Applications Close for Controversial Drug Harm Reduction Funding

Facts

• Funding applications for a $30M grant program designed to prevent overdose deaths and reduce health risks from drug-use closed on Monday.¹
• The funding may be used to distribute overdose-reversal meds, provide education and expand syringe services programs, among other things.¹
• The plan gives priority to 'under-resourced communities'.¹
• It forms part of broader actions, including the installation in NYC this Jan. of vending machines dispensing materials like syringes and anti-overdose meds.²
• This comes as the US faces an epidemic of drug abuse, which killed over 100,000 Americans between May 2020 and April 2021³

Sources: ¹HHS, ²New York Times and ³CDC.

Narratives

• Right narrative, as provided by Red State. This is a case of knowing 'the price of everything and the value of nothing'. The government is subsidizing drug addiction and will only entice more people into usage.
• Left narrative, as provided by Independent. This is part of a preventative, not enabling campaign. It's the first step in creating safer communities with fewer people dependant on illicit substances.