> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.theplatia.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # One thing you can do today: save a life with this free little tool - URL: https://www.theplatia.com/drug-test-strip-data-philly/ - Published: 2026-07-06T21:46:29.000Z - Updated: 2026-07-10T01:06:22.000Z - Description: The P.A. Groundhogs have released a study to share how effective drug test strips can be, and why more of us should have them around. - Author: Annemarie Dooling - Tags: Mutual Aid Drug test strips can fit in your pocket, [are totally legal](https://www.vitalstrategies.org/governor-tom-wolf-signs-fentanyl-test-strips-legislation-to-reduce-overdose-deaths-in-pennsylvania/?ref=theplatia.com) and can benefit anyone who is around drugs, but not everyone knows about them. If you haven’t used a drug test strip, you’ve seen them: the little sticks that look like thin tabs of paper. Once inserted into a small amount of your drug supply mixed with a little water, they can identify specific substances within the sample. [The P.A. Groundhogs](https://pagroundhogs.org/?ref=theplatia.com) have released a study to share how effective these test strips can be, and why more of us should have them around. The P.A. Groundhogs are an organization in Pennsylvania that collects drug samples to test the composition of recreational drugs, and changes in supply at large. If they notice a change, they send out safety warnings. [Anyone can order one of their kits](https://pagroundhogs.org/about?ref=theplatia.com). [Their study highlights the usefulness of personal drug testing](https://pagroundhogs.org/strip-study?ref=theplatia.com) by matching test strip information to their own lab tests. Between November 2023 and April 2026, they received 1,434 drug samples, of which 199 had test strip data from fentanyl, xylazine, benzodiazepine strips, which were discontinued in 2024 and medetomidine strips, introduced in 2025\. Drug samples that came with negative fentanyl test strip results were confirmed by the P.A. Groundhogs lab to be fentanyl-free. Xylazine strips did not perform as well, with a flaw thought to be caused by medetomidine and even Benadryl cross-reactivity. Carter Graves of the P.A. Groundhogs says that sometimes drugs they receive can have upwards of ten substances in one sample, and a false positive can still be helpful if it encourages people to act cautiously. “Some people want to contribute to our research,” they said about why someone should send samples. Others might be concerned about consent: they are agreeing to take one substance, not others that might be mixed in. And every bit they receive helps them understand how to fight overdoses. Even though that's just 13.9% of samples sent to the P.A. Groundhogs with test strip data, overall test strip usage is up. But it’s still worth it to Graves to use these strips as much as possible, even with usage flaws and false positives. “It’s a life saved with every strip,” they said. "If you know anybody who can use these, they can prevent them from having to use Narcan." Graves says that there's a knowledge gap at work here. Cities make Narcan and test strips available, but don't teach people how to use them. The instructions might also be inconsistent, depending on the brand of test strip. And results also vary by brand. "We expect people to figure it out," they said. ### How you can help. Harm reduction groups tend to have a free supply of testing strips on them. The Platia leaves testing strips at Maisy’s Meeting House in Old City and South Street Art Mart in Queen Village. We also have strips on Fridays at Mifflin Square Park at the free food picnic with Food Not Bombs and Punks With Lunch. The Everywhere Project and Prevention Point have test strips in Kensington, and these groups will give you hands-on training. Then you can carry some with you to give out in your own community. If you're going into recovery, or know someone that is, consider donating the rest of your supply to be tested, and submit your own test strip data. Every sample sent to the P.A. Groundhogs helps them understand how to help people. Have conversations about test strips. We can only destigmatize drug testing by speaking about it. Whether you know an infrequent drug user, go to parties, or just hang around in different communities, it’s helpful to have this item on you in case anyone needs it. Join Dr. Marya Lieberman from Notre Dame at virtual drop-in hours [twice monthly on the first and third Fridays of the month](https://www.facebook.com/hoosierhrc/posts/questions-about-false-positives-not-sure-about-brands-are-you-weighing-xylazine-/122126714361236853/) to learn more about test strip usage and ask any questions [from the lab that manages much of the research around these strips](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hsMdegp62o&ref=theplatia.com). Donate to groups that hand out all the tools needed to test samples, or if