Supervised Consumption Site Virtual Forum, June 1

The City of Somerville and Fenway Health invite you to a virtual community forum to discuss a local supervised consumption site (SCS) on Wednesday, June 1, at 6 p.m. This forum will discuss what SCSs are, what the need is in Somerville, and ongoing efforts to explore establishing an SCS. This is an opportunity to learn more, ask questions, and share feedback.  

The meeting will be hosted on Zoom. Registration is required. Questions for the forum may be submitted in advance during registration. The meeting will be recorded and posted online following the event. To learn more and register to attend, go to somervillema.gov/scs.

What is a supervised consumption site?

SCSs 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 an SCS anywhere in the world.  

What is Somerville currently doing to explore an SCS?  

In 2021, the City of Somerville conducted a needs assessment and feasibility study to explore the possibility of opening a supervised consumption site. In 2022, the City contracted with Fenway Health to develop a conceptual design, explore location options, and engage the community in this process. This forum is part of that process. Fenway Health is a community health center that currently provides harm reduction, overdose prevention, and health services to people who use drugs.   
 

Interpretation into Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Kreyol, or Nepali may be available upon advance request by contacting the SomerViva Office of Immigrant Affairs at somerviva@somervillema.gov or calling 311.   

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 Adrienne Pomeroy at 617-625-6600 ext. 2059 or apomeroy@somervillema.gov.