ASAM and CSAM Urge Governor Newsom to Sign Pilot Overdose Prevention Sites Legislation

On August 12th, the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) and the California Society of Addiction Medicine (CSAM) sent a letter to Governor Gavin Newson urging that he sign SB 57 into law. This life-saving legislation would allow the City and County of San Francisco, the City and County of Los Angeles, and the City of Oakland to authorize overdose prevention sites (OPS) where adults may use controlled substances under the supervision of staff trained to prevent, and treat overdose, prevent HIV and hepatitis infection, and facilitate entry into treatment and other support services.

The letter emphasized that both ASAM and the American Medical Association (AMA) have released policy in support of OPS. Additionally, it summarized relevant public health data indicating that OPS are effective at reducing the health and safety risks associated with public drug use, including discarding used syringes, limiting HIV and hepatitis infections, and decreasing overdose deaths. Preliminary studies of unsanctioned facilities in the United States have not observed an increase in criminal activity in the surrounding area, refuting a common argument used to criticize OPS. The letter also noted that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the need for support services in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Oakland. Further, in late 2021, New York City opened the nation’s first ever overdose prevention centers. Since opening, these centers have been credited with reversing 280 overdoses and significantly reducing the number of used syringes in nearby areas.

In sum, OPS’s are an intelligent policy solution that will save lives and reduce negative public health outcomes associated with drug use.

Read the letter here.