The overdose crisis has killed more than one million people since 1999. It doesn’t have to be this way. Our political leaders have stood in the way of one proven public health intervention to prevent overdose deaths: overdose prevention centers (OPCs).
OPCs, also known as safe consumption sites, are facilities where people consume pre-obtained drugs while trained personnel are available to intervene to prevent or reverse an overdose. In addition to offering an immediate medical response to an overdose, OPCs also connect people to long-term, life-sustaining resources.
OPCs have existed for over 35 years. Today, nearly 200 OPCs operate around the world. Two sanctioned OPCs currently operate in the United States and a third OPC is scheduled to open in 2024.
Decades of research on OPCs have demonstrated numerous benefits. This resource outlines the current status and path forward to clear the way for more of these life-saving centers in the U.S..
Read our fact sheet: Clearing the Legal Path for Overdose Prevention Centers in the United States
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