The Massachusetts Medical Society and its 25,000 physician and medical student members commend the Massachusetts Senate for recognizing the urgent need to utilize all available harm reduction tools, including overdose prevention centers, in combating
the opioid crisis. By passing this landmark legislation, the Massachusetts Senate has heeded the calls of patients, communities, health care professionals, and families of loved ones lost to overdose who have long advocated for this evidence-based
solution proven to save lives.
Substance use disorder is a chronic brain disease that can impact anyone, regardless of race, gender, sexuality, or social class. We know that overdose prevention centers reduce the risks of drug use, including death and unwanted public use, and increase
access to treatment and other essential health services.
In 2017, the MMS was the first state medical society to endorse the concept of OPCs and has played a leadership role in the years since in advocating for their authorization. Our seminal report concluded that OPCs are a proven public health intervention
that saves lives. The evidence-base for OPCs has only grown stronger, showing that OPCs reduce the harm associated with drug use and lead to better health outcomes by providing pathways to medically appropriate treatment and services for those who
live with substance use disorder.
The House has already passed crucial legislation to address the opioid crisis, and the Senate has now moved forward with creating a local option for life-saving overdose prevention centers. We urge both branches to present the strongest possible bill
to Governor Healey. We cannot afford to leave any viable public health options on the table that could help stem the tide of the overdose crisis.
-Hugh Taylor, MD, President, Massachusetts Medical Society
