SafeSpot

Project Description

Our project is titled SafeSpot, and it is a community-based map to prevent fentanyl-related deaths. We approached the Maker Track, and are applying for the Overlay of Best Beginner Hack, Best Multi-School Hack, and Best Healthcare Hack. The main programming languages and tools were used were React, Javascript, HTML, CSS, Node.js, MongoDB, and Maptiler.

Purpose

The opioid crisis has become a critical public health issue, with fentanyl emerging as a major contributor to overdose deaths. In 2022, fentanyl was responsible for 200 deaths every day, posing a significant threat to communities across the country. Furthermore, the stigma surrounding drug use and addiction can prevent individuals from seeking help or reporting overdose incidents, leading to missed opportunities for intervention and support. As a result, there is an urgent need for a centralized platform that provides accurate information, promotes harm reduction strategies, and encourages community collaboration in the fight against fentanyl-related deaths.

In response to this crisis, we wanted to develop Safe Spot, a Fentanyl Safety Network web app designed to combat fentanyl-related deaths by providing real-time information and resources to individuals and communities. By leveraging technology and community engagement, our goal is to empower users with the tools they need to stay safe, access support services, and ultimately reduce the impact of the opioid epidemic.

How It Works

A user can search for zip code, city, building, etc, or click on the map to view a certain location. The map will then display a popup corresponding to the zip code that the location is under. The popup will display the number of reported positive fentanyl tests in the zip code, and have the option for the user to report another positive case to the zip code. When submitting the case, the user has the option of selecting a specific drug or keeping it unspecified, as well as adding an optional note. The map also includes pinned resources that provide fentanyl test trips and Narcan, and each pin includes information about the location's email and/or phone number.

Ethical Statement:

In developing and deploying SafeSpot, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of legal and ethical conduct. This includes compliance with relevant data privacy regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to ensure the protection of user information and confidentiality.

User-reported data and incident information will be handled with care, with appropriate safeguards in place to prevent misuse or unauthorized access. However, it should be noted that no location data will be stored from the user. We will also prioritize user anonymity and consent, allowing individuals to report incidents and access resources without fear of stigma or discrimination.

By adhering to these principles, we aim to build trust with our users and stakeholders, promote accountability and transparency, and ultimately contribute to the collective effort to combat the fentanyl crisis and save lives.