All articles tagged with #smoking supplies
The chairperson of a committee has criticized the health department for mishandling a plan to distribute smoking supplies to drug users. The chairperson blames the department for bungling the implementation of the program, which aimed to provide safer alternatives for drug users.
Multnomah County in Portland has suspended its plan to distribute smoking supplies, including tinfoil and straws, to fentanyl smokers after facing criticism. The county health department had proposed the program as a harm reduction effort to encourage smokers to stop injecting and to provide them with access to fentanyl test strips, Narcan, and other services. However, county commissioners expressed concerns about the lack of evidence supporting the program's effectiveness and the county's capacity to connect individuals to treatment. The county chair defended the efforts to address rising overdose deaths but acknowledged the need for further analysis before implementing the program.
The Multnomah County Health Department in Portland, Oregon, will distribute tin foil, straws, and other smoking supplies to fentanyl users as part of a harm reduction effort. The supplies aim to encourage users to switch from injecting drugs to smoking, which is considered a safer method. The distribution of smoking supplies comes as fentanyl use has increased in the area, leading to a decrease in demand for traditional harm reduction services. The county hopes that by providing the supplies, users will be more likely to engage with clinics and access services such as fentanyl test strips and overdose reversal drugs. However, the decision has faced criticism from officials and residents who are concerned about the open drug use on city streets and the potential risks associated with fentanyl smoke.