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Missouri lawmakers legalized fentanyl test strips to try to curb overdoses

By Brian Ellison,

Published July 16, 2023 at 6:00 AM CDT

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A fentanyl test strip is used to detect fentanyl in a drug sample. Such test strips cost about $1 apiece.

Republican state Sen. Holly Thompson of Scott City sponsored legislation to decriminalize the harm reduction tool. She hopes this will help lower opioid overdoses.

A new law signed by Gov. Mike Parson has decriminalized fentanyl test strips, which supporters hope will reduce opioid-related drug overdoses.

"I grew up in sexual violence, drug addiction [and] got married at 15... I understand what addiction looks like," state Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder, a Republican from Sikeston who introduced legislation, told KCUR.

Rehder said the tests are a necessary harm reduction tool. "We need to be helping people stay alive and get them healthy and get them back to a good life."

Kansas legalized fentanyl test strips earlier this year.

Senator Holly Thompson Rehder, R-Scott City

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Brian Ellison

As a host and contributor at KCUR, I seek to create a more informed citizenry and richer community. I want to enlighten and inspire our audience by delivering the information they need with accuracy and urgency, clarifying what’s complicated and teasing out the complexities of what seems simple. I work to craft conversations that reveal realities in our midst and model civil discourse in a divided world. Follow me on Twitter @ptsbrian or email me at brian@kcur.org.

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Claudia Brancart

As a producer for Up To Date, I create sound-rich talk show segments about the individuals and communities that call Kansas City home. Whether it’s a poet, a business owner or a local lawmaker, I seek out diverse voices to help break down the biggest stories of the day. After listening to the show, I want Up To Date listeners to feel informed and empowered to make decisions in their daily lives. You can reach me at claudiab@kcur.org

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