Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Dear Chair Velis, Chair Domb, and Members of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use, and Recovery:
I am writing today on behalf of Progressive Massachusetts, a statewide, multi-issue, grassroots membership organization focused on fighting for policy that would make our Commonwealth more equitable, just, sustainable, and democratic. We urge you to give a favorable report to H.2196/S.1393: An Act relative to preventing overdose deaths and increasing access to treatment.
Overdose prevention centers are a proven harm reduction strategy that should be part of our state and local response to the opioid crisis.
This success at reducing overdose deaths should come as no surprise: by providing a safe, stigma-free space, OPCs create an opportunity for individuals suffering from addiction to connect with health care providers and begin their road to recovery. They also benefit the surrounding communities by moving drug use indoors and decreasing public disturbances. By contrast, the criminalization of addiction and poverty has repeatedly made communities less safe and less healthy
Communities in Massachusetts are learning from other states and other countries that have legalized overdose prevention centers, but they need a clear regulatory framework to move forward. These bills would allow the Department of Public Health to regulate these centers and offer legal protections for staff, clients, and operators of DPH approved programs.
Our neighbors in New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont have already embraced OPCs as a part of a comprehensive response to the opioid crisis. Let’s join them.
Sincerely,
Jonathan Cohn
Policy Director
Progressive Massachusetts
