Public Safety Committee

City Council - Public Safety Committee Thursday, May 29, 2025, 5:30 PM, Zoom/Champlain Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall When: May 29, 2025 05:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Topic: Public Safety Committee Meeting Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android: https://zoom.us/j/94315815414 Phone one-tap: +13017158592,,94315815414# US (Washington DC) +13052241968,,94315815414# US Join via audio: +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) +1 305 224 1968 US +1 309 205 3325 US +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 646 931 3860 US +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) +1 386 347 5053 US +1 507 473 4847 US +1 564 217 2000 US +1 669 444 9171 US +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 689 278 1000 US +1 719 359 4580 US +1 253 205 0468 US +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 360 209 5623 US Webinar ID: 943 1581 5414 International numbers available: https://zoom.us/u/ac1s2aaGOs 1. Adopt the Agenda 1.1. Motion to amend/adopt agenda 2. Adopt Minutes 2.1. Motion to adopt draft minutes from April 17, 2025 3. Public Forum Subject 3.1. Verbal Comments Meeting May 29, 2025 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, May 29, 2025, 5:30 PM, Zoom/Champlain Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall Page 1 of 75  Category 3. Public Forum Department Type 4. Chiefs' Oral Reports Subject 4.1. Police Meeting May 29, 2025 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, May 29, 2025, 5:30 PM, Zoom/Champlain Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall Category 4. Chiefs' Oral Reports Department Type Recommended Action Subject 4.2. Fire Meeting May 29, 2025 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, May 29, 2025, 5:30 PM, Zoom/Champlain Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall Category 4. Chiefs' Oral Reports Department Type Recommended Action 5. Data from State's Attorney Subject 5.1. Data from State's Attorney Meeting May 29, 2025 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, May 29, 2025, 5:30 PM, Zoom/Champlain Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall Category 5. Data from State's Attorney Department Council and Board Type 6. Urban Park Ranger Information Subject 6.1. Reminders about Camping in Parks Meeting May 29, 2025 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, May 29, 2025, 5:30 PM, Zoom/Champlain Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall Category 6. Urban Park Ranger Information Department Council and Board Type Recommended Action Page 2 of 75 7. Sheltering on Public Lands Policy Subject 7.1. Sheltering on Public Lands Policy Meeting May 29, 2025 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, May 29, 2025, 5:30 PM, Zoom/Champlain Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall Category 7. Sheltering on Public Lands Policy Department Council and Board Type Discussion Recommended Action 8. Overdose Prevention Center - Next Steps Subject 8.1. Overdose Prevention Center - Next Steps Meeting May 29, 2025 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, May 29, 2025, 5:30 PM, Zoom/Champlain Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall Category 8. Overdose Prevention Center - Next Steps Department Council and Board Type Recommended Action 9. Chair Comments on Public Safety Resolutions Subject 9.1. Chair Comments on Public Safety Resolutions Meeting May 29, 2025 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, May 29, 2025, 5:30 PM, Zoom/Champlain Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall Category 9. Chair Comments on Public Safety Resolutions Department Council and Board Type Recommended Action 10. Upcoming Meeting Dates Subject 10.1. Upcoming Meeting Dates Meeting May 29, 2025 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, May 29, 2025, 5:30 PM, Zoom/Champlain Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall Category 10. Upcoming Meeting Dates Department Council and Board Type Recommended Action Page 3 of 75 11. Adjournment Subject 11.1. Motion to adjourn Meeting May 29, 2025 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, May 29, 2025, 5:30 PM, Zoom/Champlain Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall Category 11. Adjournment Department Council and Board Type Recommended Action 12. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements Subject 12.1. This agenda is available in alternative formats upon request. For more information on access, call Lori Olberg, Licensing, Voting and Records Coordinator (802-865-7136)(TTY 802-865-7142). Persons with disabilities who require assistance or special arrangements to participate are encouraged to contact 802-865-7000 (voice) or 802-865-7142 (TTY) at least 72 hours in advance so that proper arrangements can be made. The City of Burlington will not tolerate unlawful harassment or discrimination on the basis of political or religious affiliation, race, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, disability, HIV positive status, crime victim status or genetic information. Meeting May 29, 2025 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, May 29, 2025, 5:30 PM, Zoom/Champlain Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall Category 12. