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(New York Times)

ITHACA, N.Y. -- Ithaca could become the first U.S. city to offer a supervised injection facility where heroin users would be able to shoot up under the care of a nurse, according to the Associated Press.



Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrick told the AP the proposed facility, which would also connect addicts to recovery services, is one piece of a new approach he wants his city to take against addiction.

Medical professionals step in if a user overdoses at similar facilities in Canada, Europe and Australia.

There are legal and political challenges in the U.S. Myrick needs state permission to open a supervised injection site, and his proposal is certain to face significant opposition.

Myrick backs a law enforcement strategy that prioritizes treatment over arrests.

State health officials did not immediately respond to the AP's request for comment.

There are about 100 supervised injection facilities, also known as drug consumption rooms, in Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway,

Luxembourg, Spain, Denmark, Australia and Canada, according to the Drug Policy Alliance, a national group advocating for policies that reduce the harm of drug use.

The group said studies show these facilities are successful in attracting at

risk populations, are associated with less risky injection behavior, fewer

overdose deaths, increased client enrollment in drug treatment services and reduced nuisances associated with public injection.

On a Facebook post, Myrick said he and others in Ithaca have worked over the last two years to develop a plan that will save lives, reduce drug use and help people build lives of purpose and satisfaction.

"The plan is not governed by fear - but is based on science, best practices in other communities, the input of experts and the experiences of community members," Myrick said.

The plan will be released Wednesday, he said.

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