Over 100,000 Americans now die from drug overdoses annually. Upon taking office, Mayor Eric Adams, Mr. de Blasio’s successor, has continued to support the sites’ work. Some neighbors, politicians and media have claimed that the centers — one in East Harlem and one in Washington Heights — are increasing crime and public drug use in neighborhoods already burdened with poverty. But an important new study published this week refutes these claims. It shows that violent and property crime rates near the two overdose prevention centers (sometimes referred to as safe injection or safe consumption sites) did not increase any more than crime in similar neighborhoods elsewhere in the city.

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Persons: Bill de Blasio, Eric Adams, de Blasio’s, ”, Brandon Del Pozo Organizations: Brown University, New York Police Department Locations: New York City, East Harlem, Washington Heights, Burlington , Vt