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements Department Council and Board Type Page 4 of 75  Public Safety Committee Thursday, March 20, 2025 Remote via Zoom/In-Person in Queen City Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall, Burlington, Vermont DRAFT MINUTES Members Present: Melo Grant (Chair), Mark Barlow, Buddy Singh Staff Present: Hayley McClenahan (Assistant City Attorney), Michael LaChance (Fire Chief), Shawn Burke (Interim Police Chief), Lacey Smith (Assistant Director of CAIP) Public Present: Erin Malone, Chris Haessly, Sarah George Meeting called to order at 5:33 PM by Councilor Grant. 1. Adopt the Agenda 1.01 Adopt the Agenda Motion to Adopt Agenda as written. Motion by Councilor Barlow, Seconded by Councilor Singh Final Resolution: Motion Passes Yes: Unanimous 2. Chair Opening Remarks 2.01 Chair Opening Remarks Councilor Grant welcomed the new iteration of the Committee, announced that meetings will be hybrid from now on, and talked about Committee goals for this council year. No action was taken. 3. Adopt Minutes 3.01 Motion to Adopt Draft Minutes from March 20, 2025 No action was taken. 4. Public Forum 4.01 Verbal Comments Erin Malone of Ward 2 Public shared various incidents and activity occurring around their business and home in the last two weeks. Prabin of Ward 2 voiced concerns for the same area of Hyde St as the previous speaker. Public forum closed at 5:52. Page 1 of 3 Page 5 of 75 5. Fire Department Reports/Update 5.01 Fire Department Reports/Update Chief LaChance reviewed the latest Fire Commission report. No action was taken. 6. Conversation with Police Department’s Interim Chief Burke Chief Burke discussed his goals for BPD with the Committee. State’s Attorney Sarah George spoke with the Committee regarding the State’s Attorney’s Office’s partnership with BPD. 6.01 Recruitment/Retention Strategies 6.01.01 $37,000 video status? No action was taken. 6.01.02 Digital Advertising/Social Media Vendor No action was taken. 6.01.03 Lateral Transfer Strategy – Can BPD replicate BFD’s success? No action was taken. 6.01.04 Recruiting team updates No action was taken. 6.02 Reports/Data - Potential Changes No action was taken. 6.03 What if BPD is federalized? ICE assistance? No action was taken. 6.04 CNA Recommendations – DD40? Status of Directives No action was taken. 6.05 Website Improvements No action was taken. 6.06 Community Academy Page 2 of 3 Page 6 of 75 No action was taken. 7. CAIP Updates 7.01 CAIP Updates Assistant Director Smith reviewed CAIP’s latest updates with the Committee. No action was taken. 8. Police Commission Partnership – CNA Recommendations Review 8.01 Police Commission Partnership – CNA Recommendations Review Councilor Grant discussed the nature of ongoing discussion with the Police Commission Chair to define how the two bodies can support one another. No action was taken. 9. Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak Community Safety Press Conferences 9.01 Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak Community Safety Press Conferences Councilor Grant noted Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak is hosting monthly Community Safety Press Conferences that are available on the city website and YouTube. No action was taken. 10. Overdose Prevention Center 10.01 Overdose Prevention Center Councilor Grant recommended the public watch the work session at the last City Council meeting on 4/14 for updates on the Overdose Prevention Center. No action was taken. 11. Future Meetings - Hybrid 11.01 Future Meetings - Hybrid The Committee discussed what dates and times work best for a regular meeting date. No action was taken. 12. Adjournment 12.01 Motion to Adjourn The meeting was adjourned with no objection by Councilor Grant at 7:23 PM. Page 3 of 3 Page 7 of 75  MEMO #2025-07 TO: Recruitment Division FROM: Shawn P. Burke, Interim Chief of Police VIA: Brian LaBarge, Deputy Chief of Administration Shannon Trammell, Executive Manager SUBJECT: Recruitment Strategy Objectives 1. Increase awareness and appeal for career opportunities with the Burlington Police Department. 2. Build trust and engagement through authentic testimonials and local community involvement. 3. Increase qualified applications through a multi-channel approach leveraging digital and in- person efforts. Social Media Strategy with Testimonials Goal: Build credibility and showcase workplace culture through real stories. Actions: • Employee Testimonial o Video series of 30-40 second clips featuring diverse employees sharing why they joined, what they like about the role, and their growth stories. o Share across LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook using hashtags like #LifeAtBurligotnPD, #BPDCareers. • Community Testimonials o Feature stories from residents, business community, and local organizations which BPD serves. The Burlington Business Association has members prepared to provide testimonials. o Align messaging with values like inclusion, impact, purpose, and the importance of policing. • Content Calendar – Aligned with VPA Hiring Cycle o Bi-Weekly posts highlighting different employees, divisions, special units, and behind- the-scenes moments. o Monthly "Day in the Life" Facebook / Instagram Reels. Page 8 of 75  o Burlington Business & Workforce Development can help with content creation and social media management strategies. Targeted Digital Advertising – Simpli.Fi Goal: Reach specific candidate segments with tailored messaging. Actions: • Platforms: LinkedIn Ads, Facebook, Instagram, Google Display Network. • Targeting: o Demographic: Students and recent grads (18-26), early-career professionals. o Geographic: Within 50 miles of colleges with Criminal Justice or parallel programs e.g. University of Vermont, Champlain College, Norwich University, St. Michael’s College, Castleton State, Lyndon State, Plattsburg State, Westfield