Free crack pipes

[HarleyDog]

I don't understand this at all. Isn't crack illegal? Using tax dollars to enable addiction seems insane. 

https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/why-the-biden-admin-is-handing-out-free-crack-pipes/ar-AATE0r8?li=BBnb7Kz

Quote: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 three 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 one 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 and tribal governments, as well as tribal organizations and community-based organizations, among others.

"The purpose of the program is to support community-based overdose prevention programs, syringe services programs, and other harm reduction services," the document said.


The funding will be used for prevention activities to "help control the spread of infectious diseases and 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 and 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 and condoms, syringes "to prevent and control the spread of infectious diseases" and screening for infectious diseases.

Though the overall purpose of the program is harm reduction and not racial equality, applicants who are granted funding will "be expected to develop a behavioral health disparity impact statement no later than 60 days" after the funding is awarded.
One part of this impact statement is showing the number of people who will be served during the grant period and identify under-resourced populations such as racial, sexual, gender and ethnic minority groups.

"The priority populations for this program are underserved communities that are greatly impacted by SUD [substance use disorders]," the HHS document said and went on to say that underserved communities are defined by Executive Order 13985.

In that executive order, issued on January 20, 2021, President Joe Biden said that "the Federal Government should pursue a comprehensive approach to advancing equity for all, including people of color and others who have been historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by persistent poverty and inequality."

The HHS document estimated that a total of just over $29 million in funding would be available over a three year period and awards of grant funding should be made from May 15, 2022.

Newsweek has asked the Department of Health and Human Services for comment.