The opioid overdose crisis continues to devastate Connecticut, necessitating decisive action. The establishment of overdose prevention centers, backed by extensive evidence, stands out as a promising solution. These centers are designed to save lives and offer comprehensive support to individuals struggling with drug use. Senate Bill 1285, concerning an overdose prevention center pilot program, has been incorporated into Senate Bill 7, which focuses on healthcare access and equitable delivery in the state. This legislation aims to establish four overdose prevention centers across Connecticut.

Despite the significant potential of these centers to save lives, Commissioner Manisha Juthani of the Department of Public Health (DPH) and Commissioner Nancy Navarretta of the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) have shown reluctance in fully endorsing the bill. The Statewide Harm Reduction Partnership has expressed concern over this lack of complete support from key public health officials. Overdose prevention centers provide a range of services, including naloxone access, drug checking, syringe exchange, wound care, and, most importantly, overdose prevention. They also serve as vital public health resources, offering wraparound services such as HIV prevention and treatment, mental health care, and connections to social support networks.

Commissioner Juthani has voiced a commitment to revitalizing public health in Connecticut, particularly in addressing the opioid crisis. She acknowledged the benefits of overdose prevention centers, noting that they create safer environments for drug use, especially for high-risk populations. However, she has not fully supported the bill or addressed the DPH’s role in leading this initiative. Her expertise as a physician and public health leader is invaluable, and her full endorsement could greatly influence the success of Senate Bill 7.

Similarly, Commissioner Navarretta affirmed her commitment to supporting those affected by the opioid epidemic by providing holistic and effective services. She acknowledged the important role of harm reduction in an individual’s recovery journey. However, her testimony did not fully endorse overdose prevention centers, instead highlighting the SafeSpot system as a harm reduction tool. While SafeSpot is valuable, it cannot replace the comprehensive support offered by overdose prevention centers, nor can it effectively serve some high-risk populations, such as unhoused individuals, low-income individuals without phone access, and rural populations without reliable service.

The Commissioners cited concerns about the legality of overdose prevention centers under federal law, referencing 21 U.S. Code § 856 and the need for clarification from the Department of Justice. However, legal scholar Scott Burris has argued that claims of overdose prevention centers violating this code are based on political opinion rather than legal certainty. The uncertainty at the federal level highlights the necessity for states to take the lead. Since the previous introduction of overdose prevention center legislation in Connecticut, over 2,000 residents have died. The Statewide Harm Reduction Partnership has urged the commissioners of DPH and DMHAS to fully support Senate Bill 1285, now Senate Bill 7, emphasizing the life-saving potential of overdose prevention centers.

As of the time of writing, no responses have been received from either office. The silence from both commissioners is concerning, although it is hoped that it does not indicate a reluctance to engage with innovative approaches to addressing the overdose crisis. Both commissioners are uniquely positioned to advocate for overdose prevention centers as evidence-based solutions. Despite the current efforts championed by the DPH and DMHAS, Connecticut continues to experience preventable overdose deaths. Courageous leadership is needed to effectively address the overdose epidemic.

Commissioners Juthani and Navarretta are urged to reconsider their positions and fully support the establishment of overdose prevention centers. The evidence is clear: these centers save lives and provide essential dignity and support. The public health leaders are called on to support this crucial initiative in the upcoming legislative vote on Senate Bill 7, as the health and safety of communities depend on it.

Katherine Hill of Hamden writes on behalf of The Statewide Harm Reduction Partnership (SHaRP), a coalition of over 150 individuals and organizations advocating for harm reduction strategies in Connecticut. The letters sent to the DPH and DHMAS Commissioners and the resulting commentary above were voted on by the majority of SHaRP members, but may not reflect the reviews of some individuals or organizations within SHaRP.