State. o Behavioral: Job seekers, people interested in similar employers or career paths. • Ad Content: o Use short-form videos from testimonials. o Highlight entry-level roles, internship programs, and career development opportunities. o Include clear call to action (e.g., “Apply Now,” “Meet Us On Campus”). • Retargeting: Serve follow-up ads to users who’ve visited the careers page or engaged with social posts. In-Person College Community Events Goal: Create strong personal connections with students and faculty. Actions: • Career Fairs & Pop-Ups o Attend on-campus recruitment events. o Host branded booths with interactive elements (e.g., photo wall, company swag, quick resume reviews). • Ambassadors o Identify current BPD employees who are alumni of specific institutions to represent the organization at career fairs. • Company Open Houses / Shadow Days o Invite potential applicants to visit the workplace or participate in virtual job shadowing. Page 9 of 75  o Workplace visits should include an in-person meeting with a member of Command Staff, ride-alongs, and facility tour. • Workshops & Sponsorships o Partner with institution staff for potential pop-up testing and / or guest lectures opportunities. o Examine areas for engagement with local college level sports teams. Measurement & Optimization Key Metrics to Track: • Social media engagement (likes, shares, comments, saves) • Website and careers page traffic (especially from ad sources) • Cost per application (CPA) from advertisement expenditures • Number of qualified applicants per channel • Event attendance and student feedback • Campus reach and referral volume Potential Tools to Use: Google Analytics, Meta Ads Manager, LinkedIn Campaign Manager, Application data – How did you learn about BPD? Other Opportunities • Vermont National Guard PRIME Program o PRIME aligns Soldiers, Airmen, and their dependents with civilian employers through direct communication via email, in-person briefs, and word of mouth. PRIME ensures qualified service members interested in a company are guaranteed an interview by the employer, nothing more. PRIME also ensures the Vermont Guard works hard to distribute employer information to employment-seeking service members. • Beach & Parks o Target local college / area residents for this employment opportunity. o Identify sworn officer mentors for Beach & Parks employees o Look for intentional ways for Beach & Parks employees to see the work of sworn officers firsthand. o Stay in touch – Chief of Police thank you notes in the fall; mentors make contact in early winter during recruitment efforts for the summer VPA class. • Interface with City HR o Training and professional development opportunities for BPD recruitment team. o Resources available from HR which could add value to the BPD initiative. Page 10 of 75 April 25th, 2025 Chief’s Report – Burlington Police Commission Personnel: The agency is carrying vacant positions in the Emergency Communications Center, Police Officer ranks, Community Service Officers, and the CAIP. Our recruitment team is hard at work processing sixteen police officer applicants, which is a strong number. The applicants are at various stages in the hiring process, one job offer has been extended to a police officer applicant. Police Officer and CSO application data is encouraging, the hiring process is rigorous: The department continues to respond to incidents leveraging all elements of the organization: Sworn, CSO, CAIP, and community partners like Street Outreach. Within the set there are no trends of significance. Page 11 of 75 Sworn personnel are attending to numerous incidents which culminate with arrest. An open data question under exploration – what categories of criminal arrest drove the sharp increase 2022 – 2023? The department remains focused on responses to incidents related to unmet social service needs: These data sets are of interest in evaluating how the City invests in social service provision. Currently the police department budget supports the Howard Center Street Outreach Team and the BPD Crisis, Advocacy, Intervention Program to better address these incidents. It is Page 12 of 75 important to note that often the initial response to many of these incidents involve a police officer due to reported danger acuity. The department has been meeting with the leadership of the Fire Department and the Administration to examine demands on City services related to substance use disorder. Our goal - using our combined resources with improved efficacy and efficiency. An example of initial data exploration: The line “BPD calls for service potential overdose” highlight the public’s perception of increased drug consumption in public places. EMS data accounts for the actual number of incidents which involved substance use. In closing, I have just completed my first 30 days with BPD. I have had the opportunity to hold one on one meetings with ninety percent of BPD’s formal leaders, several City Councilors, and a variety of other community stakeholders. This is also a busy season in terms of budget and collective bargaining. I look forward to adding dimensions to this monthly report - department training, specific incidents, data analysis, employee accomplishments, etc. It’s my distinct honor to serve as the City’s Interim Chief of Police. Page 13 of 75  Burlington Fire Department Response Data Updated Through 04/30/2025 Page 14 of 75  FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONSE TOTALS CALENDAR YEAR UPDATED THROUGH 04/30/2025 1 year ago Current YTD Projected EOY 11005 11021 10719 9864 8306 8408 8032 