Could the Federal Government be soon handing out Crack Pipes, WHAT

 

Government Crack Pipe, WHAT 

Yes, you read that correctly the government program is allegedly giving out crack pipes as part of a new program. The federal department of Health and Human Services is looking at a grant just shy of 30 million distributed though substance abuse and mental health services. 

Much like you the headline caught my attention so I took a deep dive down the rabbit hole and here is what I was able to research to get a better understanding on what the actual plan is about.

Here is the actual words from the federal government documents:

 Sec. 2. Definitions. For purposes of this order: (a) The term “equity” means the consistent and systematic fair, just, and impartial treatment of all individuals, including individuals who belong to underserved communities that have been denied such treatment, such as Black, Latino, and Indigenous and Native American persons, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and other persons of color; members of religious minorities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) persons; persons with disabilities; persons who live in rural areas; and persons otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality.

(b) The term “underserved communities” refers to populations sharing a particular characteristic, as well as geographic communities, that have been systematically denied a full opportunity to participate in aspects of economic, social, and civic life, as exemplified by the list in the preceding definition of “equity.”

 

State and nonprofit groups who deal with treating drug abuse had until February 7^th to apply for these government grants. The winners of the grants will be announced May 15^th and those winners receive awards up to $400,000 a year over three years. These moneys are for what’s named Harm Reduction to provide condoms in a “safe sex kit” and “safe smoking kit” including mouth pieces, syringes and related paraphernalia.

The purpose of the program is to aid in overdose prevention and the spread of infectious diseases.

The priority populations as described in the executive order are the underserved communities as stated in Executive order 13985 issued by the Biden administration Jan 21, 2021. The order is titled Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Though the Federal Government. I did take the time read the order to see what it includes, and it reads very odd for the hot
topic media climate we live in.

We all know there have been government needle and syringe programs for drug addicts, the HHS spokesman would not confirm specifically what is the “smoke kit” guess we will soon see for ourselves.

Now you’re asking yourself why do we care about drug users getting sick or infected?
From a recent study done by the North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition there are some number that Stand out. When a drug user transmits a disease, it hits your paycheck adding to the state medical cost.
NCHRC stated medical care cost the state from just crack smokers is HIV $660,000 Hepatitis C $100,000- $500,000.

These items are included in the NC “smoking kit”
They should use the following to prevent the acquisition of HIV and hepatitis

Mouthpiece: This is the most important thing in the kit. A cut sparkplug fits nicely onto a stem. Using this prevents you from getting cut, burnt and infected lips and HCV exposures.
Rubber Bands: Wrap these around the end of the stem to prevent lip burns (be aware that with hear these occasionally melt and snap).
Triple Antibiotic Ointment: First Aid for sores. Do not use for burns.
Alcohol Wipes: Use these to clean mouthpieces and pipes, especially if you a are sharing equipment.
Antiseptic Towelettes: Use these to clean off our hands (and your John if you are doing sex work).
Chore Boy/Brio: Use this as a filter in the stem. After repeated heating choy becomes hot and brittle and can be sucked into your throat. This provides an opportunity for you to be exposed to diseases, especially during unprotected oral sex. Change out your choy often.
Screen: 1 inch screens are used as a filer in the stem. These are better than choy since they last longer.
Vitamin C & E: Vitamin C helps lessen fatigue and crashing. Vitamin E will help cuts, sores and burns heal.
Condoms (lubed and unlubed): Use lubed condoms for vaginal and anal sex, use unlubed for oral sex.

Sometimes you end up to deep on an internet dive which is why they say you are always learning something whether you want to or not.  
I'd be interested in your feed back if you made it this far, drop your thoughts in the comments.   - Pepper Stewart