There is still work to be done at the state and federal levels before these services and programs can be safely implemented.
Filter by Alexander Lekhtman
Minnesota is the only state in America (after Rhode Island), that has authorized overdose prevention centres, which allow drug usage under supervision in safe environments. Now, it seems that these services may not open anytime soon.
Minnesota legislators and Gov. Tim Walz (DFL) Your approval is required Legislation This bill provided grants to “safe injection spaces.” These include sterile syringes as well as naloxone test strips and fentanyl, along with referrals and educational materials.
The state authorized a grant program, “to promote health, wellness, safety, and recovery to people who are in active stages of substance use disorder.” The state prioritizes grants for organizations that “are culturally specific, or culturally sensitive and commit to serving individuals who are disproportionately affected by the opioid crisis,” such as Black and Indigenous residents.
In April, officials from the state posted information about grant money that would be given to 4 to 6 programs. The contracts were valid until 2029, unless they are extended. The language does not mention “safe injection space”. Representatives from the Department of Human Services, Behavioral Healthcare Administration of the state confirmed that they will not be pursued in the near future.
Scott Peterson, in an email to Filter, said that the Safe Recovery Site Legislation didn’t include protections for participants or programs who operate safe injection sites. This is the reason why this service was not included in the Request For Proposal. State and federal agencies need to work harder before the services can be offered in a safe manner for both participants and harm reduction programs.
He continued, “The state understands that this possible service will require extensive consideration and engagement with tribal partners, community members, drug users, elected officials, and law enforcement.”
Peterson pointed out that the Senate has two bills that could cut $25.5m in funding for Safe Recovery Sites. Peterson said that DHS would be working with Senate but didn’t clarify their position.
A report from The following are some of the ways to get in touch with us. Star TribuneTeresa Steinmetz a DHS Assistant Commissioner clarified the state’s commitment to open safe-use areas at some future date. DHS representatives visited both Overdose Prevention Centers (OPCs), New York City Rhode Island officials met to discuss the health issues surrounding the (which is sanctioned by city rather than state). Their own revolutionary OPCThe new office opened its doors in January. The Minnesota Department of Health has held meetings with thirteen local harm reduction programs and several Tribal Nations in order to further discuss this plan.
Brian Warden is the director of harm reduction at Anything Helps Minnesota. He provides harm reduction and recovery service. Brian Warden said state officials may be more careful due to the political hostility towards OPC during the Trump administration.
He told Filter that “there was much progress during the pandemic.” There was an acknowledgement of the disparities in overdose rates and [the need to] All services should be available. “The governor’s office is planning to improve access to harm-reduction and utilize opioid settlement money for programs such as ours, which directly serve the BIPOC population.”
“But after the 2024 elections, there was an important shift,” he explained. “With harm reduction, the political dynamics directly inform how programming is rolled out… My understanding is DHS is now thinking, the safe injection part now is not so palatable, so we’re going to take that piece out of the safe recovery site.”
Mary McCarthy, executive director of the Rural AIDS Action Network, said that the planned safe recovery sites—even if they don’t function as OPCs—would still be valuable. She is currently not applying for these grants because her organization has a shortage of personnel.
She told Filter that the program was “very similar” to their syringe services programs.. “The main difference is it looks to provide more space for folks to just be there and attend to other needs—like taking a shower, or washing clothes, and be in a safe and low-barrier space. Most of the time, these people feel isolated from others. It’s more practical because it allows people who are drug users to have a place where they can be safe, and the response in case of an overdose might differ from if they had been out alone somewhere.
She noted that Naloxone, as well as other options like oxygen therapy and similar resources would be on site to help protect the people.
The resources won’t be available when needed if drugs are not allowed on the site.
McCarthy, who revealed she worked previously for DHS Behavioral Health Administration (DHS BH), was hesitant to answer the question of whether she thought Minnesota is prepared to open OPCs.
Safe injection poses a significant challenge. “I understand the reasoning behind the state’s [hesitance] She said, “It’s time to get to this level.” “We’re not sure if we can handle that.” Successful programs already exist [elsewhere]. Minnesota needs to get it right, or else we’ll be blamed for causing problems elsewhere. “We have to do it with great care and consideration to provide the best service possible and avoid any conflict.”
McCarthy cited as one of these complications that some populations may oppose the creation of safe injection facilities, while others might be concerned that such spaces would attract greater police scrutiny. She sees the state health department’s current plan—for safe recovery sites with harm reduction resources but without safe injection—as the resulting compromise.
Warden says that, as Minnesota’s overdose death rate continues to rise, programs like Warden’s are on defense. They also think about ways of surviving the next 4 years. Warden’s program receives private funding.
He said that they were responding the same way as always, hoping and fighting for the best, while preparing for worst-case scenarios.
This article was originally published by Filter, an online magazine covering drug use, drug policy and human rights through a harm reduction lens. Follow Filter on Bluesky, X or Facebook, and sign up for its newsletter.
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Jernej furman is the photographer.