So-called supervised consumption sites offer drug users the ability to take advantage of a clean, medically supervised environment, thus eliminating many risks while additionally offering support for getting clean.

Join a community meeting on Thursday, June 10, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., to learn about supervised consumption sites (SCS) data and research. At the meeting you can learn more about how SCS work, see data from a recently conducted needs assessment and evaluation that includes input from potential clients of the SCS and other community members, and ask questions and share feedback. A draft version of the needs assessment and evaluation will be available at www.somervillema.gov/SCS by Tuesday, June 8.

What is a supervised consumption site?

SCS are harm reduction interventions that have been implemented in more than 10 countries, including Canada, Australia, and across Europe to prevent fatal overdoses and connect people to services. People who use drugs are allowed to consume substances in the SCS under the supervision of staff who can intervene in the event of an overdose or other medical emergency. Often additional services like basic health care, housing support, and recovery resources are also offered at an SCS. To date, there have been no reported drug overdose deaths in a SCS.

Participate in the Town Hall online or by phone:

• The meeting will be hosted on Zoom, and there will also be an option to call into the meeting from a phone.

• Visit somervillema.gov/virtualtownhall at the start time of the meeting to join live or get call-in information. 

• Call-in information will also be available on the day of the meeting on GovTV, RCN channel 13 and Comcast channel 22, or by calling 311.

• The meeting will be shown live on GovTV, RCN channel 13 and Comcast channel 22, and at YouTube.com/somervillecitytv. The meeting will be rebroadcast on GovTV and available to watch later on YouTube.

• You can submit questions ahead of the meeting at http://bit.ly/SCSQuestions. This form will be left open until 5:00 p.m. on June 10.

Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Nancy Bacci at 617-625-6600 x 2250 or nbacci@somervillema.gov.

— City of Somerville