The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has updated federal guidance on harm reduction funding in an April 24 letter outlining which supplies and services are eligible for support.
The guidance builds on a July 29 letter that marked a shift away from harm reduction practices deemed incompatible with federal law, including those tied to illicit drug use, according to the April 24 letter. The updates follow President Donald Trump’s Jan. 29 executive order establishing the Great American Recovery Initiative and coordinating federal efforts to address nationwide addiction.
Under the updated policy, SAMHSA outlined the following:
Supported with HHS funding
- Opioid overdose reversal supplies, including naloxone and nalmefene
- Medication lock boxes and medication disposal kits
- Overdose reversal education and training services
- Distribution mechanisms for overdose reversal medications
- Wound care supplies
- FDA-approved home testing kits for HIV and viral hepatitis
- Sharps disposal kits
- Navigation services for HIV and hepatitis prevention, testing, treatment and care
- Referral to hepatitis A and B vaccinations
- Education on HIV, hepatitis and sexually transmitted infection prevention
- Nicotine cessation therapies
Not supported with HHS funding
- Syringes or needles used to inject illicit drugs
- Pipes or supplies for safer smoking kits
- Fentanyl, xylazine or medetomidine test strips for drug use
- Overdose hotlines that facilitate drug use
- Sterile water, saline or ascorbic acid used to prepare drugs
- Any other drug paraphernalia that promotes or facilitates drug use
SAMHSA said the updated guidance aligns federal funding with prevention, treatment and long-term recovery strategies.
At the Becker's Fall Behavioral Health Summit, taking place November 4–5 in Chicago, behavioral health leaders and executives will explore strategies for expanding access to care, integrating services, addressing workforce challenges and leveraging innovation to improve outcomes across the behavioral health continuum. Apply for complimentary registration now.
