Harm Reduction Barbecue Agenda (with documents from Community Partners coming soon):

Welcome and introductions

Food (thanks to George's Grill!) and games

Organizational updates:

    ECHO Village - Morgan Combes - House of Hope:

At the time of the Harm Reduction retreat, ECHO has served 53 unique individuals—three of which have transitioned into permanent housing, and seven pets have received care through a partnership with the Potter League.

ECHO Village is committed to providing individuals with trauma informed, person centered care, as a means of addressing barriers to resources that impact the unhoused community in Rhode Island.    

ENCORE - Ray Joseph - ACOS:

  1. Expanding Collaboration for Outreach
    We proposed increased collaboration with other agencies to strengthen and coordinate our outreach efforts across the state. The goal is to broaden our reach and better support individuals in need through shared resources and aligned strategies. (Delivery Schedule Attached)

  2. Vending Machine Project – Client Enrollment
    We encouraged agencies to notify their clients about the Vending Machine Project, which provides participants with 24/7 access to harm reduction supplies through a one-time enrollment. To enroll, clients must call ACOS Prevention (401-781-0665) Monday through Friday between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM to register and receive their unique access code.    Safe Haven -

    Tim DeLisle:

    Expansion to Cumberland/Lincoln, Burriville area and Smithfield, North Smithfield

    Community drug checking - Rachel Serafinski - CUTS Study

  • Phenacetin: discontinued pain reliever; 3 confirmed samples in 2025

  • Levamisole: discontinued de-wormer; 1 confirmed sample in 2025

Novel Substances:

  • BTMPS/Tinuvin: industrial chemical used in plastic processing

  • Nitazenes: potent class of opioids

  • Medetomidine: same drug class as xylazine and clonidine, but much more potent

  • Benzodiazepines: a sedative

  • Local anesthetics: medication used for local numbing/pain