Colorado Safe Injection Site Petition
Have your voice heard by signing the petition below
Dear Governor Jared Polis,
We, the undersigned citizens of Colorado, are writing to respectfully request that you veto HB 23-1202, which would permit the establishment of safe injection sites in the state. While we appreciate the intention behind this bill to address the opioid epidemic, we strongly believe that the negative consequences of this legislation outweigh any potential benefits.
One of our primary concerns is that the establishment of safe injection sites would only serve to further normalize drug use and addiction in our society. Allowing individuals to use drugs under the guise of “safe” injection sites sends the message that drug use is acceptable and can be safely managed, which is not the message we want to send to our young people. We must focus on prevention and treatment programs that address the root causes of addiction, rather than creating spaces that facilitate it.
Furthermore, the financial cost of establishing and maintaining these sites would be an unnecessary burden on taxpayers. The resources that would be invested in safe injection sites could be better utilized to fund drug treatment programs that offer comprehensive, evidence-based care to those who are struggling with addiction. We need to focus on providing resources that offer real hope for recovery, rather than providing a space to use drugs.
We are also deeply concerned about the public health risks associated with safe injection sites. These facilities would require significant oversight and regulation to prevent the spread of disease and ensure the safety of users. However, despite these precautions, there is no guarantee that the spread of diseases like HIV and hepatitis can be fully contained. Additionally, fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid, is increasingly being smuggled into the United States and presents an even greater risk to users. Given the current state of the opioid epidemic and the increased prevalence of fentanyl, we cannot in good conscience support legislation that would only further increase the risk of harm to individuals who are struggling with addiction.
The opioid epidemic is a complex issue that requires comprehensive, evidence-based solutions. We need to prioritize prevention and treatment programs that address the root causes of addiction, and provide individuals with the tools and support they need to overcome this disease. Safe injection sites only perpetuate the cycle of addiction and do nothing to address the underlying issues that contribute to the opioid epidemic.
As residents of Colorado, we urge you to consider the negative consequences of this legislation and to veto HB 23-1202. We believe that our state should focus on providing effective prevention and treatment programs that address the root causes of addiction and offer a path to recovery.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
