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Task force explores bulk procurement and distribution of fentanyl test strips
Summary
A task force member reported state and vendor programs offering fentanyl test strips at bulk prices far below retail; members proposed coordinating purchases for nonprofits and creating education materials for outreach and tabling events.
A committee member who researched fentanyl test strips told the group that the strips sometimes appear in retail pharmacies at roughly $3 per strip but can be obtained for nonprofits and local agencies in bulk at about $0.45–$0.80 per strip. The member said state programs offer free bulk pickups and some local agencies are collecting 30 boxes (100 strips per box) at a time for distribution.
"When they sell them in store... it's usually $3 for 1 strip versus the companies that are producing these test strips are offering these incredible bulk pricing for nonprofits and city governments... down to 45¢ per strip," the speaker said, and offered to coordinate with state contacts to facilitate pickups for the task force and partner agencies.
Members discussed integrating test-strip distribution into tabling and outreach plans during prevention week and regular community events, and suggested partnering with nonprofit messaging (for example having Agape describe services) so residents know where to access testing and Narcan. The health district representative noted multiple strip types (fentanyl, xylazine, metatomidine, newer nidazine tests) and that agencies can request hundreds of strips per pickup.
The task force agreed to include inventory and access questions in the meeting follow-up: which agencies already have strips, who can procure them, the likely cost and which organizations need them, to coordinate distribution and educational materials.
