Olsen Quoted in The New York Times on Changes to Federal Test Strip Funding Policy

Manatt Health National Advisor  was quoted in The New York Times on the implications of the administration's recent decision to halt federal funding for drug test strips used in overdose prevention programs.

The article described how the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recently notified states and grant recipients that it would no longer fund the test strips, citing concerns that they facilitate illicit drug use—a sharp reversal from a position the administration had publicly supported as recently as July 2025. Olsen, who previously led the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment at SAMHSA, warned that the move puts vulnerable people at greater risk, as the illicit drug supply has become increasingly contaminated with fentanyl and dangerous adulterants that users may not know are present in their drugs.

“Having more information about drugs rather than less can really impact people’s behavior” including stopping them from taking something that might kill them, Olsen said. “What's interesting about test strips is that they can also help others, like providers, start a conversation about the risk of drug use, and options for people, including treatment,” she added.

The New York Times subscribers can read the full article .