Friend,

Two months ago, we celebrated Vermont joining Rhode Island, Minnesota, and New York City in authorizing and/or funding overdose prevention centers (OPCs). This hard-fought victory means more people will have access to these life-saving facilities. But many local leaders are still failing to grasp the urgency of the overdose crisis. We are still losing record numbers of loved ones to preventable overdose deaths. 

All the while, we have a proven, life-saving public health solution right in front of us: overdose prevention centers. 

OPCs are designed to reduce the potential risks of drug use. This includes overdose and unwanted public use. And they connect people with addiction services and social supports, including voluntary treatment. 

DPA has seen growing demand for overdose prevention centers. So, we brought together a community of people and organizations from across the nation — including harm reductionists, health advocates, service providers, people who use drugs, and those impacted by the drug war. And together, we laid the groundwork for Overdose Prevention Centers National Solidarity Week. From now through August 31, partners in more than a dozen states will hold events dedicated to building community and momentum around the national movement for OPCs. 

Together, we have issued the following demands:

1. State and city leaders must respond to the overdose crisis with the outrage, urgency, and action demanded by a public health emergency. 
2. State and city leaders must use their authority to clear a legal pathway to authorize and expand overdose prevention centers, especially in areas with the highest rate of overdose. 
3. State leaders must use opioid settlement funds to sustain and expand essential harm reduction services, including overdose prevention centers. 
4. Policymakers must work to end, and never increase, the criminalization and punishment of people who use drugs. 

​​​​This overwhelming show of national solidarity for overdose prevention centers reflects the steadfast support of allies and supporters like you. We need your support to keep this movement growing. Will you show your solidarity with the national movement for OPCs? 

Thank you for joining us in showing solidarity for overdose prevention centers.