Monash experts are available to discuss Victoria’s first pill testing trial, to be available to an estimated 35,000 festival goers at Beyond The Valley, a four-day music event in the Golden Plains Shire from 28 December until 1 January 2025.
Associate Professor Jennifer Schumann, Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University
Contact: +61 3 9903 4840 or media@monash.edu
Read more of Associate Professor Shumann’s commentary at Monash Lens
*Unavailable from 25 December to 15 January 2025.
The following can be attributed to Associate Professor Schumann:
“Drug checking is a critical tool in harm reduction; it is sensible, practical and inevitably reduces the harms caused by drugs, as shown by evidence from over 30 years of drug checking services around the world.
“By offering drug checking services, we are prioritising public health and empowering people to make informed decisions. These services will also provide critical data that can help us understand the drug market, identify emerging substances, and inform better public health strategies.
“People take drugs – we need to be realistic about this and proactive in giving individuals the information they need to make safer choices to reduce the risks associated with drugs from the unregulated market.”
Professor Suzanne Nielsen, Deputy Director at Monash Addiction Research Centre
Contact details: +61 (0) 437 629 158, or suzanne.nielsen@monash.edu
Read more of Professor Nielsen’s commentary at Monash Lens
- Harm reduction measures including drug checking / pill testing
- Overdose prevention
- Opioids and naloxone
- Addiction and treatment, including pharmacotherapy
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For any other topics on which you may be seeking expert comment, contact the Monash University Media Unit on +61 3 9903 4840 or media@monash.edu
