Sheila Haennicke, who said her son David Haennicke passed away due to a fentanyl overdose in November 2021, holds a photo of her son during a press conference near West Van Buren Street and South Pulaski Road in the East Garfield Park neighborhood, where members of the West Side Heroin/Opioid Task Force promoted harm reduction services and state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford advocated for the passing of a House bill, which he said will allow the Illinois Department of Human Services and the City of Chicago to start overdose prevention sites on the West and South Sides, Friday, July 28, 2023. (Pat Nabong/Sun-Times)
Whether you call them overdose prevention sites (OPS), safe injection sites or supervised consumption facilities, let’s explore their incredible impact.
First and foremost, OPS centers save lives by implementing evidence-based practices. They’re staffed by medical and mental health professionals. Clients at an OPS receive sterile equipment and close monitoring during substance use, with immediate access to first aid and naloxone in case of overdose.
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