Take Action: Vital overdose prevention bill vetoed in California

Governor Newsom just vetoed SB 57 which would have made California the third jurisdiction in the nation to approve the opening of overdose prevention centers.

While Newsom plays on fears that an “unlimited” number of OPCs could be opened, discretion remained with localities to limit the number that opened, and no city was contemplating more than a handful of OPCs as part of this pilot process. He is also directing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to work with localities to come up with process to implement OPCs.

We don’t need more talk. We don’t need more processes. We need action. And that’s what Governor Newsom failed to do—he failed to take meaningful action today to save lives.

It’s deeply disappointing that he decided to put politics ahead of saving the lives of our loved ones during this devastating overdose crisis.

SB 57 would have allowed Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Oakland to open overdose prevention centers (OPCs), which provide a safe space for people to use drugs under the supervision of staff trained to treat and prevent drug overdose and link people to drug treatment and other critical services.

Despite this setback, it was a hard-fought campaign and we got so close to victory: tell Governor Newsom that his veto was the wrong choice and to reconsider his stance if he’s serious about saving lives.

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Your Message

Subject

Dear Governor Newsom,

Message Body

I’m incredibly disappointed that you vetoed SB 57 which would have opened lifesaving overdose prevention programs in California. This was a missed opportunity to show brave leadership and prioritize saving the lives of our loved ones. It’s especially upsetting since you've always been an outspoken ally for evidence-based drug policies like these. I'm disappointed that you caved to fear of national scrutiny and put political aspirations ahead of saving lives.

SB 57 would have allowed the City and County of Los Angeles and San Francisco and the City of Oakland to establish and operate Overdose Prevention Programs (OPP) for a pilot period of 5 years. By vetoing this bill, you are cutting off options for jurisdictions to better address the overdose crisis and drug related harms, link people to substance use disorder treatment, and reduce new HIV and hepatitis infections.

Overdose Prevention Programs (OPP) are backed by decades of evidence and science proving they save lives, reduce health and safety problems associated with drug use, including public drug use, discarded syringes, HIV and hepatitis infections, and overdose deaths. There are 200 worldwide and not one overdose death has been documented in these facilities. New York City opened the nation’s first two overdose prevention centers just last December and they’ve already reversed more than 400 overdoses.

It’s shameful that you rejected this lifesaving solution in California especially as the overdose crisis worsens – it's the leading cause of death for people under 50 and its kills more people than car accidents in California. It does not have to be this way – overdose prevention centers are one way to stop these needless deaths, but your veto shows you care more about political aspirations than the health and wellbeing of Californians. I urge you to reconsider your stance on this vital issue if you care about saving lives and protecting people from preventable overdose.

Sincerely,

[First Name] [Last Name]
[Your Address]

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