Since joining us on October 9, 2023, as a Community Outreach & Resource Coordinator, Annastasia has significantly impacted our efforts and the community at large.

Annastasia is not only a valued member of our team but also the founder of her own nonprofit organization, Harm Reduction Circle. Established in 2020, Harm Reduction Circle has been at the forefront of providing crucial resources and training to communities affected by substance abuse. One of Annastasia’s notable contributions to FS was conducting our first naloxone training in April 2023 held shortly after our establishment in January 2023.

We are proud to announce Annastasia’s latest accomplishment within our community. Harm Reduction Circle, founded by Annastasia, was recently honored with a plaque and a spot on the prestigious Wall of Recognition in Irvine, California, presented by Mayor Farrah Khan. This award highlights her exceptional contributions.

Established in 2006 and located in Colonel Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park, the Wall of Recognition is a hallmark of Irvine. It celebrates community activism, involvement, and pride by honoring individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the community, enhancing its well-being and development.

Annastasia’s inclusion in this esteemed group underscores her exceptional contributions and dedication to making a positive difference. Her expertise and willingness to share her knowledge have been invaluable in our fight against the fentanyl crisis, significantly enhancing our team’s effectiveness and impact on the community.

Join us in our crucial mission to save lives from the fentanyl crisis and drive impactful awareness. Your donation today will make a significant difference!

In the ongoing battle against the surging opioid crisis, initiatives aimed at educating and empowering communities have proven to be instrumental. Recently, our Development Director, Shane Wood, provided Naloxone training and discussed the crucial role of Fentanyl Test Strips with Mayor Farrah Khan and her staff in Irvine.

Naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, stands as a life-saving medication capable of rapidly reversing the effects of opioid overdose. Wood’s delivery of Naloxone training served as an educational platform designed to equip individuals with the necessary knowledge and tools to administer this critical medication effectively. The emphasis was on fostering a community of immediate responders who can potentially avert tragic outcomes

Test Strips. These strips act as a preventive measure, allowing individuals to test substances for the presence of fentanyl, an extremely potent and dangerous opioid responsible for a substantial number of overdose fatalities. Wood accentuated the significance of these strips as a harm reduction tool, stressing their ability to provide crucial information about the substances being consumed and potentially preventing fatal overdoses.

Furthermore, our existing Fentanyl Test Strips are sourced from WiseBatch, a local manufacturer specializing in these strips. Each packaged test strip is equipped with a QR code on its rear side, enabling individuals to anonymously report any positive results. This reporting mechanism serves to assist in identifying the locations with the highest prevalence of illicit fentanyl. The training carried a significant message

concerning the dire need to address the increasing incidents of opioid-related overdoses within the city of Irvine. The dialogue between Shane Wood and Mayor Farrah Khan marked a pivotal stride toward proactive and preventive measures