'I Got Treated Like I Was Human,' Says One Of 2.8K Participants Of Overdose Prevention Centers That Save Hundreds Of Lives

OnPoint NYC, the non-profit that runs two overdose prevention centers (OPCs) in the United States, recently released a baseline report with data from year one of their operation. The first report of its kind confirms that OPCs can save hundreds of lives each year. 

In November 2021, New York City became the first in the nation to open two OPCs where people can use illicit drugs and receive medical care and services. Overdose prevention centers are safe spaces for people to consume pre-obtained drugs in controlled settings under the supervision of trained staff. Users have access to sterile consumption equipment, tools to check their drugs for the presence of fentanyl and connections to health care, counseling as well as referrals to health and social services, including drug treatment.

Crucial findings in the report are the conclusion that proper training and proximity are key in preventing overdose deaths and other health risks associated with drug use. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s provisional overdose data for the 12 months ending August 2023, some 106,000 overdose deaths were reported. This stark fact highlights the importance of overdose prevention centers. 

Report Summary 

• In just a single year, OnPoint staff intervened 636 times to prevent overdose death and other associated harms. 
• The OPCs were used by 2,841 unique participants, who used the sites 48,533 times. 
• Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were only called 23 times out of 48,533 visits, freeing up capacity for first responders to respond to other calls.
• 83% of opioid overdoses were resolved without the need for naloxone through oxygenation, agitation, and close monitoring, strategies that are proven to be easier on the body.
• 1 in 5 participants were referred to housing, detox, treatment, primary care, or employment support. 100% of participants wanting detox or inpatient substance use treatment were connected to outside providers.
• Before the opening of the OPCs, NYC Parks reported collecting an average of 13,000 syringes per month from Highbridge Park – located across the street from the Washington Heights location. In the month following the opening of the OPCs, syringe collection dropped to 1,000.

Heart-Wrenching Testimonies 

OnPoint NYC‘s report is accompanied by a series of videos featuring conversations with participants who found OPC's medical care and holistic services more than useful. 

"I'm from Washington Heights. I slept in a park for like four years. Nobody don't see you for who you are, you're just a homeless person," said Shawn, an OnPoint participant. "[A staff member] talked me into coming here… and I got the best treatment. I got treated like I was human. This place actually sees you… they try to help you the most. That's a good feeling… being a part of society."

Toni Smith, director of New York State at Drug Policy Alliance, commented on the report. "The findings from OnPoint NYC's baseline report illustrate the effectiveness of safe, responsive spaces in preventing overdose death, improving health outcomes, and facilitating connections to other services and supports," Smith said. "Amid efforts to punish and arrest people who use drugs, these findings, along with accounts from participants, community members, and government officials, can serve as evidence that OPCs can and should be supported across the country as a life-saving tool in fighting our nation's overdose crisis.

Safe consumption sites already exist in Canada and Europe and are considered a helpful tool in saving thousands of lives of people who would otherwise have accidentally overdosed. Those who oppose them claim the facilities encourage drug use.

A study published last November in JAMA Open Network debunks claims that OPCs increase crime rates.

Related Links: 

White House Drug Czar Signals Possibility Of Safe Consumption Sites To Address Drug Overdose Crisis

Top Federal Official: Safe Consumption Sites Save Lives, More Cannabis & Psychedelics Research Needed

Photo: Courtesy of Piyapong Sayduang via Pexels