A van is helping people on the streets of Bridgeport safely deal with drug use.

The Recovery Network of Programs harm reduction van just hit the streets this year and is already making a difference.

Danielle Samperi is the director of outreach and community engagement with The Recovery Network of Programs and is out on the front lines. She's fighting the battle on drugs on the streets of Bridgeport.

She's gotten to know people in the community. Samperi knows her work starts by helping one person at a time.

"You might just be planting that seed. You know, they might not want treatment today but just having that conversation and showing that you care is planting a seed and maybe the next time they might consider it," said Samperi.

The Recovery Network of Programs harm reduction van is equipped with safe supplies such as test kits.

"This is a container for them to keep their used needles in. And then up here we have just first aid supplies to be able to use safely," said Samperi.

The program is also connecting people with long-term treatment.

"It’s been very welcoming I would say in our community," said Samperi.

Samperi says there has been an uptick of fentanyl overdoses on the streets. Recovery Networks of programs says they are seeing new substances being put into the drugs on the streets.

"A horse tranquilizer only prescribed to veterinarians. How are people getting their hands on this? I don't know," said Samperi.

The Recovery Network of Programs helps thousands of people dealing with substance abuse every year.

"They might not want it today, but tomorrow's always another day," said Samperi.

The harm reduction van travels to different locations around the city. If you'd like to find out more about the van and the program, you can contact Recovery Network of Programs at 1-833-906-HOPE.