Mayor’s Plan: Safe Drug Sites to Reduce Overdose Deaths

Baltimore Mayor Proposes Supervised Drug Consumption Sites to Combat Overdose Deaths

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott plans to establish two supervised drug consumption sites in his second term, aiming to reduce overdose fatalities by providing a safe environment for drug users.

Modeled after OnPoint NYC facilities, these sites would offer:

• A judgment-free space for individuals to use drugs
• Medical supervision
• Immediate overdose intervention
• Substance testing

“In order for us to get people the treatment they need, the first thing they have to do is be alive,” Scott emphasized.

The proposed sites would:

• Require users to sign in and document their drug use
• Have medical professionals monitoring consumption areas
• Intervene in potential overdose situations
• Test for dangerous substance mixtures

Legislative Pathway State Senator Shelly Hettleman has filed legislation to enable the pilot program, which would:

• Create six statewide sites (two urban, two suburban, two rural)
• Require approval from the Maryland Department of Health
• Mandate annual reporting on interventions and referrals
• Implement a four-year pilot program

Previous similar legislation has failed, but Scott remains optimistic. “These public health-based approaches that have worked in countries all over the world and are now working in places like New York should be brought here,” he stated.

The initiative represents a progressive approach to addressing drug use, prioritizing user survival and potential future treatment over criminalization.