Safe consumption sites can save millions of lives and provide something priceless: 

Peace of mind.

Drug-related overdoses claim the lives of roughly 275 individuals every day in the US. In 2020, 78,056 drug-related deaths were recorded. In 2021, 100,306 drug-related deaths occurred, which depicts a 28.5% increase in deaths since the previous year. This rising drug-related death toll is a national cry for help, so what should we do?

An immediate solution to this issue is safe injection sites. Safe injection sites provide a space for individuals to safely inject pre-obtained drugs. At safe injection sites, drug users are provided with sterile equipment and medical oversight by trained staff. These facilities have overdose-reversal medication on-hand in the case of an overdose. These sites also offer resources for those seeking assistance with their addiction. 

The first safe injection site in the US was established in December of 2021 in New York. In the first three months alone, the site was able to stop more than 150 overdoses during roughly 9,500 visits, thus proving that harm reduction can be used as a tool to save lives. 

I propose that the United States Congress passes a federal act across all 50 states legalizing safe injection sites as Federally Qualified Health Centers. 

Addiction is not a choice. Addiction is a chronic medical condition that causes harmful consequences for affected individuals and their loved ones. Addiction is an incredibly stigmatized issue that causes far too many individuals to be left for dead. With the implementation of safe injection sites, the US could reduce overdose-related deaths on average by 88 per 100,000 users.

The drug crisis is continuing to rise, and it will continue to take new lives every day if nothing is done. However, there is a solution. This solution would greatly decrease the death toll and reduce the stigma surrounding addiction. 

Sign this petition today if you want to legalize safe injection sites that can save lives and cultivate safer, healthier communities for generations to come!