If you are attending music festivals, knowing these harm reduction resources can help keep our community safe. Harm reduction isn’t about judgment; it’s about safety, education, and making sure everyone is okay 🫶 Whether you’re a festival first-timer or a seasoned raver, knowing these resources can save lives.
Here are 9 harm reduction tools and organizations every raver should know about:
1. DanceSafe
DanceSafe is one of the most well-known harm reduction organizations in rave culture. They provide drug education, reagent testing kits, fentanyl test strips, and on-site outreach at festivals. Their goal is simple: give people accurate information so they can make safer choices. You can order fentanyl test strips and reagent kits directly from their website, and they’re often present at major festivals like EDC, Lightning in a Bottle, and Electric Forest.
2. End Overdose
End Overdose focuses on overdose prevention education and naloxone (Narcan) training. They offer free virtual trainings that teach you how to recognize and respond to an opiod overdose. This knowledge can make the difference between life or death. Their free virtual Narcan training takes about 20 minutes.
3. CPR Live App
This app gives real-time CPR guidance during emergencies. If someone collapses and help hasn’t arrived yet, CPR Live can walk you through what to do step-by-step until medical professionals take over. Download it before your next festival so it’s already on your phone if you need it. The app works offline, which matters festivals when cell service may be limited.
4. Never Use Alone Hotline
If someone is using alone, the Never Use Alone Hotline connects them with a trained operator who stays on the line and can call emergency services if something goes wrong. It’s anonymous, judgment-free, and lifesaving. The number is 1-800-484-3731 and it operates 24/7.
5. TN Scientific
TN Scientific manufactures reagent testing kits. Reagents are chemicals that react with a small sample of the drug being tested by changing color. While no test is perfect, reagent testing can significantly reduce the risk of using drugs that are laced.
6. Bunk Police
Bunk Police provides education, drug checking tools, and alerts about dangerous batches circulating in the community. They’re all about transparency and keeping people informed.
7. Hydration & Electrolyte Stations
Many festivals now provide free water refill stations. Pairing hydration with electrolytes is necessary to staying hydrated. Bring a refillable water bottle or hydration pack. Most major festivals including EDC, Bonnaroo, and Coachella have free water refill stations throughout the grounds.
8. Festival Medical Tents
Medical tents are safe spaces. You won’t get in trouble for seeking help, and they’re there to support, not punish. Medical staff are there to help you, not report you. Going early when something feels off is always the right call.
9. TripSit
TripSit offers online chat support and resources for people experiencing challenging moments while under the influence. It’s a calm, supportive presence when things feel overwhelming. Their live chat at tripsit.me is staffed by trained volunteers around the clock. They also maintain a detailed guide to drug combinations that covers dozens of substances.
Harm reduction centers around Loving our community and taking Responsibility for our own well-being. Let’s build safer spaces together.
Interested in learning about a vaping harm reduction approach? Check out our blog: Breaking the Vaping Habit with CAPNOS: A Conversation with Founder Brendan Wang.
Harm Reduction at Raves: FAQs
Where can I get fentanyl test strips?
You can get order fentanyl test strips online from DanceSafe, DoseTest and The Bunk Police.
Where can I get Narcan?
You can get Narcan for free from End Overdose.
