Pictured is Sinéad McNamara, Senior Biochemist, HSE National Drug Treatment Centre Laboratory Services, ahead of the HSE’s continued partnership with Electric Picnic
The Health Service Executive’s (HSE) Safer Nightlife Programme is set to heighten its presence at this year’s Electric Picnic Festival, running from 1st to 3rd September 2023. The programme aims to ensure better safety and minimise drug-related risks at the festival through a comprehensive strategy that includes drug checking services, information tents, and surrender bins.
More Boots on the Ground
This year’s programme will boast 70 HSE-trained volunteers stationed across three different locations—Main Arena, Jimmy Hendrix Campsite, and Janus Joplin Campsite. Volunteers will offer 30 hours of harm reduction support over the course of the weekend.
Real-Time Drug Checking
One of the significant new features of the programme is an on-site laboratory for drug analysis. In collaboration with Electric Picnic organisers, the HSE’s National Drug Treatment Centre will set up a ‘back of house’ lab to provide real-time results on drug composition.
Drug Surrender Bins
Five drugs.ie surrender bins will be available in various safe and accessible locations around the festival grounds, allowing attendees to deposit drugs anonymously for subsequent analysis.
Interagency Cooperation
Minister Naughton, Minister for Public Health, Well-being and the National Drug Strategy, lauded the initiative. “The programme is an excellent example of interagency cooperation between the HSE, An Garda Siochana, and festival organisers. It is aimed at reducing drug-related harm and, ultimately, saving lives,” said Minister Naughton.
Tackling Emerging Drug Trends
The programme has already been successful this summer at the Life and Body and Soul Festivals, identifying several new psychoactive substances and high-strength forms of ketamine, cocaine, and MDMA. Nicki Killeen, HSE Emerging Drug Trends Project Manager, urged festival-goers to use the drugs.ie surrender bins to help the HSE get a clearer picture of the Irish drug market.
Public Warnings on New Drug Trends
New substances such as ‘Tuci’, a term describing a mixture of often unknown drugs, have been found to contain new psychoactive substances like 2-Fluoromethamphetamine (2FMA) and ketamine. Warnings and updates about drug trends of concern will be displayed on big screens at the festival and on the Electric Picnic app.
Harm Reduction Advice
“If people choose to use drugs, they need to consider harm reduction advice,” advised Killeen, adding that substances like MDMA pills have shown a significant variance in strength, increasing the risk of accidental overdosing.
For More Information
Festival-goers are encouraged to visit the Drugs.ie tents or the website Drugs.ie/festivals for more information. Updates will also be shared on Twitter and Instagram @drugsdotie.
The expansion of the Safer Nightlife Programme is a significant move towards a public health approach to drug use, aiming to make Electric Picnic 2023 safer for everyone involved.