In response to unprecedented numbers of overdose deaths, on November 30, 2021, NYC implemented overdose prevention center (OPC) services at 2 syringe service programs operated by OnPoint NYC. Also known as supervised consumption sites, OPCs are health care facilities that aim to improve individual and community health, increase public safety, and reduce consequences of drug use, including overdose deaths, public drug use, and syringe litter. Operating in more than 10 countries, OPCs offer supervised, hygienic spaces in which people can use preobtained drugs and access services, onsite or by referral, to health and mental health care, drug treatment, and other social supports. While previous research documented operations at an underground US OPC, use of sanctioned sites has not yet been studied, to our knowledge.
This study describes the first 2 months of operation and use at the first 2 publicly recognized US OPCs.
Read the article at JAMA Network
