Why it matters: The New York Senate has passed a bill authorizing the establishment of a state-sanctioned overdose prevention center, making it easier for harm reduction workers to do their jobs and solidify the work that is already happening. Safer consumption sites are supervised places to use illegal drugs under medical supervision, providing a sterile environment for people to use pre-obtained substances, giving them a safe alternative to unmonitored establishments or bathrooms. The prevention center will also keep medical workers on site to ensure folks are administering the drug more safely, offering protection that’s not available when using the drug in a non-monitored establishment, as medical workers will be there to treat any overdoses properly.
What they are saying: Harm reduction worker and advocacy groups are welcoming the passing of the harm reduction legislation, recognizing that it acknowledges work that is already happening and is a step closer to seeing overdose prevention centers authorized across the state.
The big picture: The enactment of the Safer Consumption Services Act (SCSA) helps in assuming, first, that a person who uses drugs is a person, and that they have to be met where they are. Over decades of the drug war, it’s pretty clear that criminalization has not worked. Instead, it led to enormous amounts of unnecessary harm to people who use drugs and their loved ones.
What to watch: The bill will next go to the Finance Committee for consideration before it could become law. This bill may be simply securing what already exists, thanks to the hard work of passionate harm reduction groups. Every OPC will be placed in already existing harm reduction agencies.
Give your take: The SCSA is an important bill and provides a more compassionate and useful way in dealing with people using drugs. Harm reduction is a modality—a way to approach dealing with an issue. It needs a sensitive approach to address the root of the problem, not just penalties or punishment. A less punitive and more health-focused approach is what people using drugs need. It might have taken years to acknowledge, but it was the right step towards helping people who are in desperate need.
