IN A REPORT FROM THE NATIONAL DESK, IT IS BEING REPORTED THAT THE SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AGENCY WANTS TO SPEND UP TO $30 MILLION, TO PROVIDE WHAT IT CALLS “SAFE SMOKING KITS” FOR DRUG USERS. THE MONEY COMES FORM WHAT IS KNOWN AS THE “HARM REDUCTION PROGRAM GRANT”, WHICH PROVIDES FOR SYRINGE EXCHANGE PROGRAMS, NALOXONE, FENTANYL DETECTION KITS AND SAFE SMOKING KITS AND SUPPLIES. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT TAXPAYER MONIES WILL BE USED TO GIVE THE MATERIALS TO DRUG USERS. SEATTLE AND SAN FRANCISCO HAVE HANDED OUT CRACK PIPES TO DRUG USERS IN THE PAST, AND THIS MONEY WILL CONTINUE THAT PRACTICE. THE REPORT WAS POSTED ON THE WJAC TV WEBSITE. THE OFFICIAL NAME OF DRUG USE IS NOW BEING CALLED SUBSTANCE ABUSE DISORDER.