7819 7521 3524 3271 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Page 15 of 75  695 762 JAN 786 908 615 724 FEB 825 887 734 749 MAR 866 838 762 924 APR 794 866 902 917 MAY 857 850 937 JUNE 979 949 1057 JULY 1102 883 1066 AUG 1119 2022 - 2025 RESPONSES BY MONTH 919 1102 SEPT 999 953 1054 OCT 1004 784 879 NOV 890 837 834 808 PageD E16 C of 75 Data is for “confirmed” overdoses as reported by the ambulance crew on their state EMS run form. Page 17 of 75 Data is for “confirmed” overdoses as reported by the ambulance crew on their state EMS run form. Page 18 of 75 Confirmed overdoses by month as reported on state EMS run forms. Page 19 of 75 Page 20 of 75 BFD Community Response Team (CRT) Results since rollout 10/16/2023 Page 21 of 75  Total Filings Total by Average by Average 2023 2023 2023 2024 2024 2024 2024 2024 2024 2024 2025 2025 2025 2025 2025 2025 2025 COUNTY County County Percentile October November December January February 2024 March 2024 April 2024 May 2024 June 2024 July August September October November December January February 2025 March 2025 April 2025 May 2025 June 2025 July August September October November December Addison 757 39.84 23.00% 33 45 31 30 28 33 26 46 22 43 40 40 45 48 49 63 43 37 55 Bennington 1,841 96.89 61.50% 82 89 72 128 101 84 96 126 97 130 118 147 123 73 68 87 66 78 76 Caledonia 954 50.21 38.40% 68 54 73 67 48 39 48 43 31 36 45 57 38 47 48 62 41 55 54 Chittenden 4,677 246.16 100.00% 241 263 244 312 220 283 261 227 257 203 272 242 295 220 237 202 196 238 264 Essex 152 8.00 7.60% 10 4 13 7 8 13 12 12 8 6 6 6 6 4 7 12 3 7 8 Franklin 2,124 111.79 76.90% 122 87 96 116 102 106 97 123 115 132 112 126 155 94 133 104 78 113 113 Grand Isle 82 4.32 0.00% 16 3 5 1 2 1 6 5 7 4 7 2 3 3 1 0 3 7 6 Lamoille 822 43.26 30.70% 40 38 53 54 38 40 41 51 40 45 55 45 30 59 40 38 31 31 53 Orange 626 32.95 15.30% 26 21 18 28 31 45 30 43 23 35 30 33 32 77 22 38 33 32 29 Orleans 1,355 71.32 46.10% 64 58 57 85 59 76 69 91 72 78 74 96 86 86 53 71 67 56 57 Rutland 2,298 120.95 84.60% 139 96 107 122 116 140 134 119 124 146 128 133 109 89 103 101 138 123 131 Washington 2,377 125.11 92.30% 157 157 113 121 105 90 121 110 70 135 146 154 123 120 136 151 129 100 139 Windham 2,046 107.68 69.20% 97 104 91 90 84 111 103 109 111 135 85 142 142 85 104 114 99 121 119 Windsor 1,402 73.79 53.80% 79 72 68 74 48 55 58 77 77 79 87 94 76 50 74 95 90 70 79 Monthly Total 1,174 1,091 1,041 1,235 990 1,116 1,102 1,182 1,054 1,207 1,205 1,317 1,263 1,055 1,075 1,138 1,017 1,068 1,183 - - - - - - - - 2024 Total 1,235 2,225 3,341 4,443 5,625 6,679 7,886 9,091 10,408 11,671 12,726 13,801 2025 Total 1,138 2,155 3,223 4,406 4,406 4,406 4,406 4,406 4,406 4,406 4,406 4,406 Running total 2,265 3,306 4,541 5,531 6,647 7,749 8,931 9,985 11,192 12,397 13,714 14,977 16,032 Total by Average by County County 10th Percentile 294.2 15.48 20th Percentile 704.6 37.08 30th Percentile 815.5 42.92 40th Percentile 1034.2 54.43 50th Percentile 1378.5 72.55 60th Percentile 1753.2 92.27 70th Percentile 2053.8 108.09 80th Percentile 2193.6 115.45 90th Percentile 2353.3 123.86 100th Percentile 4677 246.16 Page 22 of 75  Misdemeanor Filings Total by Average by Average 2023 2024 2024 2024 2024 2024 2024 2024 2025 2025 2025 2025 2025 2025 2025 County County Percentile December January February 2024 March 2024 April 2024 May 2024 June 2024 July August September October November December January February 2025 March 2025 April 2025 May 2025 June 2025 July August September October November December Addison 522 30.71 23.00% 23 25 20 26 19 35 17 32 31 32 37 42 39 50 30 26 38 Bennington 1,128 66.35 61.50% 50 88 65 53 65 95 69 99 76 98 86 47 42 57 35 51 52 Caledonia 645 37.94 38.40% 62 57 34 28 36 36 26 31 34 48 31 35 39 45 28 37 38 Chittenden 3,228 189.88 100.00% 193 247 179 228 207 173 193 135 210 183 237 180 185 147 148 189 194 Essex 88 5.18 7.60% 6 5 5 9 7 5 6 3 4 4 5 2 6 9 1 4 7 Franklin 1,570 92.35 84.60% 78 93 79 96 79 104 95 106 91 94 133 75 109 84 68 88 98 Grand Isle 45 2.65 0.00% 5 1 1 1 3 5 6 4 4 2 1 0 0 0 3 7 2 Lamoille 567 33.35 30.70% 38 39 30 25 30 41 30 34 48 33 20 46 32 30 27 19 45 Orange 429 25.24 15.30% 13 21 21 37 22 28 18 28 17 24 20 59 15 32 28 24 22 Orleans 971 57.12 53.80% 44 66 44 62 55 76 59 54 61 83 71 71 40 44 51 45 45 Rutland 1,539 90.53 76.90% 75 101 89 96 92 93 92 108 95 100 86 60 81 75 108 87 101 Washington 1,624 95.53 92.30% 76 92 86 63 92 87 56 98 130 126 93 92 109 111 113 81 119 Windham 1,462 86.00 69.20% 73 77 68 88 81 88 89 103 62 115 115 74 81 88 76 89 95 Windsor 921 54.18 46.10% 54 50 39 39 44 53 50 60 62 68 56 38 49 69 70 57 63 Monthly Total 790 962 760 851 832 919 806 895 925 1,010 991 821 827 841 786 804 919 - - - - - - - - 2024 Running total 962 1,722 2,573 3,405 4,324 5,130 6,025 6,950 7,960 8,951 9,772 10,599 2025 Running total 841 1627 2431 3350 3350 3350 3350 3350 3350 3350 3350 3350 Running total 1,752 2,512 3,363 4,195 5,114 5,920 6,815 7,740 8,750 9,741 10,562 11,389 12,230 13,016 13,820 14,739 14,739 14,739 14,739 14,739 14,739 14,739 14,739 14,739 Total by Average by County County 10th Percentile 190.3 11.19 20th Percentile 484.8 28.52 30th Percentile 562.5 33.09 40th Percentile 700.2 41.19 50th Percentile 946 55.65 60th Percentile 1096.6 64.51 70th Percentile 1469.7 86.45 80th Percentile 1551.4 91.26 90th Percentile 1607.8 94.58 100th Percentile 3228 189.88 Page 23 of 75  Felony Filings Total by Average by Average 2023 2024 2024 2024 2024 2024 2024 2024 2025 2025 2025 2025 2025 2025 2025 county County Percentile December January February 2024 March 2024 April 2024 May 2024 June 2024 July August September October November