DOVER, DE (Aug. 29, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health’s (DPH) Office of Health Crisis Response (OHCR) is announcing it will begin including fentanyl test strips in Narcan kits it distributes to the public. The effort is part of a harm-reduction strategy aimed at preventing accidental overdoses due to fentanyl consumption.  

Fentanyl is now the leading cause of drug overdose deaths in Delaware, found in more than 80% of fatal overdoses. According to Division of Forensic Science (DFS) data, there were 515 overdose deaths in Delaware in 2021, an increase of 15% from 2020. Fentanyl was found in 83% of those deaths. Individuals can test marijuana, cocaine, meth, ecstasy, and other substances for the presence of fentanyl. The test strips are highly sensitive and will detect fentanyl down to 0.1 mcg/ml.   Most overdoses are unintentional, and individuals using may not realize the strength of the drug they are using or that it contains fentanyl. Fentanyl is unable to be detected by sight, taste, smell, or touch. 

“Including fentanyl test strips in Narcan kits, is part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce overdose deaths in the state,” said DPH Interim Director Dr. Rick Hong. “The test strips are a preventive measure. After a test strip detects fentanyl, an individual can choose not to use the drug based on the risk. However, if they choose to use, they can implement alternative harm-reduction strategies, like going slow, not using as much, or/and not using alone. Having Narcan in the same kit empowers family, friends, and neighbors to act in the event of an overdose. Those living with substance use disorder should designate someone trained in using Narcan to check on them. We will continue to discourage drug use and encourage people to seek treatment, but for persons with substance use disorder, we are using a compassionate approach to help raise awareness and empower friends and family to act in an emergency situation.”

In Delaware, testing strips were considered paraphernalia unless used for clinical purposes until June 3, 2021, when Senate Bill 76 was signed by Governor John Carney, which allows for distribution of fentanyl test strips to be used by lay individuals and organizations. Just prior to that, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced in April 2021, that they would permit state purchases of fentanyl test strips with Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) funding for the purpose of distributing to the public. OD2A supports jurisdictions in collecting high quality, comprehensive, and timely data on nonfatal and fatal overdoses and in using those data to inform prevention and response efforts. DPH is one of sixty-six jurisdictions that joined the OD2A cooperative agreement that focuses on surveillance and prevention strategies.

Fentanyl test strips are legal in Delaware, though laws may vary in other states. DPH also distributes 10-pack fentanyl test strip kits through a free mail-order program; details can be found at helpisherede.com/understanding-addiction/what-is-fentanyl.

To further enhance overdose prevention and education efforts, overdose response training is recommended for anyone who has a prescription opioid or knows of someone that has or is using illicit drugs. After the quick training, the individual will receive the overdose reversal medication, Narcan. For community training offerings and information on where you can get free Narcan, go to:  https://www.helpisherede.com/overdose-prevention 

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction in Delaware, call DHSS’ 24/7 Crisis Hotline to be connected to treatment and recovery options. In New Castle County, call 1-800-652-2929. Or in Kent and Sussex counties, call 1-800-345-6785. For free 24/7 counseling, coaching, and support, as well as links to mental health, addiction, and crisis services call the Delaware Hope Line at 1-833-9-HOPEDE.  To search online for treatment and recovery services in Delaware or nearby states, visit HelpIsHereDE.com. 

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The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), a division of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, is a nationally accredited public health agency recognized by the Public Health Accreditation Board for outstanding dedication to driving change through innovation. DPH is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. 

Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind or speech disabled can contact DPH by first dialing 711 using specialized devices (i.e., TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free and to learn more about how it works, visit delawarerelay.com.

NEW CASTLE (June 1, 2020) – As a way to reach vulnerable populations, the State of Delaware will begin coronavirus testing at 10 Wilmington high-rise buildings on Tuesday, June 2, with the bulk of the testing being conducted by the Division of Public Health starting Wednesday, June 3.

On Tuesday, June 2, the State, in partnership with the Wilmington Housing Authority, Westside Family Healthcare and the Saint Francis LIFE Center will provide viral tests to seniors from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and distribute care kits and educational materials at Baynard Apartments, 309 W. 18th St.

Then beginning on Wednesday, June 3, 20-person teams, including members of Delaware’s Medical Reserve Corps and the Delaware Association of Physician Assistants, will go door-to-door at a total of nine high-rise buildings over three separate days. At each location, there will be a Division of Public Health lead. The medical providers will bring nasal swab testing to people who typically may not be able to leave their homes.

This testing is being done in partnership with the City of Wilmington, the Delaware Medical Reserve Corps, the Delaware Emergency Management Agency and the Delaware Association of Physician Assistants.

“We know that seniors and low-income communities in our state are experiencing disproportionate rates of coronavirus infection,” said Dr. Kara Odom Walker, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), and a practicing family physician. “Meeting communities where they are through this targeted testing in Wilmington’s high-rises will help us identify individuals who are positive for COVID-19, provide them with the supports and resources they need to isolate from others, and, ultimately, slow the transmission of this disease.”

“We are on a mission in Wilmington to protect each other from COVID-19 and to keep the virus from spreading,” said Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki. “The State has been providing invaluable guidance to us since the start of the pandemic in Delaware and we appreciate these additional efforts to reach our City’s most vulnerable population through more and more testing.”

“From the start of this health crisis, Wilmington City Council has been expressing the need for more testing locations here in the city for our most vulnerable populations,” said Wilmington City Council President Hanifa Shabazz. “I am so glad that we have been able to work with partners to provide this much-needed service. “

The schedule for the Division of Public Health testing is:

Wednesday, June 3: Terry Apartments, 2400 N. Broom St.; Park View Apartments, 1800 N. Broom St.; and Compton Towers/Apartments, 325 E. Fifth St.

Thursday, June 4: Windsor Apartments, 500 N. Walnut St.; Ingleside Apartments, 1005 N. Franklin St.; and Luther Towners II, 1420 N. Franklin St.

Monday, June 8: Luther Towers I, 1201 N. Harrison St.; Lincoln Towers, 1800 N. DuPont St.; and The Antonian, 1701 W. 10th St.

On May 8, Governor John Carney announced a significant statewide expansion of Delaware’s community-based testing program, conducting 80,000 tests per month. The State of Delaware is prioritizing testing under the program for:

• Any symptomatic individual.
• Anyone with known exposure to COVID-19.
• Vulnerable Delaware populations, including elderly Delawareans and members of low-income communities.
• Certain front-line essential workers.

For more information on Delaware’s testing program, including a testing calendar, go to:
https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/testing/

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The Department of Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of life of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.