Looming Showdown Over Safe-Injection Sites Pits Trump Administration Versus San Francisco
Federal officials warn that any city setting up a safe-injection site for opioid users will be met with "swift and aggressive action" and criminal prosecutions. On Monday, the California Legislature passed a bill approving San Francisco's plan to open such sites.
Politico:
Trump Administration Warns California Against 'Safe' Opioid Injection Sites
The Justice Department is threatening to shut down San Francisco's proposed test of supervised injection sites amid the opioid crisis even before the governor has a chance to sign the pilot program into law. The looming showdown could affect similar efforts in New York, Philadelphia and Seattle, where officials have grappled with the ramifications of setting up spaces where drug users could shoot up while gaining access to clean syringes, medical professionals and treatment services as an approach to curb opioid addiction and overdose deaths. (Colliver, Goldberg and Roubein, 8/28)
Bay City News Service:
Mayor: Safe Injection Sites Are 'One Step Away' After Legislature Passes Bill
The California Legislature on Monday passed Assembly Bill 186, which would give the green light for safe injection sites in San Francisco under a three-year pilot. Amid a visible drug crisis happening in the city, safe injection sites would allow for people suffering from addiction to use drugs at facilities under the supervision of trained staff. The bill now heads to Gov. Jerry Brown for his signature. (8/28)
San Francisco Chronicle:
SF Demonstrates How Safe Injection Sites For Drug Users Would Work
Through Friday, Glide’s Freedom Hall will be home to a prototype safe injection site, a display meant to give the public a realistic, tangible sense of what such a facility could look and feel like. ... By giving people the opportunity to tour the site, ask questions and hear from experts and supporters, city officials and public health advocates hope to show that a safe injection site can provide professional, humane help to addicts. (Fracassa, 8/29)