PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- The country's first state-sanctioned overdose prevention center has prevented roughly two dozen overdoses in its first two months of operation, according to program leaders. The center, operated by Project Weber/RENEW, quietly opened its doors on Willard Ave in Providen ce on Jan. 15. In July 2021, Gov. Dan McKee signed legislation allowing for a harm reduction center pilot program. A ribbon cutting was held last December as construction was wrapping up. In the months since, overdose prevention program director Dennis Bailer told Target 12 that hundreds of people have walked through the door. "We've had over 420 people come here since mid-January. 135 of those are unique individuals, so they've come back multiple times," Bailer said. "We've connected over 50 people to health services." Bailer said so far, staff have also prevented roughly two dozen overdoses from occurring. "If those 22 interventions hadn't happened here, those overdoses would have happened who knows where, and we don't know what the outcomes would have been," Bailer said. The space has a so-called "chill-out room" for people who want a quiet space, two smoking rooms, and seven injection booths. The booths have built-in mirrors, so users can better see what they're doing, but also so for staff to observe. "They can see if it appears as though they are having some challenges, or they could go at the onset of overdose, we can spot it right away," Bailer said. The center has faced opposition from some who say the site could encourage the use of illegal drugs, and that the state's opioid settlement money – which fund the facility – should instead be used on rehabilitation and recovery efforts. Bailer, who is in recovery, said using in an environment like this is better than the alternative. "We tend to use alone in dark places," Bailer said. "We have people who come in with pre-obtained substances that they were going to use someplace anyway, whether it be behind a dumpster on Broad Street or in some abandoned building or some encampment." Data from the Office of the State Medical Examiner shows accidental overdoses, while on the decline in recent years, are still killing hundreds of Rhode Islanders each year. A total of 436 accidental overdose deaths were reported in 2022, followed by 404 in 2023. Last year, 308 died from an overdose (data from July to December 2024 are still considered provisional). The Governor’s Overdose Task Force set a 2030 goal to reduce fatal overdoses by 30%, returning fatal overdose rates to below 2019 levels, when there were 308 deaths. In addition to providing a space that's safe, Bailer said staff offer a welcoming environment. "We engage with them and we try to take the shame and the feelings of the lack of self-worth," Bailer said. "We add some dignity to their lives when they're doing something that otherwise criminalized and stigmatized and judged." Bailer said people can engage with recovery services if they're ready and at their own pace. The drop-in center downstairs offers a variety of services that people may need. "We provide case management, HIV and hepatitis C testing," Bailer said. "We have showers and laundry. We feed people, give them clothing." People can also be connected with a behavioral health professional, or things they may otherwise not have had an opportunity to engage with, like holistic services like acupuncture, gong baths, or art therapy. "Yes, they've used, but they're alive, they're engaged, and they have an opportunity to connect to many other resources," Bailed said. Brown University researchers have also been measuring the site’s impact. In addition to the state's overdose data, researchers are looking at things like police and EMS calls, evidence of drug paraphernalia in local neighborhoods, to see what kind of effect the center has made since opening. A spokesperson for Providence police and fire told Target 12 that as of March 20, there had been no police or fire dispatches to the facility. Alexandra Leslie (aleslie@wpri.com) is a Target 12 investigative reporter covering Providence and more for 12 News. Connect with her on Twitter and on Facebook. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media:                     Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW ...read more read less