Resources for information on Supervised Drug Consumption Sites and related issues
This page compiles links to selected sources for information about Supervised Consumption Sites and related issues
Massachusetts-specific material:
Pro-SCS content and advocacy
State Sen. Julian Cyr and state Rep. Dylan Fernandes, “An Act relative to preventing overdose deaths and increasing access to treatment” (S.1242/H.1981). Legislation to legalize SCSs as a matter of state law. LINK
Boston Globe editorial, “Give supervised consumption sites a chance to reduce drug-related deaths,” 15 December 2023. LINK
Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Overdose Prevention Center Feasibility Report and Harm Reduction Drop-In & Overdose Prevention Centers, December 2023. LINK
Massachusetts Harm Reduction Commission, Report, 1 March 2019, and website. LINK
Massachusetts Medical Society, Report of the Task Force on Opioid Therapy and Physician Communication, “Establishment of a Pilot Medically Supervised Injection Facility in Massachusetts,” April 2017. LINK
Fenway Health, Somerville Supervised Consumption Site: Conceptual Design & Location Assessment, July 2022. Examines potential operations, costs, locations, etc. for possible SCS in Somerville; commissioned by City of Somerville. LINK
Alexandra Colins and Brandon Marshal, Somerville Supervised Consumption Site: Needs Assessment and Feasibility Report, 16 June 2021. Examines feasibility of implementing an SCS in Somerville; commissioned by City of Somerville. LINK
Mayor Michelle Wu and Metropolitan Mayors Coalition, Letter to Gov. Healey, 24 April 2023. Asks Healey Administration to “explore enabling Overdose Prevention Centers”. LINK
Public Health & Human Rights for Mass and Cass Coalition, Protect Human Life and Respect Human Dignity through Housing First and Public Health, Policy Solutions for Mass. and Cass, November 2021. Calls for implementation of SCSs, decriminalization of drugs, and other changes. LINK
MA4OPC.org. A website created by “a statewide coalition of more than 30 organizations committed to establishing overdose prevention centers in Massachusetts” that makes the typical arguments offered by proponents of legalized drug consumption sites. LINK
Other US material and resources:
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/appellate-court-agrees-government-supervised-injection-sites-are-illegal-under-federal-law
Canadian resources:
Facts and figures about SCS facilities in Canada
Government of Canada, Supervised Consumption Sites dashboard website. Comprehensive official data on SCSs nationwide, including locations, number of visits, drugs used and overdoses, etc. LINK
Pivot Legal Society, Map/list of SCS and OPS facilities in Canada. LINK
Ottawa Public Health, Harm reduction services website. LINK
Toronto Public Health, Toronto Overdose Information System website. Official data on overdose incidence and metrics for SCS under TPH oversight. LINK
Supervised Consumption Services Review Committee/Government of Alberta, Impact: A socio-economic review of supervised consumption sites in Alberta, March 2020. LINK
SCS operations and practices
British Columbia Ministry of Health/BC Centre on Substance Use, Supervised Consumption Services Operational Guidance, 2017. LINK
Vancouver Coastal Health, Overdose Prevention Site Manual, 2023. Detailed recommended operational guidance for SCS facilities. LINK
Vancouver Coastal Health, Housing Overdose Prevention Site Manual, 2018. Guidance for the operation of an SCS-like facility. LINK
Interior Health, Overdose Prevention Services Manual, June 2023. Guidance for practices used in an SCS. LINK
Interior Health, Guide to Harm Reduction, October 2017. LINK
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/jnezr30uaj9qu5jwvnk1v/Free-government-funded-hydromorphone-Letter-with-Cover-Letter-Sep-21-2023-1-1.pdf?rlkey=jeifhqy4rx199l4ozfumtwdhe&e=1&dl=0
https://sconaconcernedcitizens.weebly.com
Canadian addiction medicine physicians, Letter regarding “Safe Supply” program, 25 September 2023. LINK