you have your own space, include those items with test strips. That includes measuring cups, spoons and instructions printed on thicker paper, which give someone a tool to crush the drugs with. The easier it is to use test strips, the more people will use them, and the more we will know about keeping people alive. ## Philly Mutual Aid Volunteer Calendar: July 13 - 30th **Mon, July 13** Sunday Love Project — Monday brunch service, Church of the Holy Trinity (Rittenhouse) RSVP: sign up at [sundaylove.org/volunteer](https://sundaylove.org/volunteer?ref=theplatia.com) Books Through Bars — drop-in session, 6:30–8:30pm, 4722 Baltimore Ave (West Philly) RSVP: first-timers must attend an orientation — fill out the [individual volunteer form](https://airtable.com/appnyySODgHsATdgp/pagymOgtEYB1oyeop/form?ref=theplatia.com); oriented volunteers can just drop in **Tue, July 14** Sunday Love Project — Tuesday dinner service, Church of the Holy Trinity (Rittenhouse) RSVP: sign up at [sundaylove.org/volunteer](https://sundaylove.org/volunteer?ref=theplatia.com) **Wed, July 15** South Philly Punks with Lunch — 1:30–3:30pm, Broad & Snyder RSVP: drop-in, no signup needed — DM [@south.philly.punkswithlunch](https://www.instagram.com/south.philly.punkswithlunch/?ref=theplatia.com) if you want to bring/cook food The Everywhere Project — evening outreach, Love Park (Center City) RSVP: sign up at [everywhereproject.org/volunteer](https://www.everywhereproject.org/volunteer?ref=theplatia.com) **Thu, July 16** Sharing Excess — produce sorting, Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market, 8–11am RSVP: sign up for a date at [sharingexcess.vomo.org](https://sharingexcess.vomo.org/opportunity/sorting-at-pwpm?ref=theplatia.com) (runs Mon–Fri, dress warmly — it's a refrigerated warehouse) Books Through Bars — drop-in session, 6:30–8:30pm, 4722 Baltimore Ave (West Philly) RSVP: first-timers must attend an orientation — fill out the [individual volunteer form](https://airtable.com/appnyySODgHsATdgp/pagymOgtEYB1oyeop/form?ref=theplatia.com); oriented volunteers can just drop in **Fri, July 17** South Philly Punks with Lunch & South Philly Food Not Bombs — Mifflin Square Park picnic with The Platia RSVP: adooling at gmail dot com **Sat, July 18** The Everywhere Project — afternoon outreach, Kensington RSVP: sign up at [everywhereproject.org/volunteer](https://www.everywhereproject.org/volunteer?ref=theplatia.com) Homies Helping Homies — HHH Garage (2400 S 24th St), volunteering + donation drop-off 10am–12pm RSVP: sign up via [SignUpGenius on their site](https://www.homieshelpinghomies.com/?ref=theplatia.com), or just show up to the garage Sharing Excess — three shifts: PWPM produce sorting 8–11am; Sharehouse packing/loading 9–11am (5109 Warren St); West Philly Pop-Up Distribution 11:45am–1:30pm (5200 Larchwood Ave) RSVP: pick a shift and sign up at [sharingexcess.com/get-involved/volunteer](https://www.sharingexcess.com/get-involved/volunteer?ref=theplatia.com) **Sun, July 19** South Philly Punks with Lunch — 1:30–3:30pm, Broad & Snyder RSVP: drop-in, no signup needed — DM [@south.philly.punkswithlunch](https://www.instagram.com/south.philly.punkswithlunch/?ref=theplatia.com) if you want to bring/cook food Homies Helping Homies — Wharton Square Park (2300 Wharton St), food distribution + community cleanup RSVP: sign up via [SignUpGenius on their site](https://www.homieshelpinghomies.com/?ref=theplatia.com), or just show up Sunday morning Sunday Love Project — Sunday dinner service, Church of the Holy Trinity (Rittenhouse) RSVP: sign up at [sundaylove.org/volunteer](https://sundaylove.org/volunteer?ref=theplatia.com) **Mon, July 20** Homies Helping Homies — possible Cross Street Table Distribution (confirm date) RSVP: sign up via [SignUpGenius on their site](https://www.homieshelpinghomies.com/?ref=theplatia.com), or email homieshelpinghomiesvolunteer@gmail.com Sunday Love Project — Monday brunch service, Church of the Holy Trinity (Rittenhouse) RSVP: sign up at [sundaylove.org/volunteer](https://sundaylove.org/volunteer?ref=theplatia.com) Books Through Bars — drop-in session, 6:30–8:30pm, 4722 Baltimore Ave (West Philly) RSVP: first-timers must attend an orientation — fill out the [individual volunteer form](https://airtable.com/appnyySODgHsATdgp/pagymOgtEYB1oyeop/form?ref=theplatia.com); oriented volunteers can just drop in **Tue, July 21** Sunday Love Project — Tuesday dinner service, Church of the Holy Trinity (Rittenhouse) RSVP: sign up at [sundaylove.org/volunteer](https://sundaylove.org/volunteer?ref=theplatia.com) **Wed, July 22** South Philly Punks with Lunch — 1:30–3:30pm, Broad & Snyder RSVP: drop-in, no signup needed — DM [@south.philly.punkswithlunch](https://www.instagram.com/south.philly.punkswithlunch/?ref=theplatia.com) if you want to bring/cook food The Everywhere Project — evening outreach, Love Park (Center City) RSVP: sign up at [everywhereproject.org/volunteer](https://www.everywhereproject.org/volunteer?ref=theplatia.com) **Thu, July 