Understanding the Future of Harm Reduction in the United States: An Over-Time Analysis of California Voter Perceptions

Abstract

With the ongoing opioid epidemic, evidence-based interventions are needed to prevent and respond to opioid-related overdoses. Overdose prevention sites (OPS) have been operating effectively internationally since the 1980s. In the United States, despite unprecedented numbers of overdose-related deaths, only two sites operate in New York City. California, generally a beacon of progressive policy, has been unable to implement a sanctioned facility. Using two waves of survey data (2017 and 2022), this paper seeks to answer the following research questions: (1) Do CA voters support overdose prevention sites? (2) How has support changed over time? And, (3) What factors contribute to the support and opposition of these programs? Results reveal that most respondents would support an OPS in California, despite the recent veto of such measures by California Governor Newsom. Further analyses examine factors that contribute to both support and opposition, as well as exploring potential avenues for reform.