© 2025 KOSU
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Tulsa Health Department distributes harm reduction supplies, handmade notes

Harm reduction kits from the Tulsa Health Department include Narcan, fentanyl test strips, xylazine test strips, medication disposal bags and medication lockboxes.
Tulsa Health Department
Harm reduction kits from the Tulsa Health Department include Narcan, fentanyl test strips, xylazine test strips, medication disposal bags and medication lockboxes.

"You are important."

That’s the message of 100 new harm reduction kits being distributed by the Tulsa Health Department and a local anti-substance abuse coalition.

Elementary school students, who were tasked with designing handmade postcards for the kits, helped contribute to the effort.

“We partnered with Tulsa Public Schools to have elementary students grades one through five create postcards with words of encouragement, and each harm reduction kit has one of those cards in it,” Prevention Specialist Netta Jamieson said.

While harm reduction supplies are needed all year long, Jamieson said she hopes the heartfelt cards will provide an added element of support for those struggling with addiction right now.

“We know that the winter months can bring significant challenges on individuals and their loved ones,” Jamieson said.

The initiative is part of the “Spreading Hope” program, which aims to combine harm reduction supplies with messages of support.

Tulsa Health Department
A handmade postcard designed by a student in Tulsa.

The harm reduction kits also include resources designed to prevent overdose and substance misuse, like Narcan, fentanyl test strips, xylazine test strips, medication disposal bags and medication lockboxes.

From 2018 to 2022, 913 people died from unintentional drug overdoses in Tulsa. According to the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, 25% of those who died had a history of mental illness.

“A community crisis warrants a collaborative, community response,” Stephanie Andrews, Executive Director of Student and Family Support Services for Tulsa Public Schools, said in a press release announcing the effort.

“These kids are very insightful,” Jamieson said. “I was going through reading these cards thinking, ‘wow, I could really use some of these messages today.’”

Harm reduction kits can be requested anonymously through the Tulsa Health Department website. Kits will also be available during Coalition Against Prescription and Substance Abuse of Tulsa (CAPSAT) community events.

Sign up for The KOSU Daily newsletter!

Get the latest Oklahoma news in your inbox every weekday morning.

* indicates required

Sierra Pfeifer is a reporter covering mental health and addiction at KOSU.
KOSU is nonprofit and independent. We rely on readers like you to support the local, national, and international coverage on this website. Your support makes this news available to everyone.

Give today. A monthly donation of $5 makes a real difference.
Related Content