Fatal overdose in Vermont has increased by 500 percent over the past five years.
By Kastalia Medrano, Filter
Vermont has unveiled operating guidelines for overdose prevention centers (OPCs), which will include smoking consumption areas and potentially mobile sites. The state became the third to authorize OPC on June 17, in a dramatic eleventh-hour override of the veto issued by Gov. Phil Scott (R).
The Vermont Department of Health published the guidelines September 13, two days before its deadline to do so.
The state’s first OPC is expected to be a brick-and-mortar location for Burlington, but the legislation also allows for mobile units. These are defined as OPCs “that can move locations, such as a van or a bus, or a non-permanent unit…that operates for less than 180 days.” The only other requirements are that mobile OPCs have access to have potable water and phone service and not permit smoking consumption “indoors.”
The guidelines require OPCs to have an area for smoking drugs, like fentanyl or cocaine, operational within 12 months of opening. If it won’t be ready in time, the health department will allow an extension of up to another 12 months. OPC must also have “fire-proof ash disposal for
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