ALERT Communities Act
The ALERT Communities Act (S. 2332) would position fentanyl and xylazine test strips as a more accessible tool in the fight against overdose deaths. It does four main things: (1) allows federal grant programs to support access to test strips for detecting fentanyl and xylazine, as long as purchases and possession comply with law; (2) requires and expands training for first responders and other community partners on carrying and helping others access these test strips; (3) directs the federal health apparatus to develop research and marketing Frameworks for test-strip technology—setting standards for manufacturers, emphasizing clinical-use testing, and outlining how such devices can be authorized for use; and (4) mandates a study to assess how the availability and use of drug-checking supplies affect overdoses and treatment engagement, with a Congress-facing report due within two years of enactment. The act is clearly framed as harm-reduction-focused, aiming to broaden access to testing tools while building a formal framework for development and use.
Key Points
- 1The act is titled the “Advancing Lifesaving Efforts with Rapid Test strips for Communities Act” or the ALERT Communities Act.
- 2It authorizes use of state/tribal grant funds (through the 21st Century Cures Act framework) to facilitate access to fentanyl and xylazine test strips, provided such use complies with federal and state law.
- 3It adds a new training obligation for first responders and other community sectors on carrying and aiding access to fentanyl and xylazine test strips.
- 4It tasks the Secretary of Health and Human Services, with key federal partners (NIH, ONDCP, FDA, DEA), to develop publicly available research and marketing frameworks for test-strip technology, including standards for manufacturers, clinical-use testing, and pathways for authorization.
- 5It requires a study on how the availability and use of drug-checking supplies influence overdose frequency, overdose deaths, and engagement in treatment, with a report to Congress within 2 years of enactment.