Assessing the Community Impact of Two Overdose Prevention Centers in New York City

Harm reduction programs focus on improving public health outcomes and service delivery for people who use drugs (PWUD). Examples of such programs include overdose prevention centers (OPCs), which allow PWUD to consume substances under medical supervision. A large body of research has highlighted the positive public health effects of OPCs, which include safer drug-using practices, increased treatment enrollment, and a reduced likelihood of overdose among program clients. However, there has been limited research evaluating the impact of these programs on the larger community. This research gap is particularly salient in urban neighborhoods that have struggled to overcome a history of drug epidemics, exposure to violence, and increasing quality of life concerns. This dissertation uses a mixed-methods approach to examine the community impact of the first sanctioned OPCs implemented in the United States in two New York City neighborhoods: East Harlem and Washington Heights. The research draws on NYC311 data and administrative police data to evaluate the impact of OPCs on local neighborhoods, while controlling for a variety of contextual factors such as socioeconomic and land use variables. To complement this analysis, qualitative interviews were conducted to examine stakeholder perspectives on the implementation of OPCs in their communities. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with residents, business owners, and social service providers, supplemented with a historical analysis of the two neighborhoods. Findings aim to better understand how public health programs impact the larger surrounding community and to assess the factors that drive underlying community resistance/support towards OPCs. Policy implications emphasize the importance of collaboration between public health and criminal justice sectors to create policies that address the varied health and safety needs of local urban communities.