December January February 2025 March 2025 April 2025 May 2025 June 2025 July August September October November December Addison 156 9.18 23.00% 8 5 8 7 7 11 5 11 9 8 8 6 10 13 13 11 16 Bennington 542 31.88 92.30% 22 40 36 31 31 31 28 31 42 49 37 26 26 30 31 27 24 Caledonia 187 11.00 38.40% 11 10 14 11 12 7 5 5 11 9 7 12 9 17 13 18 16 Chittenden 945 55.59 100.00% 51 65 41 55 54 54 64 68 62 59 58 40 52 55 48 49 70 Essex 50 2.94 7.60% 7 2 3 4 5 7 2 3 2 2 1 2 1 3 2 3 1 Franklin 355 20.88 61.50% 18 23 23 10 18 19 20 36 21 32 22 19 24 20 10 25 15 Grand Isle 18 1.06 0.00% 0 0 1 0 3 0 1 0 3 0 2 3 1 0 0 0 4 Lamoille 177 10.41 30.70% 15 15 8 15 11 10 10 11 7 12 10 13 8 8 4 12 8 Orange 150 8.82 15.30% 5 7 10 8 8 15 5 7 13 9 12 18 7 6 5 8 7 Orleans 262 15.41 46.10% 13 19 15 14 14 15 13 24 13 13 15 15 13 27 16 11 12 Rutland 524 30.82 84.60% 32 21 27 44 42 26 32 38 33 33 23 29 22 26 30 36 30 Washington 439 25.82 76.90% 37 29 19 27 29 23 14 37 16 28 30 28 27 40 16 19 20 Windham 383 22.53 69.20% 18 13 16 23 22 21 22 32 23 27 27 11 23 26 23 32 24 Windsor 330 19.41 53.80% 14 24 9 16 14 24 27 19 25 26 20 12 25 26 20 13 16 Monthly Total 251 273 230 265 270 263 248 322 280 307 272 234 248 297 231 264 263 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2024 Running total 273 503 768 1038 1301 1549 1871 2151 2458 2730 2964 3212 2025 Running total 297 528 792 1055 1055 1055 1055 1055 1055 1055 1055 1055 Running total 524 754 1,019 1,289 1,552 1,800 2,122 2,402 2,709 2,981 3,215 3,463 3,760 3,991 4,255 4,518 4,518 4,518 4,518 4,518 4,518 4,518 4,518 4,518 Total by Average by County County 10th Percentile 80 4.71 20th Percentile 153.6 9.04 30th Percentile 174.9 10.29 40th Percentile 202 11.88 50th Percentile 296 17.41 60th Percentile 350 20.59 70th Percentile 388.6 22.86 80th Percentile 473 27.82 90th Percentile 536.6 31.56 100th Percentile 945 55.59 Page 24 of 75  # of months over 100% Clearance 2022 2023 2023 2023 2023 2023 2023 2023 2024 2024 2024 2024 2024 2024 2024 2025 2025 Rate December January February 2023 March 2023 April 2023 May 2023 June 2023 July August September October November December January February 2024 March 2024 April 2024 May 2024 June 2024 July August September October November December January February 2025 March 2025 April Addison 12 207% 69% 133% 300% 91% 75% 98% 89% 62% 76% 111% 86% 85% 131% 105% 143% 202% 85% 87% 90% 84% 133% 79% 69% 103% 61% 112% 148% 71% Bennington 15 59% 97% 132% 62% 92% 111% 65% 95% 88% 88% 128% 101% 130% 95% 129% 139% 128% 126% 98% 97% 77% 91% 144% 150% 100% 134% 217% 132% 108% Caledonia 15 93% 63% 85% 200% 197% 179% 71% 72% 99% 130% 94% 98% 75% 97% 100% 241% 152% 145% 131% 75% 91% 105% 124% 117% 71% 107% 133% 104% 117% Chittenden 15 75% 114% 67% 105% 122% 83% 80% 107% 69% 118% 88% 78% 95% 114% 86% 109% 104% 126% 104% 126% 85% 127% 100% 78% 92% 123% 83% 106% 95% Essex 14 114% 85% 136% 325% 94% 125% 65% 78% 77% 108% 100% 183% 150% 75% 147% 59% 70% 70% 94% 60% 95% 129% 159% 213% 120% 88% 143% 80% 153% Franklin 10 128% 101% 91% 217% 105% 62% 135% 111% 89% 80% 99% 140% 85% 71% 84% 84% 114% 98% 85% 65% 90% 66% 79% 97% 77% 82% 85% 119% 109% Grand Isle 16 100% 120% 110% 85% 64% 72% 130% 263% 67% 75% 55% 240% 113% 138% 267% 160% 171% 163% 44% 25% 130% 129% 90% 100% 525% 350% 143% 69% 78% Lamoille 16 74% 57% 95% 85% 191% 239% 119% 154% 113% 102% 179% 166% 87% 134% 157% 68% 147% 96% 76% 112% 78% 135% 117% 58% 79% 203% 121% 95% 78% Orange 12 83% 65% 94% 86% 88% 90% 94% 58% 56% 90% 122% 161% 178% 138% 103% 65% 106% 127% 115% 111% 48% 102% 96% 80% 89% 77% 107% 89% 117% Orleans 21 59% 75% 75% 147% 101% 83% 114% 68% 115% 109% 145% 96% 110% 93% 173% 110% 117% 112% 126% 180% 114% 166% 91% 124% 131% 106% 132% 122% 141% Rutland 25 142% 108% 106% 114% 153% 117% 109% 105% 138% 160% 115% 123% 136% 133% 145% 122% 123% 111% 121% 96% 78% 123% 113% 157% 95% 92% 135% 115% 106% Washington 12 124% 147% 122% 114% 83% 107% 91% 64% 109% 97% 98% 87% 90% 115% 107% 96% 103% 121% 129% 93% 85% 63% 91% 71% 62% 74% 75% 113% 76% Windham 13 124% 101% 112% 275% 117% 104% 64% 92% 93% 97% 108% 119% 93% 99% 113% 73% 105% 73% 89% 88% 130% 77% 92% 120% 81% 90% 88% 117% 90% Windsor 14 121% 84% 130% 136% 111% 129% 73% 98% 111% 109% 102% 122% 79% 102% 99% 105% 83% 88% 90% 74% 70% 102% 98% 110% 89% 96% 87% 81% 106% Counties over 100% Clearance Rate 7 6 8 10 8 8 5 5 5 7 8 9 6 8 10 8 12 8 6 4 3 10 6 7 4 6 9 9 8 Number of Months in Dataset 29 Mean # of Counties with CR over 100% 7.2413793 Page 25 of 75  CRIMINAL BACKLOG INFORMATION 5.1.25 Pending cases by county: COUNTY NEW NEW TOTAL Under Near dispo Over N/A** Total Clearance rate FELONIES MISD CASES dispo guideline * dispo Pending For past month FILED FILED FILED guidelines guideline Cases Addison 16 38 55 262 43 61 29 395 71% Bennington 24 52 76 389 64 232 135 820 108% Caledonia 16 38 54 293 48 440 124 905 117% Chittenden 70 194 264 1,517 200 671 235 2,623 95% Essex 1 7 8 79 14 65 24 182 153% Franklin 15 98 113 837 104 266 105 1312 109% Grand Isle 4 2 6 17 14 13 0 44 78% Lamoille 8 45 53 243 28 105 92 468 78% Orange 7 22 29 189 35 121 26 371 117% Orleans 12 45 57 301 60 460 73 894 141% Rutland 30 101 131 664 90 456 129 1339 106% Washington 20 119 139 862 117 358 200 1537 76% Windham 24 95 119 632 105 591 145 1473 90% Windsor 16 63 79 465 50 279 132 926 106% Totals: 263 919 1182 6750 972 4118 1449 13289 99% * The “Near” category is intended as an alert that a case is close to the time to disposition goal when active days are in this range. It is the interval between 0.75 of the disposition guideline and the disposition. For example, if the disposition guideline is 120 days, near would be 90 – 120 days, under would be less than 90 days and over would be greater than 120 days. ** “N/A” is an abbreviation for not applicable. The Judiciary utilizes a data tool, CORE, for measuring disposition time. The implementation of disposition guidelines in CORE is focused on the interval between case filing and entry of judgment for Court Statistics Project (CSP) case types having a disposition guideline. Circumstances where a case would have a guideline status of “n/a” would include reopened disposition (aka post judgment) or a case type with no disposition guideline. (These are predominantly VOP cases) Page 26 of 75  Division Civil Criminal Environmental Family Judicial Probate Bureau Clearanc Clearanc Clearance Clearanc Clearanc Clearanc StatewideCourt_CC Unit e Rate e Rate Rate e Rate e Rate e Rate Superior Court Total 124% 99% 97% 104% Addison 119% 71% 97% 75% Bennington 112% 108% 136% 137% Caledonia 155% 117% 124% 223% Chittenden 150% 95% 102% 131% Essex 125% 153% 83% 75% Franklin 127% 109% 68% 231% Grand Isle 275% 78% 100% 50% Lamoille 123% 78% 80% 108% Orange 100% 117% 106% 32% Orleans 163% 141% 100% 158% Rutland 132% 106% 80% 90% Washington 77% 76% 109% 61% Windham 89% 90% 99% 89% Windsor 110% 106% 93% 68% Statewide Courts Total 133% 99% Environmental 133% Judicial Bureau 99% Total 124% 99% 133% 97% 99% 104% Page 27 of 75  Comparison of pending case values from 3-1-23 to 05-1-25 Percent Ranked change in change in Total over over percent Disposition disposition Total change in guidelines cases based Pending Total case volume Ranked cases from 3-on Under dispo Near dispo Over dispo (per pending from 3-1-23 total change 1-23 to 05-1- percentage COUNTY guidelines guideline * guideline N/A** judiciary) (per math) to 05-1-25 in volume 25 reduction Addison 151 21 -133 -82 -43 -43 -10% 12 -69% 5 Bennington 122 -25 -723 -160 -786 -786 -49% 5 -76% 3 Caledonia 98 3 -627 -167 -693 -693 -43% 6 -59% 8 Chittenden 679 -27 -850 -342 -270 -540 -17% 9 -56% 9 Essex 53 6 -99 -46 -86 -86 -32% 7 -60% 7 Franklin 536 32 -209 -251 108 108 9% 14 -44% 12 Grand Isle -3 9 -57 -21 -72 -72 -62% 1 -81% 2 Lamoille 41 -23 -670 -42 -694 -694 -60% 2 -86% 1 Orange 84 18 -77 -76 -51 -51 -12% 11 -39% 13 Orleans 75 -12 -848 -148 -933 -933 -51% 3 -65% 6 Rutland 286 -29 -1291 -317 -1351 -1351 -50% 4 -74% 4 Washington 566 45 -331 -277 3 3 0% 13 -48% 11 Windham 370 18 -331 -314 -259 -257 -15% 10 -36% 14 Windsor 213 -7 -304 -188 -286 -286 -24% 8 -52% 10 Total 3271 29 -6550 -2431 -5413 -5681 Page 28 of 75  Planning for Site Selection: Overdose Prevention Center (OPC) in Burlington The City of Burlington, in partnership with Vermonters for Criminal Justice Reform (VCJR), is in the very earliest stages of implementing an Overdose Prevention Center. No site has been selected, and formal planning for site selection has not yet begun. Our first steps involve collaboration with police, fire, and EMS services, laying the groundwork for a thoughtful, data and community-informed approach. What to Expect: Commitment to You: Your Voice Matters A Community-Driven Process We recognize that people may have questions, As required by Act 178 (2024) and the Vermont concerns, or strong opinions. Whether you're in Department of Health OPC Operating Guidelines, support or feeling uncertain, your input is the City and VCJR will launch a comprehensive important. Service Assessment, including a Neighborhood Assessment and robust public engagement, We are committed to: before any site decisions are made. This process will include: ✅ Ensuring transparency Engagement with people who will use the ✅ Uplifting community feedback Center. Listening sessions with residents, ✅ Reducing neighborhood impact businesses, and stakeholders. ✅ Integrating safety & public health best Community forums and NPA (Neighborhood practices Planning Assembly) presentations later this summer. Transparent communication about potential locations, safety concerns, accessibility, and design features. A formal Service Assessment Report that Site Selection Will Prioritize: summarizes community feedback and informs the final plan, submitted to the Vermont Department of Health at least 90 days before operations can begin. Accessibility to people most impacted by City Council approval. overdose Proximity to existing social and health services Public safety and neighborhood considerations Zoning, ADA compliance, and design Stay Engaged standards Mitigation of syringe litter and outdoor Theresa Vezina use Email: tvezina@burlingtonvt.gov Page 30 of 75  Published September 2024 Vermont Overdose Prevention Center Operating Guidelines Published September 2024 1 Page 31 of 75 Table of Contents I. Introduction .........................................................................................................................3 A. Authority ..........................................................................................................................3 B. Purpose ...........................................................................................................................3 C. Definitions .......................................................................................................................3 II. Management ........................................................................................................................5 A. Administrative Body..........................................................................................................5 B. Required Policies and Procedures.....................................................................................6 C. Data Reporting and Evaluation. .........................................................................................9 III. Operations ......................................................................................................................... 