Massachusetts Lawmakers, Grappling With Record-High Overdose Deaths, Weigh ‘Hygienic’ Drug Injection Sites

The centers would provide a safe space for individuals to consume pre-obtained illegal drugs, as well as ‘sterile injection supplies.’

AP/Seth Wenig
Supplies for drug users are seen at an overdose prevention center at New York City in 2022. AP/Seth Wenig

Safe drug consumption sites could soon be legal in Massachusetts, which has been ravaged by the opioid epidemic, if lawmakers approve legislation that would establish a program allowing cities and towns to build them. 

The bill before the legislature aims to create a 10-year pilot program that would establish sites providing “a hygienic space” for individuals to use pre-obtained illegal drugs, as well as “sterile injection supplies” and “collect used hypodermic needles and syringes” for drug users. 

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