Tell Vermont’s Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee that OPCs save lives and must be funded.
Overdose prevention centers save lives. Period.
Decades of research show us that OPCs are tremendously effective: they reduce public drug use and litter, help connect people with treatment and services, and don’t result in an increase in crime. Most importantly, they reverse what could be fatal overdoses and prevent infections and other serious health complications.
As Vermont’s Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee considers their recommendations for how to distribute millions of dollars intended to repair harms caused by pharmaceutical companies, these life saving solutions that prioritize the needs of Vermonters most at risk of fatal overdose must be front and center.
We need you to raise your voice!
Recently, the Vermont Overdose Prevention Network, the Drug Policy Alliance, and allies urged Vermont’s Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee to endorse funding for OPCs in Vermont and presented them with a model budget informed by years of experience from Vermont’s harm reduction and syringe service providers.
You can help. Tell the Vermont Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee there’s no time to waste! Ask them to support funding to community groups who are prepared to open their doors as overdose prevention centers to help people who use drugs stay safer. You can find the full list of committee members here and can cut and paste email addresses from the list below into your email. We’re also providing some sample text and talking points, below. We encourage you to make this your own – why do YOU support overdose prevention centers?
Make sure Vermont’s Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee hears from YOU, before December 22nd.
Vermont Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee membership emails:
mark.levine@vermont.gov
caroline@a3b.health
sburke@southburlingtonpolice.org
Sample message:
Dear Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee,
Thank you for your service on this important committee.
Overdose prevention centers (OPCs) are a critical intervention that save lives, and must be central to strategies for preventing deaths in Vermont. Studies have consistently shown that OPCs are highly effective for preventing deaths, improving access to supportive services, and enhancing quality of life in communities. The success of centers in New York and progress in Rhode Island have demonstrated what is possible and Vermont leaders must step up to make this possible now.
When you meet on December 22nd, please recommend full funding for the establishment of two overdose prevention centers in Vermont.
Sincerely,
[your name here]
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If you would like to attend the settlement committee on December 22nd between 1 and 3pm, you can find meeting details and a Teams link here: https://www.healthvermont.gov/alcohol-drugs/reports/public-meetings. The meeting will be held in-person at the Dept of Health in Burlington (108 Cherry St.,Conference Room 3B). Visitors are welcome to observe and to speak briefly during the public comment period.
With gratitude and solidarity,
Decriminalize Vermont