The Urgent Need for Overdose Prevention Centers for Returning Citizens
By: Jasmine L. Tyler
The overdose crisis has reached unprecedented levels in the United States, claiming over 100,000 lives annually. The number of people who died from a drug overdose in 2021 was more than six times higher than the number in 1999. Among those most at risk are individuals recently released from jails and prisons. As the Executive Director of the Justice Policy Institute, I’ve dedicated my career to advocating for policies that ensure justice and equity for all. But last Saturday, as we observed International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31st, and I’m writing not just as an advocate, but as someone who knows firsthand the devastating impact of overdose. My brother died from an overdose. His death was not just a personal loss; it was a stark reminder of how our systems repeatedly and predictably fail those most in need.
In the first two weeks after release, formerly incarcerated individuals are nearly 13 times more likely to die of an overdose than the general population. Seventy-one percent of all deaths in the first two weeks following release are due to overdoses. In North Carolina, individuals released from prison are 40 times more likely to die from an opioid overdose within the first two weeks. In Washington State, they are 129 times more likely to die from a drug overdose within the same period. In Rhode Island, 75 percent of post-release deaths are due to overdose. These figures highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions to prevent these avoidable deaths.
As policymakers continue to grapple with the overdose epidemic, Overdose Prevention Centers (OPCs) should be at the forefront of their agenda. These centers offer a proven, life-saving solution — especially for the vulnerable population of returning citizens. Reentry programs, while designed to assist, often lack the resources to address the complex issues of substance use disorder and overdose prevention. This leaves many returning citizens vulnerable to overdose just as they are struggling to rebuild their lives.
OPCs are designed to fill this critical gap. These save lives by providing safe, medically supervised spaces for individuals to use drugs, significantly reducing the risk of fatal overdoses. But their value goes beyond immediate harm reduction — they also connect people to essential health services, offering a lifeline to those trying to rebuild their lives after incarceration. OPCs benefits are many, as they prevent overdose deaths, reduce risky behaviors that contribute to the spread of diseases like HIV and hepatitis, and serve as crucial gateways to treatment and recovery services. For individuals at the highest risk, these centers are not just a safety net — they are a life-saving necessity.
For people leaving incarceration, OPCs offer more than just overdose prevention. They provide a critical bridge to comprehensive services that help individuals stabilize and begin rebuilding their lives. The transition from incarceration to the community is often fraught with challenges, from securing housing to accessing employment. For those struggling with addiction, the challenge is even greater. OPCs can serve as an entry point to broader reentry services, providing support during the critical period immediately after release.
Moreover, the impact of overdose prevention on recidivism cannot be overstated. Individuals who are connected to stable, supportive environments are far less likely to return to the behaviors that led them to incarceration in the first place. By addressing these root causes of substance use and providing a safe space for individuals to manage their addiction, OPCs help make our communities safer.
To fully realize the potential of OPCs, policymakers must take bold action and follow the public’s lead. More than six in 10 Americans favor the expansion of OPCs. First, they must expand access to OPCs in communities with high rates of returning citizens and overdose deaths, particularly in urban areas that have borne the brunt of mass incarceration. These centers should be located near jails and prisons, where they can provide immediate support to individuals reentering society. Second, OPCs must be integrated into reentry programs. Education about overdose risk should begin before release, and individuals should be connected to OPCs as part of their post-release support plan.
To honor this year’s International Overdose Awareness Day, I call for bold action from lawmakers to prioritize harm reduction over criminalization to support our loved ones and our communities. The expansion of OPCs across the nation is critical, and we cannot afford to wait while more lives are lost. The time for change is now. Let’s honor their memory by taking action that will save lives.
Jasmine L. Tyler is the executive director of the Justice Policy Institute
