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Overdose Prevention: Utilizing Drug Checking Programs to Save Lives

by Amy Lieberman, Ashleigh Dennis and Corey Davis

Overview

October 29, 2026 | 12:00 – 1:15 p.m. CT

The U.S. drug supply is constantly changing, with contaminants including fentanyl, xylazine, medetomidine, and nitazines appearing in drugs in many areas of the country. Any drug that is other than what the user believes it to be can increase risk for negative health outcomes, including overdose. Because no regulated supply of most illicitly used drugs is available, helping people determine what is in the drugs they obtain can be an impactful harm reduction intervention.


Unfortunately, state laws can limit the impact and effectiveness of drug checking initiatives, as many define any items used for testing or analyzing drugs as drug paraphernalia and prohibit the possession or distribution of those objects. While most states have modified these laws to permit some forms of drug checking, there is a great deal of variation among states as to the specific components of these innovations.

REGISTER

Attend this webinar to learn about:

  • the changing landscape of the U.S. drug supply
  • the evidence for the effectiveness of drug checking programs
  • the current status of state laws regarding drug checking and how those laws have changed over time
  • the importance of robust laws that permit and encourage drug checking initiatives

Presenters:

  • Corey Davis, J.D., M.S.P.H., Director, Harm Reduction Legal Project, Network for Public Health Law
  • Amy Judd Lieberman, J.D., Deputy Director, Harm Reduction Legal Project, Network for Public Health Law
  • Ashleigh Dennis, J.D., Senior Attorney, Harm Reduction Legal Project, Network for Public Health Law