Community Acceptability of the First State-Authorized Overdose Prevention Center in the United States.

Abstract

Overdose prevention centers (OPCs) offer supervised environments for drug consumption and harm reduction services, yet their implementation in the United States (US) remains limited. The present study analyzed the perspectives of residents and employees within a 0.75-mile radius of the first state-authorized OPC in the US (N=125). Surveys revealed that 74% supported an OPC opening in their neighborhood, with a slightly higher proportion (81%) favoring an OPC elsewhere in the city. Support for an OPC was associated with greater perceived visibility of homelessness in the neighborhood (p=0.04) and younger age (p=0.01) but was not significantly associated with other socio demographics. While participants were generally supportive, some expressed concerns about increased drug activity. Findings may have been impacted by grassroots education and public awareness campaigns. Results emphasize the importance of engaging with community members to build support for evidence-based harm reduction interventions such as OPCs.