Narcan and naloxone are always available and free of charge at our drop-in centers and during street outreach.
About naloxone: This life-saving medication can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Opioids bind to receptors in the brain to slow the body down and create a feeling of euphoria or relaxation. An overdose happens when the body slows down so much that someone stops breathing. This can lead to brain damage and even death. Naloxone binds to the same receptors in the brain to block opioids and reverse these dangerous effects.
We distribute two kinds of naloxone: intramuscular (injectable) naloxone, and Narcan, which is a nasal spray.
Did you know? Project Weber/RENEW distributes more than 10,000 doses of naloxone every year.
Not sure if someone is experiencing an overdose? Naloxone has no harmful side effects and no effects on someone who is not experiencing an opioid overdose, so we encourage you to administer it even if you are unsure.
Please note: Most major pharmacies in Rhode Island provide Narcan over the counter or for a copay (with insurance).
To request a training in how to administer naloxone, please email us. You can also reach out to Overdose Prevention Program Director Dennis Bailer or use the form on our website.
Project Weber/RENEW is one of the top distributors of safe injection needles in Rhode Island. We partner with AIDS Care Ocean State to make clean needles available to clients at no cost. Needle exchange helps reduce rates of HIV and hepatitis C transmission and keeps our communities safer. Anyone can pick up needles at our drop-in centers or from our staff during street outreach.
In addition, we offer sharps containers so that people can safely dispose of used needles and organize needle clean-ups to invest in and care for our communities and neighborhoods.
These life-saving supplies are used to test drugs for the presence of fentanyl, a synthetic (meaning manmade) opioid 80-100 times stronger than morphine. Fentanyl is clear, tasteless, and odorless, so it is often impossible to detect without the use of test strips. The combination of fentanyl’s strength, its undetectability, and its growing presence in the drug supply have made it a leading cause of accidental overdose.
Even those who use stimulants such as meth and cocaine may be at risk for an opioid overdose because of the presence of fentanyl.
To help keep yourself safe from an accidental overdose while using drugs:
Not sure how to use a test strip? Watch the video below featuring staff member Ashley Perry, or click here for downloadable written instructions.
All people deserve access to the resources they need to keep themselves and their communities safe and healthy.
We provide a range of supplies to assist people who use drugs in stopping the spread of infection and disease. This includes (but is not limited to):
Our main goal is keeping people alive. Some clients choose recovery, and we are here to provide peer support throughout whatever your path may be.
This support looks different for everyone. A case manager may help a client find meetings and sponsors, or sit down with a client to offer a listening ear and a warm cup of soup. We also connect individuals to medication assisted treatment.
For more information about our peer recovery services, email info@weberrenew.org, and we will direct your request to the appropriate staff member. You can also call us at (401) 383-4888.
