Advocates of the proposal say it would prevent overdoses, slow the spread of HIV and inspire drug users to seek help, while proponents say safe injection sites would create an "open drug scene."

New numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that synthetic opioid use is driving the overdose crisis in the U.S.

Harm reduction is one of four policies the Biden administration says must be immediately implemented in order to address the record high number of overdose deaths.

The CDC says COVID-19 was the largest factor, along with drug overdoses, homicides, diabetes and chronic liver disease. The decline was even greater for Hispanic men.

Scott Simon notes the 30 percent increase of drug overdose deaths in the U.S. during the first year of the pandemic.