RI's First Overdose Prevention Center

Learn more about the space that is set to open in 2024

The Country's First State-Sanctioned & Regulated Overdose Prevention Center

Two people wearing #EndOverdoseRI shirts.

What's New: Nation's First State-Regulated Overdose Prevention Center Secures Prime Location

Overdose prevention centers (OPCs), are spaces where community members can connect with the care and resources they need to make healthier, safer choices in their own lives. OPCs prevent drug overdoses, reduce the spread of infectious diseases, and partner with communities to strengthen neighborhoods, improve health outcomes, and save lives. 

Project Weber/RENEW already operates two drop-in centers in Rhode Island. At these spaces, located in Providence and Pawtucket, anyone is welcome to stop by, grab a snack or water, rest, talk with peer staff with lived experience, and pick up harm reduction supplies. In addition, individuals can access referrals for medical care, treatment and detox, connect with a peer recovery specialist, access recovery housing navigation, attend a support group, or get tested for HIV or hepatitis C, among many other services.

The overdose prevention center we will open in 2024 will offer these same services and add one critical component: trained staff to monitor for the earliest signs of overdose, ready to respond immediately to prevent overdose deaths and save lives.

We will have trained medical and peer staff on hand to provide safe supplies and monitor individuals who are at risk for overdose, as well as give people a space in which to feel comfortable. The evidence shows that this allows people to engage in other support services, access healthcare, case management services, and enter recovery. We will partner VICTA, a substance use treatment provider, to provide treatment services on site so if and when an individual is ready they can easily access the care they need. People who use overdose prevention centers are 30% more likely to enroll in substance use treatment services. The center will be licensed and regulated by the RI Department of Health, ensuring the highest standards of care and safety.

We know firsthand too many of our friends, loved ones, and neighbors are dying from overdose. We're committed to working with all of our community partners to ensure this center will set an example for others to follow and will save more lives. If a person is not alive, they cannot make choices that will positively impact their lives.

Catch Up on the Latest Developments and Stories

Nation's First State-Regulated Overdose Prevention Center Secures Prime Location

January 31, 2024
The center, which will save lives from overdose, will open in 2024 in Providence (January 31, 2024; Providence, RI)—Project Weber/RENEW and clinical partner VICTA have secured a location for the country’s first state-regulated overdose prevention center at 45 Willard Avenue next to the Rhode Island Hospital Campus in Providence.  The 20,500-square-foot space will allow for […]
Read more →View All OPC Updates
A Project Weber/RENEW associate tabling with harm reduction materials.

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Resources About Harm Reduction and Overdose Prevention

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