Dunham K, Walt G, Trombley J, Brothers S, Marshall BDL, Collins AB. “Once I started going… I had this central wheel hub”: Drivers of overdose prevention center engagement and connections to care in Rhode Island. International Journal of Drug Policy. Publish Ahead of Print. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2026.105420
This study explored clients’ experiences engaging with the Rhode Island OPC and how they utilized other on-site services. It found that participants started using the site to access both the OPC and the other on-site services. Once engaged, participants used multiple on-site services, with site staff playing a key role in making these connections.
Context: The United States’ first state-sanctioned overdose prevention center (OPC) opened in Rhode Island in January 2025. In addition to OPC services, the site offers co-located basic needs services, case management, healthcare, and substance use treatment. We aimed to better understand clients’ initial engagement with the OPC as well as their consequent service patterns.
Methods: Between May and August 2025, we conducted 30 interviews with people who had used the OPC. We also conducted about 40 hours of participant observation in the OPC from January to August 2025.
Results: Participants started using the site to access both the OPC and the other on-site services. The OPC services were a particularly important motivator for participants who were not previously well-engaged with existing harm reduction services. Once engaged, participants described regularly utilizing multiple on-site services, with site staff playing a key role in making these connections.