Project Weber/RENEW Hosts Ribbon Cutting for Country’s First State-Sanctioned Overdose Prevention Center

Historic Event Marks a Major Step in the Fight Against the Overdose Crisis, Offering Life-Saving Support and Services 

PROVIDENCE -- Celebrating a historic milestone in public health and harm reduction, Project Weber/RENEW today cut the ribbon for the country’s first state-sanctioned overdose prevention center. The center’s mission is to prevent overdose deaths and connect individuals to medical and behavioral health treatment, peer support, and social services.

The ribbon-cutting marked the ceremonial opening of the center and featured remarks from Assistant Secretary of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Ana Novais, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley, Providence Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris, Director of Governor’s Overdose Task Force Cathy Schultz, and Project Weber/RENEW staff. 

“Project Weber/RENEW’s new overdose prevention center is dedicated to saving lives through evidence-based practices and compassionate care. We are deeply grateful for the collaboration with our state government partners, which enables us to deliver this critical, lifesaving support to Rhode Islanders,” said Colleen Daley Ndoye, Project Weber/RENEW’s executive director.

This groundbreaking facility represents a pivotal moment in the effort to address the ongoing overdose crisis, offering a safe space for individuals with immediate access to life-saving interventions and holistic wraparound services. The center is co-located with a new drop-in center and clinical suite where medical, behavioral health, and substance use treatment services will be offered by partnering organization VICTA. The overdose prevention center is authorized by Rhode Island state law and will be licensed and regulated by the Rhode Island Department of Health. 

"Providence is proud to be leading by example with the opening of the first state-sanctioned overdose prevention center in the nation," said Mayor Brett P. Smiley. "The opening of this facility underscores our community's dedication to addressing the overdose crisis with compassion and evidence-based, peer-led care. This center will save lives and offer a critical pathway to recovery for our most vulnerable neighbors. Together, we are creating real, tangible change and fostering hope as we connect those in crisis to the support they need.”

“Addiction touches us all and in Rhode Island we’ve had record-shattering numbers of overdose deaths. So, what we’ve been doing – day after day, month after month, year after year – is not enough,” said Providence Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11). “This dire situation calls for bold action, and that’s what Project Weber/RENEW’s overdose prevention center is all about. Centers like this will keep folks alive until we can all figure out how to help them turn that corner to recovery.”

“Harm reduction is a public health approach focused on minimizing the problems related to substance use through evidence-based practices,” said Director of Health Jerome Larkin, MD. “Respect, dignity, and compassion are central to harm reduction. Project Weber/RENEW’s new overdose prevention center is designed to create this supportive environment for individuals who use substances and to meet people where they are in their journeys. Everyone deserves the opportunity to live a healthy life and achieve their full potential.”

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About Project Weber/RENEW

Project Weber/RENEW is Rhode Island’s largest harm reduction and recovery non-profit organization. Project Weber/RENEW is opening the country’s first state-regulated overdose prevention center.