Misinformation often begins accidentally, just from a lack of knowledge. And misinformation about harm reduction abounds, from not thinking addiction could happen to you or your loved ones, to believing people on the street deserve their circumstances, to not understanding how needle exchange programs can help.

But what happens in the Kensington area of Philly has direct impacts on you and the rest of Philadelphia. Restaurants may miss shipments that can hurt their business, and new residents can fall prey to dirty landlords who take advantage of a lack of oversight in a community, and outdated policing programs disproportionately impact black youth. That's why it's important to understand the context of Kensington, and the ecosystem we are all a part of, here in Philly.

Here are some ways to do that:

Prevention Point offers drop-in volunteering where you can learn about nalaxone and drug testing, and how that can help the community. You'll learn about the drug supply and where Narcan can help, and other measures of overdose prevention. You can sign up with them here.

Used needles are showing up on the ground in many Philly neighborhoods. You've probably come across one or two while walking your dog, and chances are you did not have a sharps container on-hand. If you find a needle, pick it up with tongs or thick safety gloves, and place it into a thick plastic container, like a used laundry container or thicker milk jug (not a paper milk carton). Throwing it directly in the garbage can be a danger to you, animals that get into the trash, and sanitation workers. The city has several drop-off points, as do groups like Punks With Lunch, who will collect this from you.

Organizations like The Sunday Love Project provide food for families that live in neighborhoods impacted by the open air drug market. They accept donations and drop-offs that provide fresh produce and food to families and kids, as well as cooking classes on nutrition and health. Volunteering at the store is a great way to meet people who live in Kensington and hear their stories.

The more people you meet who have been impacted by drug use and drug policy, the more you will see how harm reduction can impact your own life, awe can identify harm reduction misinfo together.