"No federal funding will be used directly or through subsequent reimbursement of grantees to put pipes in safe smoking kits," HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra and Office of National Drug Control Policy Director Rahul Gupta said in a
statement.
"The goal of harm reduction is to save lives. The administration is focused on a comprehensive strategy to stop the spread of drugs and curb addiction, including prioritizing the use of proven harm reduction strategies like providing naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and clean syringes, as well as taking decisive actions to go after violent criminals who are trafficking illicit drugs like fentanyl across our borders and into our communities."
Sarah Lovenheim, assistant secretary for public affairs at the HHS,
described the claim as "blatant misinformation," while White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki
told reporters that crack pipes were "never a part of the kit; it was inaccurate reporting."
Asked what the kits do contain, Psaki said they may include "alcohol swabs, lip balm, other materials to promote hygiene and reduce the transmission of diseases like HIV and hepatitis."