RI Senate approves supervised injection site proposal

June 7, 2019 1:28 pm

By News Staff

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – The Rhode Island Senate passed legislation Thursday in support of a program to establish supervised injection sites for drug users in the state.

The bill, sponsored by Senate Health and Human Services Committee Chairman Joshua Miller, would authorize the creation of a pilot program to create “harm reduction centers” for drug users.

These centers would be staffed by healthcare professionals who would supervise, help prevent overdose deaths, and make treatment referrals.

Several other states and cities have considered similar harm reduction centers, including Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, California and Philadelphia.

The bill must now be voted on by the House.