End Substance Use Disorder Applauds Rhode Island Lawmakers for Enacting Overdose Prevention Centers

Today, Rhode Island became the first state in the country to allow overdose prevention centers, which safeguard people who use drugs and provide support, resources, and pathways to treatment, to operate. Governor Daniel McKee signed the legislation into law today, which will establish a two-year pilot program for the centers. End Substance Use Disorder released the following statement:

“The isolation and loneliness wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic have fueled the overdose crisis. Many loved ones have died this year because they were alone and did not have access to medical support when they experienced an overdose,” said Erin Schanning, president of End Substance Use Disorder. “Rhode Island is following the evidence to safeguard our loved ones with substance use disorder and to ensure that they have access to the support they need to be well. We applaud Rhode Island’s leadership and urgency in implementing this proven solution that will save many lives.”

Overdose prevention centers have decades of evidence demonstrating that they save lives, provide a bridge to treatment, prevent the transmission of infectious diseases, and do not increase drug use or crime. The centers provide a space staffed by trained professionals where people who use drugs can do so with safe supplies to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases and under supervision so they have access to medical support in case they overdose. The centers also provide health screenings and access to recovery supports for those individuals who wish to pursue treatment.

The Rhode Island law requires that cities approve the opening of an overdose center, which will be privately funded by donations. The first centers can open in March 2022.

End Substance Use Disorder has previously called on Congress to fund overdose prevention programs.