Drug overdoses and addiction have hit an all-time high during the pandemic, with the Centers for Disease Control revealing over 93,000 people died from overdoses in 2020, up 30 percent from 2019. As a solution to the crisis, New York City is opening the nation’s first government-sanctioned drug injection sites.

Two injection sites will be opened in Manhattan on Tuesday, giving drug users a controlled environment, as well as offer treatment options. Visitors must bring their own drugs, and the sites will offer clean injection supplies including needles.

The sites will also have naloxone on-site, the emergency drug that reverses narcotics overdoses. Drug addicts know public libraries have naloxone on hand in case of someone overdosing, which has made libraries one of the most popular public places for drug use across the country.

Democratic Mayor Bill de Blasio implemented the sites before he leaves office. In a written statement, de Blasio said this unique strategy to combat the drug crisis will prove that “after decades of failure, a smarter approach is possible.” The mayor says he has notified the sites that he would not penalize them or “take enforcement action” and that law enforcement has been told to stand down as well.

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New York City health commission Dr. Dave A. Chokshi supports the measures, telling the New York Times “2020, unfortunately, was the deadliest year on record for overdoses both here in New York City as well as nationally. Every four hours, someone dies of a drug overdose in New York City…we feel a deep conviction and also a sense of urgency in opening overdose prevention centers.”

Opponents of government-sanctioned injection sites worry the facilities legitimize, destigmatize and therefore support or encourage drug addiction, rather than sending a message that everything must be done to stop drug use. “While cities like San Francisco and Seattle, both ravaged by substance abuse, have considered opening injection locations, New York City is the first to formally authorize such sites” reports National Review.

Despite the acquittal and evidence supporting self-defense for teenager Kyle Rittenhouse, some large companies are using it to further a “racial trauma” narrative. Giant companies Best Buy and Levi Strauss “reportedly offered their employees counseling to those distressed over the verdict” reports Breitbart News.

Levi’s offered a session with a “racial trauma specialist” for workers distraught over the acquittal of Rittenhouse. Rittenhouse, who is white, was found not guilty in the shooting of three men, all of whom are also white because he was defending himself against the assailants. Nonetheless, the media and now businesses have turned the trial into a race-baiting issue.

The chief of diversity, equity and inclusion for Levi’s, Elizabeth Morrison, sent an email to employees of the San Francisco-based clothing company following the verdict:

“With the news that Kyle Rittenhouse was not convicted in the shooting of three individuals — two of whom lost their lives — during racial justice protests last year, this is a difficult day for many,” the email read.

“To help promote safety, sharing and to encourage healing, I’ll be hosting a fireside chat and Q&A with Dr. Jamila Codrington, a licensed psychologist and racial trauma specialist in early December,” the email stated. “Dr. J and I will talk about the mental and psychical impacts of back-to-back social and racial justice events and trauma coping mechanisms during our discussion.”

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Best Buy has reportedly offered “mental health resources” and “counseling services” to employees distressed by the verdict. “The verdict in Kyle Rittenhouse’s trial stirs many emotions, and it’s another difficult moment for our nation,” reportedly wrote Mark Irvin, the chief inclusion, diversity, and talent officer for Best Buy.

“While these events can be challenging and deeply hurtful, I hope you will take a moment to reflect on the values that unite us as a company and as a nation,” Irvin said, according to The Post Millennial. “We can do better, as each of us as individuals, allies, and human beings press together for better outcomes.”

“I know events like these can take a toll on mental health and emotional well-being,” he stated. “Please know that Best Buy is here to support you.”
Irvin then provided links to “mental health resources” and “counseling services” that are offered by the company’s employee benefits.