Rhode Island became the first state to approve harm reduction centers for people to use illegal drugs when Gov. Daniel McKee on July 7 signed into law a proposal to help end the opioid crisis.
The law establishes a two-year pilot program to reduce overdoses by erecting safe injection sites across the state.
At these sites, people who use illegal drugs or drugs they are not prescribed can receive health screenings and recovery assistance. They can also get their drugs tested, receive clean needles and safely consume drugs under supervision.