Criticism Grows Over NYC’s Safe Injection Sites and Federal Support

Since 2021, New Yorkers have questioned the presence of OnPoint NYC, a program offering supervised drug injections for addicts. Despite illegal drug use, authorities have largely overlooked these sites, partly due to federal laws prohibiting such activities.

Recent findings reveal that under President Joe Biden, the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) awarded OnPoint a $2 million annual grant, paying out over half of it. This funding was previously halted under Donald Trump, who deemed the program incompatible with federal law and executive orders forbidding subsidizing efforts that promote illegal drug use.

While OnPoint reports having prevented approximately 1,800 overdoses among 6,300 clients, critics argue it fails to promote long-term recovery. The program’s mission emphasizes acceptance of drug use and sex work, rather than discouraging drug habits or promoting treatment.

Experts suggest that a more effective approach would involve collecting data on overdose deaths, arrests, and treatment attempts, possibly through electronic monitoring. Such information could guide policies aimed at reducing addiction itself, not just overdoses.

British Columbia has already moved toward this model by passing legislation allowing involuntary commitment for those with substance abuse issues, potentially requiring supervised injection site users to accept treatment—an idea currently opposed in New York.

Implementing similar measures could help track individuals, ensuring they access necessary mental health and addiction treatment. This aligns with Mayor Eric Adams’ proposed Compassionate Interventions Act, aimed at mandating treatment for those who pose a danger due to substance use.

Turning OnPoint into a gateway for treatment and recovery could address public safety concerns and aid those seeking help. However, significant legal and mission shifts are needed—both from the government and the program itself—to transition toward a more holistic, evidence-based approach that emphasizes healing over simply enabling drug use.

Howard Husock is a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and author of the upcoming book “The Projects: A New History of Public Housing.”