1. Drug-checking machine for identifying laced substances before overdose
2. New technology for detecting harmful substances in drugs to prevent overdose.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
You may also like to watch : Who Is Kamala Harris? Biography - Parents - Husband - Sister - Career - Indian - Jamaican Heritage
PEORIA (25News Now) – A decade ago, purchasing illicit drugs in Central Illinois posed less risk as the contents were known. However, today, the situation is different, with individuals facing uncertainty about the substances they are consuming. According to JOLT Harm Reduction Executive Director Chris Schaffner, the prevalence of unknown contaminants in street drugs has turned drug use into a dangerous guessing game.
In a proactive move to address the rising threat of drug overdoses in the region, JOLT has acquired a cutting-edge drug-checking machine. The ALPHA II Compact FT-IR Spectrometer is designed to analyse small samples of illicit substances and provide detailed information about any adulterants present. Schaffner believes that this technology will revolutionize overdose prevention efforts in Central Illinois.
Schaffner expressed his frustration with the current reactive approach to drug-related deaths, stating, “I’m just so tired of waiting for people to die to figure out what killed them. If we can identify potential risks beforehand, we may be able to intervene and prevent tragic outcomes.”
The acquisition of the drug-checking machine was made possible through a grant partnership between JOLT and Northwestern University, focusing on overdose data analysis. The primary objective of this initiative is to equip high-risk communities with essential overdose prevention tools such as NARCAN or Naloxone, in addition to the newly introduced drug scanner.
You may also like to watch: Is US-NATO Prepared For A Potential Nuclear War With Russia - China And North Korea?
Recent post-mortem toxicology reports from Peoria and Tazewell County in 2023 revealed a concerning trend of drug combinations, including fentanyl, benzodiazepines, and even animal tranquilizers like xylazine. Tazewell County Coroner Charles Hanley reported that 64% of overdose autopsies conducted in 2023 involved fentanyl.
The ALPHA II Compact FT-IR Spectrometer requires only a small sample or residue of a substance to perform its analysis, delivering results in just 15 minutes. This rapid turnaround time eliminates the need to send samples to external laboratories, which can take several days. Moreover, the non-destructive nature of the machine ensures that the product remains intact for further use.
Schaffner emphasised the importance of providing timely information to individuals struggling with substance use, enabling them to make informed decisions about their consumption. Once JOLT’s outreach volunteers are equipped with accurate data on drug contents, Schaffner hopes to disseminate this knowledge within at-risk communities through word of mouth.
JOLT’s drug-checking device represents a pioneering effort in Central Illinois, marking the first street-level drug screener in the region. Schaffner envisions establishing a network of similar machines spanning from Chicago to St. Louis, enhancing drug safety and awareness across a wider geographic area.
Despite the potential benefits of the new technology, Schaffner noted that training is necessary before the device can be fully utilised. However, he anticipates that the machine will be operational within a month, contributing to JOLT’s ongoing efforts in harm reduction and overdose prevention.
You can watch 25News – any newscast, anywhere – streaming LIVE on 25NewsNow.com, our 25News mobile app, and on our WEEK 25News SmartTV streaming app. Learn more about how you can get connected to 25News streaming live news here.
.
“JOLT’s new drug-checking machine laced drugs overdose detection”
“JOLT’s drug-checking machine detect laced drugs before overdose”.
