Who is White Bird Rock Medicine? A Guide to Harm Reduction at Renn Fayre

Over the past 50 years, Renn Fayre has garnered a reputation for debauchery and wild celebration. At the same time, Renn Fayre prioritizes harm reduction. RF is a campus-wide event that is open to all students, experiences, and comfort levels. Nevertheless, for students who choose to experiment during the weekend, we want to make sure that it is done in a safe way that reduces risks. This is where White Bird Rock Medicine comes in.

White Bird Rock Medicine is a medical and crisis service provider from Eugene, Oregon. For the past 50 years, they have provided their services to all sorts of events, from small-scale events to large music festivals in the area, emphasizing psychedelic harm reduction alongside emergency medical support. They are volunteer-based, non-judgemental, and committed to helping underserved communities.

Practically a staple at Reed’s Renn Fayre, White Bird brings a team of physicians, EMTs, nurses, substance abuse specialists, mental health specialists, nurse practitioners, and crisis workers to our campus. They operate 24/7 during Renn Fayre weekend, starting Friday, May 2, at 3:00 pm and ending at 6:00 pm on Sunday, May 4. 

While White Bird interfaces with Community Safety, anything that occurs in the White Bird tent (located between the Student Union and Student Center throughout the weekend) will not be reported back to Community Safety, as discretion and acceptance are White Bird’s priority.

This incredible and free resource for students doesn’t just begin and end with Renn Fayre. The Sunday before Renn Fayre, on April 27, White Bird’s medical professionals will be coming to prepare students on how to have a safe Renn Fayre. This crisis training, occurring from 4:00 to 5:30pm, is required for anyone who is signed up as a Bagel Patrol volunteer. It is also strongly encouraged for first year students and all other volunteers, and absolutely open and welcome to all students! White Bird will cover Renn Fayre traditions, what services they will provide, advice on encountering a crisis, and recommendations for safe practices. Whether this is your first year of Renn Fayre or fourth, White Bird’s training session can benefit everyone, and we encourage you to come to Vollum Lecture Hall on Sunday, April 27, from 4:00 to 5:30 pm!

Harm reduction extends past White Bird’s services as well. Similar to last year, the GCC-A conference room will be full of resources and supplies during Renn Fayre weekend. There will be fentanyl testing strips, Narcan, snacks, water, COVID testing materials, menstruation products, safer sex materials, first aid kits, and drug information cards. While we would like these supplies to be utilized, all students should prepare accordingly for their Renn Fayre plans ahead of time, and be aware of campus resources, such as Night Owls, the Nightbus, where Narcan is located on campus, the Community Safety numbers, and substance free spaces (such as Blue Lodge, located in Winch Common Room). Knowing the resources offered, accessible spaces, staying close to friends, and utilizing White Bird’s services can ensure that you will have a safe Renn Fayre!