A new federal policy prohibits the use of government grants for distributing drug test strips to the public, raising concerns among harm reduction advocates about potential increases in overdoses.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has banned the use of federal grant money for distributing drug test strips to the public. The policy, issued in late April, also restricts funding for programs providing clean needles, drug paraphernalia, and supervised usage hotlines. Federal officials stated that these practices are considered incompatible with federal law, favoring a focus on overdose reversal drugs like naloxone.

Impact on Harm Reduction Services

Advocacy groups, such as the Baltimore Harm Reduction Coalition, have long used test strips to help people identify dangerous adulterants like fentanyl, xylazine, and benzodiazepines in street drugs. Organizations must now seek alternative funding to continue these distributions, which may force them to reduce other services like wound care and hygiene kit distribution. While the policy restricts public distribution, it still allows federal funds to be used by law enforcement, EMTs, and public health officials for drug testing.

Debate Over Effectiveness

Proponents of test strips, including former SAMHSA official Yngvild Olsen, argue that the tools are backed by evidence showing they influence users to reduce intake or take precautions like carrying naloxone. Conversely, HHS spokesperson Emily Hilliard stated that federal funding should be directed toward solutions proven to move people into recovery. Baltimore advocates note that overdose deaths in the city have declined by more than 40% since 2023, a trend they attribute to a multi-front approach including test strips and medication.