A group of outreach workers recently distributed fentanyl detection devices in Chicago’s West Side, aiming to reduce the risks associated with drug overdoses. This initiative, led by the local West Side Heroin/Opioid Task Force, seeks to provide essential harm reduction tools to individuals who may unknowingly consume drugs laced with fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid.
The event took place on December 30, 2025, near the Green Line tracks, where outreach workers engaged with individuals seeking clean needles and naloxone, a medication that reverses opioid overdoses. In addition to these items, they handed out fentanyl detection devices designed to identify the presence of this dangerous substance in illicit drugs. Fentanyl is estimated to be 100 times stronger than morphine and has become a leading cause of death among Americans aged 18 to 45, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Rev. Fanya Buford-Berry, director of the West Side Heroin/Opioid Task Force, emphasized the importance of testing drugs. “They absolutely test what’s in their drugs. They want to know what’s in their drug supply,” she stated, highlighting the risks involved when individuals unknowingly purchase heroin mixed with fentanyl.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recognized fentanyl testing as a vital harm reduction strategy. Although abstinence remains the only foolproof way to prevent overdose, testing can significantly decrease risks when employed alongside other strategies. The CDC encourages individuals to seek out organizations that distribute fentanyl testing strips and to carry them for personal safety.
During the outreach event, the task force provided kits containing fentanyl detection strips, sterile water, and small paper cups for testing. These kits enable users to test their drugs by mixing a small amount with water and observing the results after a brief wait. On this occasion, the task force also introduced a new product called Defent, an all-in-one, prepackaged fentanyl detection device that simplifies the testing process.
Manufactured by Defense Diagnostics Inc., the Defent device resembles a home pregnancy test and eliminates several steps typically required in drug testing. Ahmad Hussain, CEO of Defense Diagnostics and a local resident, explained that this product is designed for convenience, particularly beneficial for younger audiences and those in social settings like music festivals. Hussain’s motivation stemmed from personal tragedy, as he lost his cousin to a fentanyl overdose years ago.
While fentanyl testing devices can serve as crucial tools in harm reduction, the CDC warns of their limitations. Sometimes, fentanyl may not be detected if it is present in a larger batch but not in the tested sample, a phenomenon referred to as the “chocolate chip cookie effect.” This can lead to false security among users. Furthermore, testing cannot quantify the amount of fentanyl present, which remains a significant concern for safety.
The CDC strongly advises combining testing with other safety measures, such as never using drugs alone and always carrying naloxone. “Don’t rely on a previous source or experience,” the CDC cautions, stressing that drug safety cannot be assumed.
The outreach effort aligns with broader initiatives aimed at combating the opioid crisis in Chicago. Local authorities are actively promoting harm reduction strategies, including free distribution of Narcan and fentanyl testing kits. Recent campaigns, such as the “Get Naloxone” initiative by Cook County officials, aim to raise awareness and provide vital resources to combat overdose risks.
In December 2025, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order designating illicit fentanyl as a “weapon of mass destruction,” which has drawn criticism from harm reduction advocates. They argue that this classification could deter individuals from seeking help during overdose emergencies, fearing legal repercussions.
Members of the Illinois Harm Reduction and Recovery Coalition, which includes the West Side Heroin/Opioid Task Force, expressed concerns that the executive order fails to address effective treatment or prevention strategies for opioid overdoses. They advocate for a focus on comprehensive health solutions rather than punitive measures.
As Chicago continues to experience the impacts of the opioid epidemic, outreach efforts like those by the West Side Heroin/Opioid Task Force play a critical role in providing life-saving resources. According to Rev. Buford-Berry, the goal remains clear: “Every day a person is allowed to stay alive, they can choose recovery. They can’t choose recovery if they’re dead.”
