An Early April Fool's Joke

When I saw this story, I thought it had to be some sort of joke, but it unfortunately, it turns out to be the real thing. What next, graffiti-making supplies for vandals?  Kits full of guns and knives for criminals? Bats and rocks to mug Jews and Asians?

"The $30 million grant program, which closed applications Monday and will begin in May, will provide funds to nonprofits and local governments to help make drug use safer for addicts. Included in the grant, which is overseen by the Department of Health and Human Services, are funds for 'smoking kits/supplies'. A spokesman for the agency told the Washington Free Beacon that these kits will provide pipes for users to smoke crack cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, and 'any illicit substance.'

HHS said the kits aim to reduce the risk of infection when smoking substances with glass pipes, which can lead to infections through cuts and sores. Applicants for the grants are prioritized if they treat a majority of  'underserved communities,' including African Americans and 'LGBTQ+ persons,' as established under President Joe Biden’s executive order on 'advancing racial equity.'

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Other 'harm reduction' equipment that qualifies for funding include syringes, vaccinations, disease screenings, condoms, and fentanyl strips. The grant program will last three years and includes 25 awards of up to $400,000.

An HHS spokesman declined to specify what is included in the smoking kits. Similar distribution efforts provide mouthpieces to prevent glass cuts, rubber bands to prevent burns, and filters to minimize the risk of disease."