Funding cuts for fentanyl test strips raise concerns: "It doesn't make sense"
The Trump administration has ended federal funding for fentanyl test strips, reversing prior support and prompting concern among public health groups. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration stated the funding cannot support tools that facilitate illegal drug use, despite evidence that test strips help prevent fatal overdoses. Advocates argue the decision undermines progress in reducing overdose deaths and is not based on scientific evidence.
- ▪The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) issued a letter stating federal funds can no longer be used to purchase fentanyl test strips.
- ▪Fentanyl test strips cost about $1 each and can detect dangerous contaminants in illicit drugs, helping prevent overdoses.
- ▪SAMHSA previously supported harm reduction efforts and listed test strips as eligible for funding in a July 2025 letter.
- ▪Organizations like the Kentucky Harm Reduction Coalition and Fyrebird Recovery have lost grants used to distribute test strips.
- ▪Forty-five states and Washington, D.C., do not classify fentanyl test strips as drug paraphernalia, and some state governments provide access information online.
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HealthWatch Trump administration ends funding for fentanyl test strips, baffling public health groups: "It doesn't make sense" .chip { background-image: url('/fly/bundles/cbsnewscore/images/chip-bgd/chip-bgd-healthwatch.jpg'); } By Kerry Breen Kerry Breen News Editor Kerry Breen is a news editor at CBSNews.com. A graduate of New York University's Arthur L. Carter School of Journalism, she previously worked at NBC News' TODAY Digital. She covers current events, breaking news and issues including substance use.
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