In 2020, there were 411 deaths from overdoses in DC, the vast majority being from opioids. Overdoses are the 4th highest cause of death in DC, and these deaths are largely preventable. Additionally, dirty needles involved in drug use have become the largest transmitter of HIV, a disease that still effects 3% of all DC adults. 

To help reduce the harm that opioid addiction brings to DC, the city must establish safe supervised injection sites. These sites help people who struggle with addiction stay safe and alive by giving them a place to test drugs for fentanyl, receive clean needles, and get immediate treatment in the event of an overdose. Study after study have proven that these sites help prevent overdoses, and are incredibly effective in preventing deaths from any overdoses that do occur.  

It is time for DC to follow the example set by New York, Canada, and much of Europe, and take a major step forward for harm reduction.