Local organization, advocate discuss legalized fentanyl test strips

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — A previously outlawed tool for helping prevent fentanyl overdoses is now legal in Arkansas.

“Things like naloxone, generic term Narcan, things like sterile syringes, safe use, safer use supplies,” said Brittany Kelly, founder and director of Northwest Arkansas Harm Reduction, a nonprofit she started after losing her brother Matt to a heroin overdose back in 2017.

“Gives people a chance. You know, they can use, they can walk away, they can use safer. It’s just another tool that keeps our people safe,” said Kelly.

Kelly says her organization fought to make fentanyl testing strips legal in Arkansas. She says her goal is to make sure people have as many resources as possible to prevent overdose deaths.

“You’re going to use it to protect yourself, and there’s no reason that people who are using drugs can’t protect themselves,” said Kelly.

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During the last legislative session, lawmakers passed House Bill 1456, also known as the ‘Fentanyl Enforcement and Accountability Act of 2023‘. In addition to changing laws surrounding the sale and use of fentanyl, the bill allowed more resources like fentanyl testing strips to prevent overdoses.

“The legalization of these fentanyl test strips could change and certainly save lives because people just need to be able to know what it is that they’re putting in their bodies,” said State Rep. Nicole Clowney of District 21.

Clowney says now that the bill has passed, she’s made it her mission to help spread the word to retailers and Arkansans.

“I know that the attorney general’s office is working hard to fix that, and I’m so grateful for it. And, I want potential buyers of these strips to know that they’re now legal as well,” said Clowney.

As for Kelly, she says this is just one step to ensuring more resources are legally available in the state to prevent overdoses.

“Next thing we give out is xylazine strips, commonly known as Tranq. It’s an animal tranquilizer that is being cut with fentanyl to prolong the high,” said Kelly.

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