Friend,

Across the country, cities and states are embracing overdose prevention centers (OPCs) as part of a public health response to the overdose crisis – because they work. Just this month, Vermont’s House of Representatives overwhelmingly voted to authorize and fund OPCs, and soon the Senate will vote on whether to advance the legislation. This spring, Rhode Island plans to open their first OPC. Last year, Minnesota took vital steps toward opening these evidence-based facilities. And two years ago, New York City opened the first two officially recognized OPCs in the country, where they have since intervened in over 1,200 overdoses.

Sign our petition to join the growing movement in support of overdose prevention centers.

Cities and states across the country are showing that they trust the evidence. OPCs save lives, connect people with vital resources, and benefit communities.

Overdose prevention centers:

• Are proven to save lives, with trained staff positioned to act at the first sign of a possible overdose;
• Reduce 911 calls, freeing up emergency medical services to respond to other emergencies;
• Connect participants with needed services such as treatment, primary healthcare, housing or employment supports;
• Bring drug use indoors, instead of people using drugs alone or in public; and
• Clean up communities, by reducing the presence of hazardous waste in nearby neighborhoods. 

The need for proven, public health responses to the overdose crisis has never been more clear. Overdose rates in this country have doubled since 2015, rising each year. We know that policies rooted in shame and punishment only further harm our families and communities. We deserve policies that are rooted in health, equity, and human rights. Because every overdose death is a policy failure – every life lost is one that we can never get back.

Across the country, cities and states are embracing OPCs and taking big steps to save lives. In Vermont, elected officials are finally acknowledging that old, stigmatizing approaches aren’t working and embracing what thirty years of research has shown to be effective. DPA, in coalition with Vermont-based advocates, has been leading efforts to ensure the bill’s passage and bring OPCs to Vermont. But it hasn’t been easy. Our opponents continue to spread misinformation about these lifesaving facilities and push for punitive approaches that we know only cause further harm. 

That’s why your support is more important than ever. As Vermont’s legislation to authorize and fund OPCs heads to the Senate, and as other cities and states across the country embrace overdose prevention centers, we need to make our voices heard. 

Show your support for cities and states taking action on overdose prevention centers.