13 A. Hours of Operation ......................................................................................................... 13 B. Records Content and Maintenance. ................................................................................ 14 C. Confidentiality................................................................................................................ 15 D. Infection Control ............................................................................................................ 15 E. Physical Space ............................................................................................................... 16 F. Equipment and Supplies ................................................................................................. 18 G. Security ......................................................................................................................... 19 H. Emergency Protocols...................................................................................................... 20 IV. Staff and Training............................................................................................................ 21 A. Staffing .......................................................................................................................... 21 B. Staff ............................................................................................................................... 21 C. Training .............................................................................................................................. 24 V. Provision of Services .......................................................................................................... 26 A. Rights of Participants...................................................................................................... 26 B. Participant Eligibility ....................................................................................................... 27 C. Participant Orientation ................................................................................................... 28 VI. Required Services........................................................................................................... 28 2 Page 32 of 75 I. Introduction A. Authority i. These Operating Guidelines (“Guidelines”) for Overdose Prevention Centers have been developed by the Vermont Department of Health in accordance with Act 178 (2024). B. Purpose ii. These Guidelines apply to all entities establishing or operating an Overdose Prevention Center. iii. The purpose of the Guidelines is to establish requirements for operating an Overdose Prevention Center in Vermont, and to provide administrative instructions and best practice recommendations for doing so. C. Definitions i. “ASAM” means the American Society of Addiction Medicine. ii. “Code of Conduct” means a set of guidelines that establishes the expected behaviors and standards at the Overdose Prevention Center. iii. “De-Escalation” means a set of techniques that Staff may use to reduce Participant agitation or aggression, while also improving Participant-Staff relationships. iv. “Department” means the Vermont Department of Health. v. “Fixed Site” means an Overdose Prevention Center that operates at a permanent location inside of a building. vi. “Grievance” means an expression of dissatisfaction about any matter. vii. “Hazardous Waste” means waste that can harm people or the environment if not managed and handled properly and includes, but is not limited to, syringes, needles, blades, razors, unused substances, drug residue, chemicals, radioactive materials, and contaminated containers. viii. “Health Care Services” means any treatment or procedure delivered by a licensed health care professional to maintain an individual's physical or mental health or to diagnose or treat an individual's physical or mental health condition, including services ordered by a licensed health care professional, chronic care management, preventive care, wellness services, and medically necessary services to assist in activities of daily living. 3 Page 33 of 75  ix. “HCV” means hepatitis C virus. x. “HIV” means human immunodeficiency virus. xi. “Ineligibility Criteria” means the behaviors, conditions, or other considerations that would make accessing services at an OPC unsafe for the Participant or the staff and the volunteers. xii. “Intervention” means providing a treatment, procedure, or other action to prevent harm, reduce potential harm, or treat or improve the health or wellbeing of an individual. xiii. “Licensed Health Care Professional” means an individual required by law to hold a license, registration, or certification to provide health care services in Vermont. xiv. “Living Experience” means an individual who currently uses substances. xv. “Lived Experience” means an individual who has previously used substances. xvi. “Medical Director” means the Overdose Prevention Center Staff position with the responsibilities set forth in Section IV.B.ii. herein. xvii. “Mobile Site” means an Overdose Prevention Center that can move locations, such as a van or a bus, or a non-permanent unit or short- term unit that operates for less than 180 days. xviii. “Observation” and “Observe” mean to view and monitor the condition of a Participant at no more than