Dear Friend,
Last week marked two years since our major victory when the first ever locally approved overdose prevention centers (OPCs) opened in the United States. On November 30, 2021, these OPCs opened in New York City, operated by OnPoint NYC in East Harlem and Washington Heights.
Since then, the centers have been used over 100,000 times, intervened in more than 1,200 overdoses, and diverted over two million units of drug equipment away from public spaces.
Watch and share our video about how OPCs are saving lives and connecting people to care. And sign our petition in support of OPCs across the country.
A new study confirms what we have long known: these OPCs did not contribute to changes in crime or public disorder. They did not lead to increases in violence or property crimes, or calls to 911 or 311. Instead, OPCs helped reduce public disorder and emergency medical calls, contributing to a safer community.
All evidence shows that OPCs are vital for saving lives. And they are a critical tool to help curb the overdose crisis which is claiming more than 100,000 lives every year nationwide.
OPCs are needed everywhere now more than ever. Add your name to our petition to fight for OPCs nationwide.
OnPoint’s two years of successfully serving the community illustrates the transformative power of centering compassion over punishment.
With your support, we are proud to have played a key role in making this historic step forward possible. Please keep standing with us to help us make it a reality in even more communities across the country.