Prioritizing opioid settlement funds for overdose prevention centers in the US

With over $50 billion in settlement funds from opioid litigation becoming available over the next two decades, states, counties, and cities have a unique opportunity to invest in evidence-based interventions. In our newly released position paper, D4DPR highlights that Overdose Prevention Centers (OPCs)—a harm reduction approach that prevents overdose deaths, reduces the transmission of infectious diseases, and improves the quality of life for individuals who use drugs—represent a wise, cost-effective, and necessary use of these funds.

This position paper was conceptualized and written by D4DPR member Dr. Bruce Trigg. Dr. Trigg is a pediatrician who worked 23 years with the New Mexico Department of Health until his retirement in 2011. He is currently a clinician providing methadone and buprenorphine treatment for people with opioid use disorder.