DNA Launches Drug Testing Kits

Current events have shown how the community has yet again proven itself to be a valuable resource needed now more than ever. As such, Royal Holloway’s own student collective Drug and Alcohol Awareness (DNA) has raised funds to offer drug testing kits in order to promote overall harm reduction. Following the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, DNA has generously made the decision to match every kit purchase with a donation to a BLM charity of choice. DNA also strives to listen to the BLM community in order to carefully address what is the best form of support. For further information about each drug testing kit, full information is available on the DNA website!

As with any community, DNA aspires to be as multidimensional as possible through three major factors. First, DNA covers the science that goes behind the accessibility and usefulness of drug purity testing, as well as its statistical impact. Secondly, DNA is able to utilise students’ strengths and creativity to their fullest through commissions, using DNA as a platform as a collaborative and supportive space. Finally, on a political level, there needs to be awareness and acknowledgement on the dynamics of race within the war on drugs. Through providing resources that our local institutions do not, DNA is able to promote health and safety for students on campus.

DNA stands with BLM, and as a community, it aims to act as a representative for the immediate community as well as the wider world. The war on drugs is inherently tied to racial discrimination. DNA will ensure that through acting as a social, inclusive, and non-oppressive platform and community to support people’s wellbeing -- especially Black people as of late. Offering their platform and work as an invaluable resource to educate and offer support through confronting systemic racism and perpetuating a healthier understanding of racial dynamics in relation to one’s safety and wellbeing is essential to DNA’s philosophy. These drug testing kits were not merely purchased for one sole focus -- DNA has gone above the norm to make an impact for the community and beyond.

by, Keren Tomasoa

Please check out our Drug Purity Kits page to get your kit, and support BLM.