The Biden administration will provide grant funding to pay for the distribution of safe smoking kits as part of efforts to reduce harm from substance abuse over the next 3 years.
A number of conservative news outlets reported in recent days that the administration would fund the distribution of crack pipes for drug users as part of a push to advance racial equality.
However, safe smoking kits are just 1 piece of equipment on a list of 20 items the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) outlined on the grant application for its harm reduction program. The primary purpose of the program to reduce the risk of infection among drug users.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), part of the HHS, issued a Notice of Funding for the 2022 Harm Reduction Program Grant on December 8, 2021.
The deadline for applications was February 7, 2022—which may explain why it has been the subject of recent reports.
The 75-page application, which is still available to read online, explains that eligible applicants for the grant include state, local & tribal governments, as well as tribal organizations & community-based organizations, among others.
"The purpose of the program is to support community-based overdose prevention programs, syringe services programs & other harm reduction services."
The funding will be used for prevention activities to "help control the spread of infectious diseases & the consequences of such diseases for individuals with, or at risk of developing substance use disorders (SUD)."
One of the requirements for recipients of grant funding is to purchase "equipment & supplies to enhance harm reduction efforts." The application lists 20 examples.
These includes the "Safe smoking kits/supplies" that have been the focus of some recent articles regarding crack pipes. Other items on the list were infectious disease testing kits, safe-sex kits, including PrEP resources & condoms, syringes "to prevent & control the spread of infectious diseases" & screening for infectious diseases.
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Souce: Newsweek
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