Dear advocates,

Despite the state’s best efforts, 6 people die of opioid-related overdose every day in Massachusetts - and we need to utilize every strategy we have to combat the opioid crisis and save lives.

One of these strategies is implementing overdose prevention centers (OPCs), an evidence-based strategy that saves lives, increases access to harm reduction services, and links people to treatment. Every visit to an overdose prevention center gives a person the opportunity to connect with trusted health care providers, start treatment, and take the first step on the road to recovery.

Massachusetts for Overdose Prevention Centers (MA4OPC Coalition) is a diverse coalition of advocates, medical experts and institutions, and directly impacted people supporting H.1981 and S.1242, filed by Representatives Decker and Fernandes, and Senator Cyr, which would authorize OPCs in communities that have received approval from their local boards of health. The bill includes civil and criminal protections for staff, clients, and operators, enabling municipalities and healthcare providers to open sites successfully. The legislation would also collect data to inform our state-level harm reduction policy.

Every overdose death is preventable - but we must take action. Please use this form to send an email directly to your state elected representative and senator about supporting H.1981 and S.1242, and asking them to urge their colleagues on the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery about reporting these bills out favorably.