Supervised Consumption Site Opens in NYC, First in the Nation with Government Approval

The first government-approved supervised drug injection site in the nation began offering services to people with addiction last week. The program is part of the New York City's harm reduction strategy designed to reduce an unprecedented surge of overdose deaths. A feasibility study conducted by the NYC Health Department found the program could save up to 130 lives a year. NYC's Health Commissioner said that arrangements have been made with the NYPD and other law enforcement so that people with addiction can use the sites without fear of arrest.