Exploring the need for overdose prevention centers in England: A qualitative community-based participatory study on the perspectives of people who use drugs in public and semi-public environments.

The implementation of Overdose Prevention Centres (OPCs) has been a harm reduction strategy in approximately 20 countries, with a recent opening in the UK. A study was conducted in Sandwell, England, to assess the need for an OPC in the area by gathering the experiences and perspectives of local individuals who use drugs. The study utilized a community-based participatory approach, incorporating community consultation during the design phase and peer researcher participation during data collection, analysis, and dissemination. The data was collected through various methods, including focus groups, street-based interviews, and ethnographic field sessions. The findings highlighted the risks associated with public and police interaction in semi-public drug use spaces, which leads to rushed injection practices, poor venous access management, and increased risk of injection-related harms. The study's participants expressed enthusiasm for the concept of an OPC, citing its potential to reduce injecting-related risks, drug-related deaths, and traumatic experiences with police. They also viewed an OPC as a potential solution to improving community relations by reducing drug-related litter and addressing negative public perceptions of their community. The participants' concerns and suggestions emphasize the urgent need for OPC implementation in the area. The current risks associated with rushed injection practices, lack of safe spaces, and the increasing presence of contaminated substances in the UK drug supply further underscore the importance of establishing an OPC. The study's findings suggest that policymakers should prioritize the implementation of an OPC, as advocated by local individuals who use drugs. By doing so, policymakers can help reduce the risks associated with drug use and improve the overall well-being of the community. The study's community-based participatory approach ensures that the voices and concerns of those most affected by drug use are heard and taken into consideration, ultimately informing the development of effective harm reduction strategies. Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40318235/