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 or use this form.
Safer Injection Kits
Safer Smoking Kits
Syringe Exchange Program
As one of Rhode Island’s leading safe needle distributors, we partner with AIDS Care Ocean State to provide clean needles at no cost. This initiative reduces the transmission of HIV and hepatitis C, keeping our communities safer. Clients can pick up syringes at our drop-in centers or from staff during street outreach.
Additionally, we supply sharps containers for safe disposal of used syringes and regularly organize clean-ups to ensure our neighborhoods stay clean and healthy.
Syringe Clean-Up Hotline
We offer a syringe clean-up service for Providence residents. To schedule a clean-up, call or text 401-236-4907.
Fentanyl Test Strips
Fentanyl test strips are available for free at all three of our drop-in centers and through street outreach. These life-saving supplies can detect the presence of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 80-100 times stronger than morphine. Since fentanyl is clear, tasteless, and odorless, it’s often impossible to identify without testing. Its potency and undetectability have made it a leading cause of accidental overdose.
Even people using stimulants like meth and cocaine may be at risk for an opioid overdose due to fentanyl contamination.
To protect yourself from an accidental overdose:
Not sure how to use a test strip? Watch the video below featuring our staff member Ashley Perry, or click here for downloadable written instructions.
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.
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.
Project Weber/RENEW is Rhode Island's center for harm reduction and recovery support services.
