Yesterday, a U.S. District Court judge ruled that Philadelphia’s proposed overdose prevention center does not violate the Controlled Substances Act.

This decision only strengthens my belief that overdosed prevention centers are essential to New Jersey’s response to the opioid crisis.

While this is not the end of this fight, it is a landmark achievement; giving hope to harm reduction advocates that this life-saving measure may soon be within arms-reach for their communities, including our own.

As I continue to advocate for my legislation (A4638) which establishes a pilot program in the Department of Health for the creation of four overdose prevention centers throughout the state, I will continue to encourage my colleagues in the legislature to support this life saving measure.

In the 120 overdose prevention centers around the world, there has not been one documented fatality. Harm reduction works, we have the opportunity to save thousands of lives. I only hope that as a state, New Jersey will be courageous enough to take the leap.