Aarya Kini

Test It Before You Ingest It is a primer on harm reduction for young recreational drug users. Although drugs have become deadlier in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the urge among youth to experiment with them has remained, making the risk of drug use–related complications and overdoses higher than ever. An emphasis on harm reduction as a public health practice is critical. Through its various elements, this project is designed to do just that. The fundamentals of the practice are presented in three books, which source content from harm reduction and research organizations and provide information from experts. Merchandise such as posters for users' bedrooms, stickers for their notebooks, and lighters for occasions when they're out about town, serve as regular reminders of the importance of safe drug use. The resource zine directs users to places where they can learn more about harm reduction; the Narcan kit and test strips are at users' disposal for the time when they feel ready to embrace the responsibility of helping others. Harm reduction relies on the power of community, as does the spread of knowledge about it. I produced this project using cost-effective materials. Digital copies are hosted online at thesis.aaryakini.com to make redistribution as simple as possible for individuals and community organizations. By offering engaging entry points for learning about harm reduction, this thesis helps young people who experiment with drugs have informed conversations about staying safe and alive. I hope that it will also foster a generation who advocate for this life-saving practice. View the rest of my portfolio at aaryakini.com