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Terrible News: Vital overdose prevention bill vetoed in California

Friend,

I’m deeply disappointed to share that Governor Newsom just vetoed a lifesaving measure, SB 57, which would have made California the third jurisdiction in the nation to approve the opening of overdose prevention centers (OPCs).

While Newsom plays on fears that an “unlimited” number of OPCs could be opened, discretion remained with localities to limit the number that opened, and no city was contemplating more than a handful of OPCs as part of this pilot process.

He is also directing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to work with localities to come up with process to implement OPCs. What Governor Newsom doesn’t mention is that allies and advocates have already engaged in robust processes at the local level. San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Oakland are ready to implement now. We don’t need more talk. We don’t need more processes.

We need action. And that’s what Governor Newsom failed to do—he failed to take meaningful action today to save lives.

SB 57 would have allowed Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Oakland to open overdose prevention centers (OPCs), which provide a safe space for people to use drugs under the supervision of staff trained to treat and prevent drug overdose and link people to drug treatment and other critical services.

OPCs are backed by decades of evidence proving they save lives, reduce health and safety problems associated with drug use, including public drug use, discarded syringes, HIV and hepatitis infections, and overdose deaths. There are 200 worldwide and not one overdose death has ever been documented in these facilities.

Yet due to misguided, punitive drug war logic, the United States did not adopt them until last year when New York City opened the nation’s first two overdose prevention centers which have already reversed more than 400 overdoses since opening in December 2021. DPA is proud to have led with our partners the historic campaign for OPCs in New York.

California had the opportunity to do the same, but has been stalled with vetoes by Governor Jerry Brown in 2018 and now by Governor Newsom. Newsom's veto is especially upsetting since he’s always been an outspoken ally for evidence-based drug policies like these. Yet instead of continuing to do the right thing, today he caved to fear of national scrutiny and put his political aspirations ahead of saving lives.

With drug overdose the leading cause of death for people under 50 and killing more people than car accidents, it’s so disappointing that some lawmakers refuse to stand on the side of evidence-based policies that put the health and lives of our loved ones first.

While we are outraged, we are more committed than ever to ensure that California and other communities across the country can operate OPCs. In addition to continuing our education, lobbying, and advocacy at the state level, we are working diligently to protect OPCs from federal interference.

As long as we keep fighting, it’s only a matter of time before we win in California and across the country. We need your support to keep the fight going.

Right now, in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31 a generous supporter is offering to match 100% of your monthly gifts for the next 12 months — up to $10,000! Please consider a monthly or one-time donation so you can help us continue the fight for overdose prevention centers and other lifesaving drug policy reforms.

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Thank you,
Jeannette Zanipatin
State Director, California
Drug Policy Alliance




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