Papers
This study is currently ongoing.
The study is underway and published papers can be found below.
Published Papers
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
Considerations for the epidemiological evaluation of hyperlocal interventions: A case study of the New York City overdose prevention centers
Allen B, Moore B, Jent VA, Goedel WC, Israel K, Collins AB, Marshall BDL, Cerdá M. Considerations for the epidemiological evaluation of hyperlocal interventions: A case study of the New York City overdose prevention centers. Soc Sci Med. 2025 Aug;378:118156. doi: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.118156. Epub 2025 May 3. PMID: 40349434; PMCID: PMC12171985.
This paper outlines the epidemiological framework used to evaluate hyperlocal health interventions. This framework was used to evaluate the overdose prevention centers in New York City. This framework was used to examine the impact OPCs would have on drug related arrests. The study found that there was no change in neighborhood level drug arrests post implementation of the OPCs.
HARM REDUCTION JOURNAL
Study assessing the effectiveness of overdose prevention centers through research (SAFER): an overview of the study protocol
Magdalena C, Bennett LA, Alexandra BC, Czarina NB, Michele S, Victoria J, Brandon DLM. Study assessing the effectiveness of overdose prevention centers through research (SAFER): an overview of the study protocol. Harm Reduct J. 2025 May 13;22(Suppl 1):76. doi: 10.1186/s12954-025-01211-1. PMID: 40361121; PMCID: PMC12070510.
This protocol paper outlines the process through which the overdose prevention centers (OPCs) in New York City and Rhode Island will be studied.
Journal of urban health
Community Acceptability of the First State-Authorized Overdose Prevention Center in the United States.
Shaw LC, Goldman JE, Lenox CA, Krieger MS, Marshall BDL, Macmadu A. J Urban Health. 2025 Apr 10. doi: 10.1007/s11524-025-00978-9. Online ahead of print. PMID: 40208386
This study assessed neighborhood support for the forthcoming OPC and explored whether specific factors influenced people’s opinions, such as age or prior awareness of OPCs and found that the majority of people (74%) living and working near the first state-authorized OPC in the US supported its opening.
Read the summary.
Read the press release.
Journal of SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT
“A safe place to use”: People who use drugs’ perceptions and preferences prior to the implementation of Rhode Island’s first overdose prevention center
Dunham K, Macon EC, Perry A, Tan M, Marshall BDL, Collins AB. J Subst Use Addict Treat. 2025 Mar 21;173:209679. doi: 10.1016/j.josat.2025.209679. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40122346.
The study conducted in-depth qualitative interviews from December 2023 to March 2024 with 25 people who use drugs. Thematic analysis explored OPC implementation considerations, with a focus on perceived social and structural barriers and facilitators for use. Overall, participants were aware of plans to open an OPC locally and were largely supportive and participants provided important insights into accessibility and uptake of OPC services.