I was not going to go public because I did not want to deter people from using overdose prevention hotlines. When run correctly and with proper training, they are the link that transitions a fatal overdose into a non-fatal overdose. However, I believe in harm reduction and need to warn those who use one particular hotline.
There is absolutely no anonymity. As operators we were told to take down callers' name, address, telephone number, and what substance they were using, then keep it on index cards. We never asked callers' permission to keep their information.
The organization has twelve volunteers at best. Volunteer operators are told they are allowed to use substances but not to take calls while using. However, listening to recordings, several operators nodded off on callers. This is extremely dangerous when we are supposed to be monitoring them for signs of overdose.
I would encourage anyone using substances to either have a physical spotter or use the Brave App or call Safespot (800-972-0590). Always test your supply, always have naloxone on hand, and always start low and go slow.