Drug misuse causes significant health consequences, morbidity, and mortality. The devastating statistics on the opioid epidemic emphasizes the detrimental consequences illegal substances have on society. Safe Injection Sites (SIS) allow injection drug users (IDUs) to use drugs in a hygienic and low risk environment. Though research supports their efficacy, there is a lack of support among the public when assessed anecdotally. Currently, there is no existing empirical literature on the public opinion of SIS within the United States.

The current study sought to bridge this gap by exploring community perceptions of SIS in New York, an area heavily affected by the opioid crisis. This study provides evidence that the overall perception of SIS is largely undecided. Using hierarchical linear regression, it was found that participants who were employed had less favorable views of SIS, participants who are more liberal were more likely to support SIS, those with negative attitudes and beliefs towards drugs and drug users reported lower support for SIS and those who had familiarity with opioid drugs reported lower supportiveness for SIS. Implications for research and policy are discussed.