Written and published by X
I know what you’re thinking: Who’s going to fund all of this? In an ideal world, festivals would cover the costs of these essential services, but we all know that’s not the reality. So, I’m here to suggest some alternative ways to make these vital services available to everyone. The five things I believe should be free at festivals are: water, test kits, Narcan, earplugs, and wellness checkpoints. Unfortunately, there have been tragic events at festivals that could have been avoided with the right resources. Let’s dive into why these things matter and how we can make them accessible.
Free Water
A few months ago, I came across a TikTok video about offering free water at festivals. I thought, “What a brilliant idea, but how can they afford it?” Turns out, there’s a brand called Free Water that has figured out a way to make it happen. Their mission is to reduce plastic waste and donate to building water wells, because, as they believe, drinking water is a human right. I couldn’t agree more. To fund their initiative, they sell advertising space on their water bottles—brands pay to have their ads printed, and the proceeds go towards providing free water. It’s a simple yet genius way to keep water accessible for everyone at festivals. Check them out at Free Water.
Test Kits
Another crucial item I’d love to see more of at festivals are test kits. Lately, I’ve been seeing more people handing them out in lines, and I’m so glad to see harm reduction being prioritized. Many nonprofits provide test kits for free or for a very low cost, and they’re essential in the fight against overdose deaths. In fact, drug overdose deaths reached a record high during the pandemic—more than 100,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in just one year. If you're looking for a test kit, check out the “END OVERDOSE” section on my website. And just so you know—it’s perfectly legal to carry a test kit with you at festivals, and it won’t get you into trouble.
Narcan Availability
Similarly, Narcan (naloxone) is a life-saving drug that should be available at every festival, show, and club. Some people argue that it could encourage users to continue using, but the truth is, you can’t expect someone to recover if they’re dead. Narcan provides a second chance, giving individuals the opportunity to seek help and recovery. Without Narcan, many would have no options left at all. If you need Narcan, you can find it on my website under the “END OVERDOSE” section, where we also offer a tutorial on how to use it. Just pay for shipping, and you’re good to go.
Free Earplugs
Next, let’s talk about protecting our hearing. Many festivals do offer earplugs for free, but there are still too many that charge for them. When it comes to safety, why charge at all? Even though earplugs are inexpensive, we don’t always know someone’s financial situation. The reality is, we need access to earplugs. Festivals often hit noise levels between 100-105 decibels, and anything above 85 decibels can cause irreversible hearing damage. That’s why I believe every festival and venue should provide free earplugs to protect their attendees’ hearing.
Wellness Checkpoints
Lastly, I want to talk about the importance of wellness checkpoints. We all know that alcohol and drugs are a part of the festival scene, and not everyone reacts well to what they put into their bodies. It’s critical for people to have a safe space to go when they need help, other than the medical tent. This is especially important for sober individuals who might not want to take up space in the medical tent when someone else may need it more urgently. Wellness checkpoints offer a place for people to talk, meditate, or simply reset if they’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, or paranoia. These spaces could really change the way people experience festivals. Investing in small things like wellness checkpoints can make a big difference and ensure people feel safe and supported.
Final Thoughts
It’s time we push for more comprehensive health and safety regulations at festivals. These services—water, test kits, Narcan, earplugs, and wellness checkpoints—should be non-negotiable, not just for our enjoyment, but for our safety. Investing in these basic measures will not only protect people but also improve their overall festival experience, encouraging them to come back year after year. It’s a small investment for the greater good, and it’s something we can all get behind. -X
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