Beyond Dope Productions Becomes First Harm Reduction Organization at Avant Gardner in Brooklyn

Beyond Dope Productions made history at Avant Gardner in New York City by becoming the first harm reduction organization to have a team at the venue, representing a major victory for harm reduction organizations everywhere.

Founded by Deanna Dunne, Beyond Dope Productions is a nonprofit organization that emerged from her own experience with overdose, after losing her brother Michael Dunne in 2016. Embodying principles of love, connection, and empowerment, the organization started with a single benefit concert hosted by Deanna and has since grown into a nationwide movement with chapters across the US. Today, the impact of Beyond Dope extends to events and music festivals nationwide.

Beyond Dope Productions had a booth set up during G Jones’ PATHS LIVE show at Avant Gardner. Deanna expressed her gratitude to the artist in a post, saying, “I don’t think anyone can understand the amount of joy I feel that tonight, @BeyondDopeProd became the first harm reduction organization to have a team at Avant Gardner. Thank you @gjonesbass. You are an absolute legend.”

G Jones has historically used his platform to promote harm reduction and spread awareness about substance abuse. It’s apparent that harm reduction is something the artist deeply values and supports. 

Going back to 2018 when he broadly called out music festivals for banning harm reduction, G Jones has been very vocal in his support for harm reduction organizations present at dance music events. Fast forward six years to his collaboration with Beyond Dope Productions at his Avant Gardner show, it’s clear that the DJ is continuing to use his platform to provide harm reduction resources at his events and other events in the community.

Through initiatives like Narcan and fentanyl test strip training, unbiased substance education, and community-building events, the Beyond Dope Productions movement aims to create safer electronic music environments while nurturing meaningful connections and providing resources for personal growth. Together with G Jones, Beyond Dope was able to bring the initiative to Avant Gardner in this historic moment.

Beyond Dope Productions is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Visit Beyond Dope’s website to learn more or contribute to the cause.

Ashley

I’ve been a part of the dance music scene for nearly a decade and with Exron for more than half of that time. My first event was Diplo’s Mad Decent but these days you’ll find me at Club Space or the Brooklyn Mirage. Some of my top artists are G Jones, Tipper, Of The Trees, and CharlestheFirst. My favorite genres are techno, experimental bass, and ambient but I’ll get down to anything with a beat!

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