23** Sharing Excess — produce sorting, Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market, 8–11am RSVP: sign up for a date at [sharingexcess.vomo.org](https://sharingexcess.vomo.org/opportunity/sorting-at-pwpm?ref=theplatia.com) (runs Mon–Fri, dress warmly — it's a refrigerated warehouse) Books Through Bars — drop-in session, 6:30–8:30pm, 4722 Baltimore Ave (West Philly) RSVP: first-timers must attend an orientation — fill out the [individual volunteer form](https://airtable.com/appnyySODgHsATdgp/pagymOgtEYB1oyeop/form?ref=theplatia.com); oriented volunteers can just drop in **Fri, July 24** South Philly Punks with Lunch & South Philly Food Not Bombs — Mifflin Square Park picnic distro (joint) RSVP: drop-in — DM [@south.philly.punkswithlunch](https://www.instagram.com/south.philly.punkswithlunch/?ref=theplatia.com) or [@southphillyfoodnotbombs](https://www.instagram.com/southphillyfoodnotbombs/?ref=theplatia.com) to confirm and offer to help **Sat, July 25** The Everywhere Project — afternoon outreach, Kensington RSVP: sign up at [everywhereproject.org/volunteer](https://www.everywhereproject.org/volunteer?ref=theplatia.com) Homies Helping Homies — HHH Garage (2400 S 24th St), volunteering RSVP: sign up via [SignUpGenius on their site](https://www.homieshelpinghomies.com/?ref=theplatia.com), or just show up to the garage Sharing Excess — three shifts: PWPM produce sorting 8–11am; Sharehouse packing/loading 9–11am (5109 Warren St); West Philly Pop-Up Distribution 11:45am–1:30pm (5200 Larchwood Ave) RSVP: pick a shift and sign up at [sharingexcess.com/get-involved/volunteer](https://www.sharingexcess.com/get-involved/volunteer?ref=theplatia.com) **Sun, July 26** South Philly Punks with Lunch — 1:30–3:30pm, Broad & Snyder RSVP: drop-in, no signup needed — DM [@south.philly.punkswithlunch](https://www.instagram.com/south.philly.punkswithlunch/?ref=theplatia.com) if you want to bring/cook food Homies Helping Homies — Wharton Square Park (2300 Wharton St), food distribution + community cleanup RSVP: sign up via [SignUpGenius on their site](https://www.homieshelpinghomies.com/?ref=theplatia.com), or just show up Sunday morning Sunday Love Project — Sunday dinner service, Church of the Holy Trinity (Rittenhouse) RSVP: sign up at [sundaylove.org/volunteer](https://sundaylove.org/volunteer?ref=theplatia.com) **Mon, July 27** Homies Helping Homies — possible Cross Street Table Distribution (confirm date) RSVP: sign up via [SignUpGenius on their site](https://www.homieshelpinghomies.com/?ref=theplatia.com), or email homieshelpinghomiesvolunteer@gmail.com Sunday Love Project — Monday brunch service, Church of the Holy Trinity (Rittenhouse) RSVP: sign up at [sundaylove.org/volunteer](https://sundaylove.org/volunteer?ref=theplatia.com) Books Through Bars — drop-in session, 6:30–8:30pm, 4722 Baltimore Ave (West Philly) RSVP: first-timers must attend an orientation — fill out the [individual volunteer form](https://airtable.com/appnyySODgHsATdgp/pagymOgtEYB1oyeop/form?ref=theplatia.com); oriented volunteers can just drop in **Tue, July 28** Sunday Love Project — Tuesday dinner service, Church of the Holy Trinity (Rittenhouse) RSVP: sign up at [sundaylove.org/volunteer](https://sundaylove.org/volunteer?ref=theplatia.com) **Wed, July 29** South Philly Punks with Lunch — 1:30–3:30pm, Broad & Snyder RSVP: drop-in, no signup needed — DM [@south.philly.punkswithlunch](https://www.instagram.com/south.philly.punkswithlunch/?ref=theplatia.com) if you want to bring/cook food The Everywhere Project — evening outreach, Love Park (Center City) RSVP: sign up at [everywhereproject.org/volunteer](https://www.everywhereproject.org/volunteer?ref=theplatia.com) **Thu, July 30** Sharing Excess — produce sorting, Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market, 8–11am RSVP: sign up for a date at [sharingexcess.vomo.org](https://sharingexcess.vomo.org/opportunity/sorting-at-pwpm?ref=theplatia.com) (runs Mon–Fri, dress warmly — it's a refrigerated warehouse) Books Through Bars — drop-in session, 6:30–8:30pm, 4722 Baltimore Ave (West Philly) RSVP: first-timers must attend an orientation — fill out the [individual volunteer form](https://airtable.com/appnyySODgHsATdgp/pagymOgtEYB1oyeop/form?ref=theplatia.com); oriented volunteers can just drop in **Also ongoing:** Sunday Love Project's Greater Goods free grocery store in Kensington needs volunteers every day it's open (about 3 people/day) — sign up for any date at [sundaylove.org/get-involved](https://sundaylove.org/get-involved?ref=theplatia.com). Most of these are informal, drop-in mutual aid distros rather than ticketed events — "RSVP" mainly means signing up for a volunteer shift or messaging ahead so they know to expect you. ## Sign up for The Platia Civic trainings and harm reduction journalism in Philadelphia to help make you a better citizen Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.