Story

Opioid overdoses in Minnesota increased 43% from 2020 to 2021, and they continue to rise in 2023. Ever wish you could do something about diseases of despair in your community? Us too. 

That's why, in 2023, the Overdose Prevention Project set up its first harm reduction1 station in Minneapolis. It may have looked like a metal box from the outside, but inside, it was stocked with 40 doses of naloxone nasal spray (NARCAN?)2 and fentanyl test strips ? free for those in need, without any judgment. 

Since then, the initiative has raised over $15k in donations, caught the eye of local, regional, and national news, and earned recognition in the industry. And here's the best part: 100% of donations go toward restocking the harm reduction supply stations we maintain across the Twin Cities metro area. We want to keep these stations running as long as possible, but we can?t do it alone.

Here's what your support can do:

$35 can buy 2 doses of naloxone nasal spray (NARCAN?). 

$700 can stock a harm reduction station with 40 doses of naloxone nasal spray (NARCAN?). This supply often runs out in less than a week, showing how critical the opioid epidemic has become.

If you can donate, we sincerely thank you. You're giving someone a second chance and providing peace of mind to their loved ones. Our goal is for this effort to inspire deeper understanding and new approaches to community care and to put an end to the war on drugs.

Learn more about the Overdose Prevention Project, its mission, and the people3 involved here.

1Harm reduction is about social justice and the rights of people who use drugs. It recognizes that drug use is part of our reality, understands its complexity, and advocates for non-judgmental services, including accessible healthcare tailored to their needs. 

2Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose when given in time. In 2023, it became available over the counter. It is safe to use, even if opioids are not present. Learn more here.

3The Overdose Prevention Project was brought to life by SixSpeed, a full-service advertising agency in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in collaboration with Southside Harm Reduction Services. We are now partnering with Fentanyl Free Communities Foundation to continue advancing this important work.