https://resistthemainstream.org/white-house-issues-statement-on-report-about-funding-programs-that-hand-out-crack-pipes-and-promote-racial-equity
The Biden administration denied a report Wednesday that it was mandating nonprofits and local governments use grant money on pipes for crack cocaine and crystal meth smokers.
The 75-page announcement of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) nearly $30 million Harm Reduction Program Grant includes a list of “required harm reduction activities” the money must be used for, including the purchase of “equipment and supplies to enhance harm reduction efforts, such as … Safe smoking kits/supplies.”
The Washington Free Beacon initially reported Monday, citing a Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson, that “Safe smoking kits/supplies” included pipes for users of hard drugs.
However, a HHS spokesperson told The Post Wednesday that the outlet’s description of the Department’s response was “inaccurate.”
In their response to the Free Beacon, which was shared with The Post, the HHS spokesperson did not mention pipes and had said “SAMHSA does not specify the kits’ elements – only the parameters.”
“The Harm Reduction Grant … is a grant program designed to help Americans who are struggling with substance use stay healthy and safe, prevent overdose death, and find pathways into evidence-based treatments,” the spokesperson added. “Like all programs that use federal funding, these grants must adhere to relevant federal, state and local laws or regulations.”
On Wednesday, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said that pipes “were never a part of the kit.”
“It was inaccurate reporting and we wanted to put out information to make that clear,” said Psaki, who added that the kits could include “alcohol swabs, lip balm, other materials to promote hygiene and reduce the transmission of diseases like HIV and hepatitis.
“I would note that what we’re really talking about here is steps that we’re taking as a federal government to address the opioid epidemic, which is killing tens of thousands — if not more — Americans every single day, week, month of the year,” she went on. “We put out the statement, though, because there was inaccurate information out there.”
In its own statement, HHS insisted “no federal funding will be used directly or through subsequent reimbursement of grantees to put pipes in safe smoking kits.” ..