Vermont has noted a consecutive record number of opioid overdose deaths in recent years. In 2022, there were 243 such deaths, up from the record 217 in 2021, said Rep. Taylor Small, a progressive Democrat from Winooski and a member of the House Social Services Committee. At the end of September 2023, the state had 180 in months last year.
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“We are at a critical point. We have been in an overdose crisis for too long. And in a year when public protection happens to be at the forefront of our priorities, it is clear that we want to expand our technique to solve this crisis. “Small told colleagues on Wednesday.
The Vermont State House is photographed in Montpelier, Vermont, Oct. 13, 2019. (Photo by John Greim/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Drugs bought and sold in Vermont are harmful and deadly, Small said, referring to fentanyl, the animal tranquilizer xylazine and gabapentin.
Rep. Emilie Kornheiser, D-Brattleboro, said one of her favorite things about living in a small network is watching the city grow.
“In the last 10 years, I’ve watched those children die,” she said, her voice cracking. “I’ve also grieved the deaths of my friends’ precious children, of my own loved ones, of clients. And we can’t go on like this. I want my community to stay alive, and I want us in this body to do everything we can to make that happen.”
Supporters say such centers save lives and connect people with addiction treatment, mental health services and medical care. But some Vermont lawmakers who opposed the bill said such centers would allow illegal drug use and enable drug users. They also raised concerns about minors using drugs at them.
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Republican Gov. Phil Scott has said he opposes the concept and vetoed the bill two years ago.