Every day in the United States, families lose loved ones to preventable overdoses. Overdose-prevention centers—also known as supervised injection sites—are a proven harm-reduction tool that keep people alive long enough to choose recovery. These centers allow adults to consume pre-obtained drugs in a clean, monitored space with trained health staff on site. Visitors receive sterile supplies, education on safer use, immediate overdose response (including oxygen and naloxone), basic health care, and direct referrals to treatment, housing, and social services.

This approach does not “endorse” drug use; it acknowledges reality and focuses on saving lives. Communities with these centers report fewer public overdoses, fewer discarded syringes, and more connections to treatment. In practical terms, that means fewer 911 calls, less strain on emergency rooms, safer sidewalks and bathrooms, and more chances for people to get help.

Right now, patchwork laws and federal uncertainty prevent most cities from opening these centers—even where local leaders, health departments, and residents want them. That gap costs lives. We need a national framework that lets willing communities implement overdose-prevention centers with clear standards, public reporting, neighborhood engagement, and strong pathways to care.

We are calling on Congress, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to take immediate action so states and cities can adopt this evidence-based intervention.

OUR REQUEST:

1. Pass federal legislation that expressly authorizes overdose-prevention centers under a public-health framework and resolves conflicts with existing drug-premises laws.
2. Issue federal guidance (DOJ/HHS) creating a compliance pathway for communities and nonprofits, including data reporting, clinical protocols, and civil rights protections.
3. Fund pilots and evaluations through SAMHSA/CDC/NIH to support start-up costs, staff training, and rigorous, transparent outcome reporting.
4. Require strong community partnership, including siting input, neighborhood liaison committees, syringe disposal plans, and public dashboards on outcomes.
5. Integrate care by co-locating or closely coordinating with medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), primary care, housing navigation, and peer support.