Study Finds Overdose Prevention Centers Cause No Significant Changes to Crime or Quality of Life in NYC Neighborhoods

November 14, 2023 – New York, NY – A new study was released yesterday looking at the impact of New York City’s overdose prevention centers (OPCs) on their surrounding neighborhoods. The findings are consistent with previous research about OPCs in other parts of the world. The two OPCs, run by OnPoint NYC, were not associated with significant changes in crime or public disorder. In response to the study, Toni Smith, Drug Policy Alliance New York State Director at the Drug Policy Alliance, released the following statement: 

“For nearly a decade, The Drug Policy Alliance has advocated for overdose prevention centers (OPCs) as an important part of community health and safety. The fact that this new research shows no significant increase in violence or property crimes, or calls to 911 or 311, is consistent with what we’ve long understood about the important impact of OPCs on neighborhoods and communities.  New York City’s OPCs are associated with reduced public disorder and emergency medical calls, contributing to a safer community. These outcomes are consistent with similar research on OPCs in other parts of the world. Across New York State 18 New Yorkers per day die from a preventable overdose, while OnPoint NYC has provided supportive, life-saving care in East Harlem and Washington Heights. OnPoint’s OPCs have been used over 100,000 times, intervening in over 1,200 overdoses, and preventing so many more. Governor Hochul has the authority, the funding, and the evidence to keep New Yorkers from losing their loved ones to preventable overdose. Her response to the Opioid Settlement Board’s year 2 spending recommendations will tell New Yorkers whether she is demonstrating leadership or playing politics.”

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About Drug Policy Alliance

The Drug Policy Alliance is the leading organization in the U.S. working to end the drug war, repair its harms, and build a non-punitive, equitable, and regulated drug market. We envision a world that embraces the full humanity of people, regardless of their relationship to drugs. We advocate that the regulation of drugs be grounded in evidence, health, equity, and human rights. In collaboration with other movements and at every policy level, we change laws, advance justice, and save lives. Learn more at drugpolicy.org.