Bill endorsed that would create Massachusetts safe injection sites

A bill has been endorsed that would create a minimum of two safe injection sites in Massachusetts.

The bill, S1134, would require the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to create a 10-year pilot program for at least two supervised injection facilities that would allow drug addicts to take illegal drugs while under the supervision of health professionals who could intervene in case of an overdose.

The Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use, and Recovery reported Friday that they are in favor of the bill. Committee co-chairmen, state Senator Julian Cyr and state Representative Marjorie Decker issued comments in favor. Five members in total voted yes, while 2 reserved their rights.

Organizations such as the American Medical Association state that studies from other countries have shown that supervised injection facilities reduce the number of overdose deaths, reduce transmission rates of infectious disease, and increase the number of individuals initiating treatment for substance abuse disorders.

Opponents feel the bill discourages treatment and promotes illegal drug use.

Both Governor Charlie Baker and U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling have expressed their opposition to the bill.