HB 519 (Overdose and Infectious Disease Prevention Safer Drug Consumption Facility Program), or what we’re referring to as “safe consumption sites,” would do a whole lot of good for a whole lot of people. We know that drug use is happening. So, how do we address that in a way that to prevent overdose, while connecting them to much-needed services? Safe consumption sites are proven to improve health outcomes by drastically reducing the spread of infectious diseases, including HIV and Hepatitis C, helping drug users receive addiction treatment and preventing drug overdose.

This is an exciting bill to focus on – the concept is relatively unchartered and gives us the opportunity to position ourselves at the forefront of innovative programs that change the way we think of drug use. If this is your bill, get ready for some interesting conversations by reading over…

• A bill analysis for a quick and dirty overview of the basics
• Our talking points to give you the real lowdown for meetings with lawmakers
• The bill itself for all you policy wonks out there

Share it on social media

If you’re a big tweeter we’ve put together some posts for you to share in the lead up to  - and during - the big day:

• #SafeConsumption sites save lives. Pass #HB519 and STOP drug overdose.
• Did you know #SafeConsumption sites prevent the spread of disease? Pass #HB519 and improve health outcomes.
• Drug addiction is a condition – not a cause for exclusion. Pass #SafeConsumption sites and help us create a society of inclusion.
• Stand for #SafeConsumption sites and stop excluding drug users from the care they need. Pass #HB519 now!
• Health care. Housing. Incomes. FOR ALL. Pass #SafeConsumption sites and let’s start making this a reality.

Additional resources

If you’re interested in getting deeper into the weeds, we’ve got some stuff for you right here:

• Supervised injection services: What has been demonstrated? A systematic literature review, Elsevier 
• Safe Injection facilities save lives, The Lancet