Overdose prevention centers (OPCs) are facilities designed to reduce the potential risks of drug use, including overdose and unwanted public use. They also connect people with addiction services and social support, including voluntary treatment. We’re advocating for local implementation of lifesaving OPCs in Los Angeles, Oakland, and San Francisco.
Governor Newsom vetoed SB 57 last year, delaying the opening of overdose prevention centers in California. It’s shameful especially as the overdose crisis continues to claim lives. In 2022, more than 10,000 people died from a drug overdose in California alone. It doesn’t have to be this way. Our elected leaders must prioritize saving lives over politics. Los Angeles, San Francisco and Oakland must implement OPCs now.
Local implementation of OPCs in California will help prevent overdose deaths with life affirming care for those who need it most. And they would provide wrap around services with critical social supports. There are now nearly 200 sites operating worldwide including two in New York City and one in Mexicali, Baja California Mx. Los Angeles, Oakland, and San Francisco are ready to open OPCs, but we must convince local leaders to finally make them a reality.
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