Denver seeks first safe drug injection site

DENVER — Despite federal opposition, Denver is trying again to become what could be the first U.S. city to open a supervised drug injection site, a strategy that some cities have tried repeatedly to launch to reduce overdose deaths fueled by a nationwide opioid epidemic.

The Denver City Council voted 12-1 on Monday to approve a measure that would allow one site to open for at least two years under a pilot program. But there are still several hurdles to clear.

The program must win approval from the state Legislature, which is now under Democratic control after this month’s election. Earlier this year, the Republican-controlled state Senate killed similar legislation.

Despite the Democratic edge in the session starting in January, Democratic Gov.-elect Jared Polis has not taken a position on the issue and could veto the measure.

If successful, Denver could have the nation’s first publicly sanctioned site for people to use heroin, methamphetamine and other illegal drugs under medical supervision, with staffers able to intervene in case of an overdose.

Supporters say it’s a safer alternative for those who aren’t ready for rehab, while opponents say it condones dangerous drug use. Facilitating the use of illegal drugs is a federal felony, and the U.S. government has indicated it wouldn’t stand by if cities moved to open such sites.

Other U.S. cities, including San Francisco, Seattle, New York and Philadelphia, have expressed interest in opening supervised injection sites. California lawmakers passed a measure that would have protected workers and participants in a San Francisco pilot program from state prosecution, but Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed it in September.

Drug overdoses were the second-leading cause of death in Denver last year, killing 201 people. They died in places like grocery stores, abandoned buildings and along a bike path, according to death records reviewed by Denver’s Harm Reduction Action Center, the largest needle exchange in Colorado. It’s offered to host the safe injection site.

Once users get a clean needle, they now have to leave the center, which is across the street from the state Capitol, and usually wind up injecting drugs in nearby alleys and streets, executive director Lisa Raville said.

The cities’ efforts come as federal officials have vowed to crack down on injection sites.