4512-0206 Harm Reduction through Syringe Access

For the department of public health to coordinate a comprehensive statewide strategy, in partnership with municipalities, public health harm reduction organizations and other stakeholders, to promote existing commonwealth harm reduction efforts, to foster a culture of harm reduction and to promote community--based harm reduction services as recommended by the harm reduction commission established under section 100 of chapter 208 of the acts of 2018 and to prioritize the health, safety and dignity of individuals who use substances as recommended by the commission on methamphetamine and other stimulant use in the commonwealth established by section 131 of chapter 24 of the acts of 2021; provided, that not less $1,500,000 shall be made available to increase the availability of sterile and safe consumption equipment and syringe disposal services; provided further, that not less than $150,000 shall be expended for a pilot program to provide access to fentanyl testing strips or other drug checking equipment; provided further, that funds shall be expended to promote pilot programming to advance the creation of new supportive places for treatment and related observation that offer medical monitoring, nasal naloxone rescue kit distribution, counseling and connection to primary care, behavioral health and addiction treatment services; and provided further, that not later than March 2, 2026, the department shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means detailing the status of implementing each program funded in this item