Table 1 Descriptions of the different types of harm reduction kits

Fentanyl test strips

Cooker (bottle cap)

Reduces risk of infection by encouraging avoidance of sharing or reuse of cooker, particularly if the dissolved contents are injected afterwards

Fentanyl test strip

Tests for fentanyl in drugs and may decrease risk of overdose by better informing PWUD before use, particularly for pressed pills, stimulants, and other non-opioid substances

Sterile water (5 mL vial)

Used to dissolve and subsequently dilute drugs for testing, particularly if the  dissolved contents are injected afterwards

Safer boofing^†

Cooker

Reduces risk of infection by encouraging avoidance of sharing or reuse of cooker

Lubricant

Applied to tip of syringe before inserting into rectum. Reduces risk of damaging rectal mucosa

Sterile saline (3 mL vial)

Used to dissolve drugs before per-rectal use

Syringe (1 mL, Luer slip)

Used to draw up drugs for per-rectal use. Reduces risk of infection by encouraging avoidance of sharing or reuse

Safer injection

Alcohol wipe

Used to clean skin before injecting and reduces risk of infection

Ascorbic acid

Used to help dissolve certain drugs like crack cocaine for injection. Prevents use of vinegar or citrus fruits (lemon juice), which can increase damage to veins and risk for fungal infections (Candida spp.)

Cooker

Reduces risk of infection by encouraging avoidance of sharing or reuse of cooker

Cottons (dental)

Acts as a filter for undissolved solid particles such as the coating of crushed pills. Reduces risk of infection by encouraging avoidance of reuse of cotton

Needles^‡

Reduces risk of infections by preventing needle sharing or reuse

Sharps container (Fitpack, fits up to 10 insulin syringes)

Reduce community presence of needles by allowing for safe disposal. Sleek understated design allows for discrete storage and use

Sterile saline

Used to dissolve drugs and reduces risk of infection associated with use of boiled, bottled, or tap water

Tourniquet

Allows for better visualization/palpation of veins to reduce multiple attempts at injecting. Decreases potential risk of vein damage and infection

Twist tie

Used to fashion a handle for cooker. Reduces risk of burning fingers if applying heat source to cooker when preparing drugs for injection

Safer smoking (crack cocaine)^§

Alcohol wipe

Used to clean mouthpiece and pipe to reduce risk of infection

Lip balm

Keeps lips moist to reduce cracks and blisters

Mouthpiece

Helps to prevent cutting or burning lips on hot pipe

Screen

Used as filter to keep crack rock in place. Prevents use of steel wool (Brillo®), in which hot pieces can break off and damage the mouth, throat, and lungs. Steel wool coating is also toxic

Wooden push stick

Used to push screen into place. Wood is less likely than metal to damage the pipe

Safer smoking (methamphetamines)^§

Alcohol wipe

Used to clean mouthpiece and pipe to reduce risk of infections

Lip balm

Keeps lips moist to reduce cracks and blisters

Mouthpiece

Helps to prevent cutting or burning lips on hot pipe

Safer snorting

Alcohol wipe

Used to keep surfaces clean to reduce risk of infections

Blank card

Used as a clean surface to crush and snort drugs from

Plastic razor

Used to crush drugs into a finer powder to reduce damage to nasal mucosa

Plastic straws (different colors)

Reduces risk of infection by encouraging avoidance of sharing, reusing, or using dollar bills. Different colors allow individuals to keep track of their own equipment

Scoop

Reduces risk of infection by preventing use of other contaminated objects like keys as scoops

Wound care

Bandages

Used to cover wounds

Burn cream

Used to apply to any burn wounds

Gauze

Used to cover wounds

Gloves

Used when changing wound dressings

MediHoney®

Has antimicrobial properties and helps promote wound healing

Triple antibiotic ointment

Helps to prevent or treat minor bacterial skin infections

All kits

Hand sanitizer

Reduces risk of infection