DanceSafe

DanceSafe is a nonprofit organization, with 3 local chapters in the US and Canada.

DanceSafe youth volunteers set up tables at raves and other events to distribute educational literature containing information describing the effects and risks associated with the use of various drugs and sell testing kits so that users may obtain more information about the contents of their pills.

Laboratory adulterant screening

DanceSafe no longer offers laboratory analysis of pills. This service is now being offered by EcstasyData.org which performs anonymous pill testing and is co-sponsored by Erowid, MAPS, and DanceSafe. DanceSafe is currently funding a portion of the project. Lab fees for testing are $120 per test, including DEA-approved disposal of untested substances. Currently people wanting laboratory analysis of their pill must provide a co-pay of $40. Testing of powders not pressed into tablets costs the sender $120. The website is currently soliciting donations to continue its pill-testing program. All testing results since the beginning of the program in 1998 are available for review at EcstasyData's website. Ecstasydata.org has broadened in scope, and now is running analysis of street cocaine to determine the spread of the contaminant Levamisole, and provided testing of a rare research chemical that was known to cause at least two deaths.

DanceSafe was founded in 1998 by Emanuel Sferios. He resigned in 2001.^[1] DanceSafe currently has a seven-member board of directors who oversee the operations of the organization.

In addition to the work at raves and other events, DanceSafe runs an online harm-reduction 'booth'. The Booth's current administrator is Bryan Oley.

Emanuel Sferios, the founder of DanceSafe, claims that his organization has saved lives by preventing young people from taking the more dangerous adulterated pills and by educating them.^[2]

References

1. ^ DanceSafe: Emanuel Sferios resigns
2. ^ Online NewsHour: Ecstasy Explosion-- July 30, 2001

External links

• The DanceSafe homepage
• The DanceSafe Online Harm Reduction Booth
• The EcstasyData.org homepage
• The Harm Reduction Coalition homepage
• Information and harm reduction strategies for ecstasy and other illicit drugs