Fentanyl Test Strips Can Help Reduce Risk of Overdose and Death

HB 1987, authored by House Democratic Caucus Whip Mickey Dollens, D-Oklahoma City, excludes drug testing strips for fentanyl or fentanyl related compounds from being classified as drug paraphernalia.

HB1987, A Fentanyl Bill, Has Passed the Oklahoma House

OKLAHOMA CITY – HB 1987, authored by House Democratic Caucus Whip Mickey Dollens, D-Oklahoma City, excludes drug testing strips for fentanyl or fentanyl related compounds from being classified as drug paraphernalia.

The bill passed the House this week and is headed to the Senate for further review.

“Fentanyl testing strips are an easy, smart way to give people at risk of fentanyl exposure more information to help keep them safe,” Rep. Dollens said. “These strips are reliable and can be a real lifesaver, providing users with a simple way to check for the presence of fentanyl. By testing for the drug, people can take steps to protect themselves and reduce their risk of overdose and death.”

The bill states that fentanyl strips would not be considered drug paraphernalia.

According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), fentanyl is one of the leading substances involved in the drug overdose crisis in the state.
In 2019, there were 47 fentanyl overdose deaths. In 2022, the number of deaths skyrocketed to 300, according to the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (OBN).

According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), fentanyl is one of the leading substances involved in the drug overdose crisis in the State. In 2019, there were 47 fentanyl overdose deaths. In 2022, the number of deaths skyrocketed to 300, according to the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (OBN).

“Oklahoma is facing a serious addiction crisis and synthetic fentanyl is extremely deadly,” Dollens said. “The hope of this bill is to save vulnerable Oklahomans who are struggling with addiction.”

Protect Yourself From the Dangers of Fentanyl

From the Centers for Disease Control (LINK)

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl is being added to other drugs because of its extreme potency, which makes drugs cheaper, more powerful, more addictive, and more dangerous. Drugs may contain deadly levels of fentanyl, and you wouldn’t be able to see it, taste it, or smell it. However, fentanyl test strips are a simple, inexpensive, and effective way to test drugs for fentanyl and help prevent overdose. Learn more about the dangers of fentanyl and ways to protect yourself at cdc.gov/stopoverdose/fentanyl.

Rep. Dollens

Senator Floyd

Click here to visit Rep. Dollen’s profile on okhouse.gov.

How To Use Fentanyl Test Strips

Check out the CDC’s guide for how to use fentanyl test strips. Click here to read it now.

OK Harm Reduction Alliance

Oklahoma Harm Reduction Alliance

If you’re looking for a way to get involved in helping fight the opioid epidemic in Oklahoma, check out the Oklahoma Harm Reduction Alliance. OKHRA is a grassroots harm reduction organization that meets Oklahomans who use drugs where they are through evidence-based education, advocacy, policy reform, and low barrier health services.