U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz along with several other Republicans went to Social Media saying "Biden crime policy: Crack pipes for all. What could go wrong?"
Biden crime policy:
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) February 8, 2022
Crack pipes for all.
What could go wrong? https://t.co/4uxs1uZrIz
The information is false. Conservative media outlets claimed the Biden’s administration would put $30 million of funding toward passing out crack pipes in safe smoking kits.
"They were never a part of the kit; it was inaccurate reporting. And we wanted to put out information to make that clear," said Press Secretary Jen Psaki. "A safe-smoking kit may contain alcohol swabs, lip balm, other materials."
Sarah Lovenheim, HHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, went to social media to set the record straight.
To be clear: HHS is not distributing crack pipes. The grants fund harm reduction efforts by organizations, in full adherence of state and local laws. https://t.co/mCHlh5sqPf
— Sarah Lovenheim (@HHS_Spox) February 8, 2022
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration said in December 2021 that it was accepting applications for the first-ever SAMHSA harm reduction grant program. The agency is expected to issue $30 million in grants.
Harm reduction grant program document says the following items will be in the kits.
- Infectious diseases testing kits (HIV, HBV, HCV, etc.);
- Medication lock boxes;
- FDA-approved overdose reversal medication (as well as higher dosages
now approved by FDA); - Safe sex kits, including PrEP resources and condoms;
- Safe smoking kits/supplies;
- Screening for infectious diseases (HIV, sexually transmitted infections,
viral hepatitis); - Sharps disposal and medication disposal kits;
- Substance test kits, including test strips for fentanyl and other synthetic
drugs; - Syringes to prevent and control the spread of infectious diseases;
- Vaccination services (hepatitis A, hepatitis B vaccination); and
- Wound care management supplies
