We need your assistance raising awareness about the urgency of authorizing Overdose Prevention Centers (OPCs) and saving lives in New York State.
Overdose death rates are at an unprecedented high in the United States and New York State. The first authorized OPCs in the United States opened in New York City on November 30, 2021. Hundreds of lives have already been saved in the NYC facilities, proving that they can and must be expanded in high needs areas across New York.
In order to do so, New York State must pass the Safer Consumption Services Act (S603/A224), also known as SCSA. SCSA allows local health departments and the New York State Department of Health to authorize community-based organizations to operate OPCs. This legislation extends immunity to participants, staff members, and property owners from arrest, charges, and prosecution for criminal offenses and penalties for their participation or involvement in approved OPC programs.
Here’s how you can help:
1) Call your Senator and Assembly Member and urge them to co-sponsor Bill S603/A224. You can find your representatives phone number by clicking the links (find your Senator and Assembly Member) and entering your address. Here is a sample script when making your calls:
Hi my name is ________ and I am calling about Overdose Prevention Centers – also known as OPCs – and saving lives in New York State. Hundreds of lives have already been saved in the two NYC OPCs, proving that they can and must be expanded in high needs areas across New York.
In order to do so, New York State must pass the Safer Consumption Services Act and I am calling to ask you co-sponsor Bill S603/A224.
OPCs are controlled health care settings where people can more safely use pre-obtained drugs under clinical supervision and receive health care, counseling, and referrals to health and social services, including drug treatment. OPCs are important because they prevent fatal overdose especially for high-risk populations.
As a service provider working on the front lines of New York overdose crisis, I urge the New York State legislature to urgently pass S603/A224 to authorize the Department of Health to work with local health departments to implement Overdose Prevention Centers in high need areas across New York State.
Thank you.
2) Tweet your support for S603/A224 and post across social media, either writing the name of your State Senator and Assembly member, or, if they have a public social media page, tagging them. We have two draft posts below, which can be customized however you see fit:
A) Since NYC opened #OverdosePreventionCenters, hundreds of overdoses have been reversed and countless New Yorkers have received important health referrals. [OUR SENATOR] and [YOUR ASSEMBLY MEMBER] please pass S603/A224 #SaferConsumptionServicesAct
B) NYC #OverdosePreventionCenters have saved hundreds of lives, proving that they can and must be expanded in high needs areas across NY. [YOUR SENATOR] and [YOUR ASSEMBLY MEMBER] please pass S603/A224 #SaferConsumptionServicesAct
3) If you, a family member or someone you serve has been personally impacted by the overdose crisis you can also sign the letter of support for Bill (S603/A224). Please note, Alliance has already signed on as an organization so this would be a personal sign on.