They reduce overdose deaths.

These sites reduce overdose deaths in the neighborhoods they are located in. One study from Vancouver showed a 35% drop in overdose deaths in the area where the OPC opened. In Toronto, there was a 69% drop in overdoses within 1000m of overdose prevention centers one year after they opened.They prevent overdoses by having staff readily available to address emergencies, and foster an environment that increases the safety and security of participants, even when they are not using an OPC. For example through naloxone distribution and having trained staff available.

They connect people to treatment.

These sites also connect people to treatment. Research shows that using an OPC increases the amount of people who use treatment services like medication assisted treatment. At OPCs there are often counselors on site, some of whom are peers. Research shows these counselors are effective at helping people get into treatment. One study found that 42% of opc participants not previously enrolled in treatment were enrolled within two years of using the OPC.

They save communities money.

OPCs save cities money. They reduce the amount of overdoses and infections. Studies have looked into the cost-effectiveness of these sites across different American cities. These studies have all found reduced healthcare costs. There are fewer visits to the emergency room, fewer ambulance rides, and fewer hospital stays. This saves money and reduces the burden on emergency service staff. By giving out safe supplies and teaching people about using safely, the risk of infections like HIV can be reduced. Furthermore, these infections can need years of treatment, which can be costly.

They reduce litter and don’t increase drug use.

By offering a safer place to use drugs, these sites also keep the community safe. OPCs provide a place to dispose of needles and other used drug equipment, which decreases the amount of litter on the street. One study found a drop in public drug use 12 weeks after an OPC opened in Vancouver. Studies have also shown that these sites do not increase drug use or drug selling activity in the area. There are also no increases in violent crimes like assault or robbery. In fact, one study looked at an unsanctioned site in the US for five years and found that there was a decrease in crime.

They reduce infections.

OPCs reduce the spread of HIV and other infectious diseases. They provide access to basic healthcare, sterile supplies, and spread knowledge on safer drug use practices. Research has estimated that these sites reduce HIV infection rates by 6%-11% amongst those who use them. Studies have also shown that using these sites reduces the risk of getting abscesses. People are also more likely to seek treatment for drug-related skin injuries (like soft tissue infections) at these sites compared to a hospital. People who use these sites are also likely to report using harm reducing approaches including using new syringes when they use drugs. Data from one site in the US shows that those who used an OPC were less likely to go to the emergency room and the hospital.

Take a tour of the Overdose Prevention Center in New York City.

Watch this video from opcinfo.org which tours the Overdose Prevention Center in East Harlem, New York City, operated by OnPoint NYC.

Ashley Perry, Co-Director of the Overdose Prevention Center in Providence talks about these sites.

Watch this video from Filter Magazine, where Ashley Perry, Co-Director of the Overdose Prevention Center in Providence talks about how OPCs work, why they are needed and the work they do every day.