"About three months ago, during Mayor de Blasio's testimony at the Local Government budget hearing, I asked when the feasibility study on Safer Consumption Spaces (SCS) would be released and I was told that we should expect it in the near future. Overdose and substance abuse are part of a health crisis that is dramatically impacting the people I serve in the Bronx. In New York City, we lose a person to a fatal overdose every seven hours, and I believe that SCS is a tool we must use to increase access to harm reduction services and combat these preventable deaths. As New Yorkers, we face challenges and complex issues head on and the study and implementation safe consumption sites should not be any different. If we are to overcome the opioid crisis, we need to explore and implement innovative and bold solutions. As we start a new month, I urge the Mayor to release the feasibility study immediately and recognize the research and evidence that proves this innovation will prevent deaths in the community I represent and help address the health crisis that is hurting New Yorkers throughout our city."
Senator Rivera questions Mayor De Blasio at the General Government Budget Hearing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
