WellPower strongly supports HB24-1028, Overdose Prevention Centers. This bill is the state’s second attempt to authorize municipalities to operate overdose prevention centers after the same bill died in committee last year.

Overdose prevention centers save lives. 575 people in Denver alone died from overdoses in 2023, marking the highest overdose death rate the state has ever seen. Overdose prevention centers can help reverse that trend by connecting people to treatment resources, reducing HIV and viral hepatitis transmission, and reducing mortality rates by monitoring drug use in a safe and hygienic environment. People cannot choose to seek help if they are dead. This bill will keep more of our neighbors alive and able to choose recovery.  

HB24-1028 will be heard in front of the House Health & Human Services committee on March 6, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. We urge you to contact your legislators in support of this bill, and listen to or attend the committee meeting where WellPower will be testifying in support.