
4. Alcohol Pads
- Purpose: Used to clean the injection site before use to prevent infections. They are a critical part of maintaining hygiene during drug use.
5. Bandages
- Purpose: Applied after injection to protect the site and promote healing. They help prevent infection and encourage safer practices.
6. Condoms
- Purpose: Provided to promote safe sex practices, reducing the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies.
7. Narcan (Naloxone)
- Purpose: A medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. It can quickly restore normal breathing in someone who has overdosed on opioids, potentially saving their life.
Instructions
Please take the entire bag and use the items as needed. Each component is included to help reduce harm and promote safer practices. If you have any questions or need further assistance, our staff is here to help.
Our Harm Reduction Partners