five-minute intervals during and after the consumption of a substance. xix. “Opioid antagonist” means a medication that prevents opioid receptors from being activated in the central or peripheral nervous system and can, thereby, block the effects of opioids and treat an opioid overdose. xx. “Overamping” means an overdose-like experience related to stimulants and can include both physical and psychological symptoms. xxi. “Overdose Prevention Center” or “OPC” means an organization providing the facilities and services described in 18 V.S.A. § 4256(a). xxii. “Overdose Prevention Center Director” or “OPC Director” means the Overdose Prevention Center Staff position with the responsibilities set forth in Section IV.B.iii. herein. xxiii. “Overdose Prevention Center Managing Personnel” or “OPC Managing Personnel” means the Medical Director, OPC Director, RPIC, and any other personnel designated by the Administrative Body as a member of the OPC Managing Personnel. xxiv. “Participant” means each unique individual using the services provided by an Overdose Prevention Center. 4 Page 34 of 75  xxv. “Participant Visit” means each time a Participant enters the Overdose Prevention Center. xxvi. “Responsible Person in Charge” or “RPIC” means the Overdose Prevention Center Staff position with the responsibilities set forth in Section IV.B.v. herein. xxvii. “Reportable and Communicable Diseases” means identified diseases, syndromes, and treatments identified in the Vermont’s Reportable and Communicable Diseases Rules that must be reported to the Department. The Reportable and Communicable Diseases Rule can be found on the Health Department’s website. xxviii. “Staff” means individuals employed by or contracting with the Overdose Prevention Center to provide services at the Overdose Prevention Center. xxix. “STI” means sexually transmitted infection. xxx. “Termination” means ending the ability for a Participant to access services at the Overdose Prevention Center. xxxi. “Total Visits” means the total number of Participant Visits, as that term is defined above. II. Management A. Administrative Body i. Each Overdose Prevention Center must have an Administrative Body. ii. If an established organization is operating an Overdose Prevention Center and the established organization has an existing Administrative Body (e.g., a Board of Directors), the established organization’s existing Administrative Body may serve as the Administrative Body for the Overdose Prevention Center. iii. The Administrative Body shall have procedures governing the role and function of the Administrative Body, including procedures establishing a meeting schedule for the Administrative Body. iv. Duties 1. Each Overdose Prevention Center shall have an Administrative Body that is ultimately responsible for a. Development and maintenance of the policies and procedures set forth in Section II.B., herein; b. Management and control of the finances and operations of the Overdose Prevention Center; 5 Page 35 of 75  c. Assurance of quality care and services; d. Compliance with these Operating Guidelines and all other applicable laws; and e. Maintenance of all relevant health and safety requirements, including ensuring that the Overdose Prevention Center maintains the necessary levels of qualified Staff, physical resources, financial reserves, equipment, supplies, and services to ensure the health and safety of the Staff, volunteers, and Participants. B. Required Policies and Procedures i. In consultation with community partners, individuals with Living and Lived Experience, OPC Management Personnel, and others, the Administrative Body shall develop new policies and procedures or adapt and revise existing policies and procedures to address the following topics as they relate to the Overdose Prevention Center: 1. Employment and Staff Contracting, including a. Job descriptions for OPC Staff that include, at a minimum, the responsibilities set forth in Section IV, herein; b. Qualifications, education, training, and experience Staff members must hold to provide care to a Participant, specific, where necessary, for each service provided at the Overdose Prevention Center and consistent with Section IV, herein; c. A determination of whether to perform criminal background checks and state and federal registry checks and, if so, how to account for results in hiring determinations; and d. Codes of ethics and conduct for volunteers and employees. 2. Quality assurance and assessment, including evaluations of Staff competence, Overdose Prevention Center compliance with these operating guidelines, and Overdose Prevention Center responsiveness to community needs; 3. Volunteer roles and training requirements; 4. The Medical Director role, including number of hours required to be present at the OPC site and on-call responsibilities; 5. Conflict of interest policy and protocol for the Administrative Body, Staff, and volunteers; 6 Page 36 of 75 6. Budget development, fiscal management, and financial record keeping; 7. Fiscal audits and oversight; 8. Services to be provided at the Overdose Prevention Center, which shall include those services set forth in Section VI, herein; 9. Participant orientation, including the timing of such an orientation and a process for obtaining a Participant’s informed consent for services, as needed; 10. Participant-to-Staff ratios for each Overdose Prevention Center space, ensuring there is at least one Overdose Prevention Specialist for every four Participants in consumption and post-consumption spaces; 11. Environmental management and establishment of environmental controls to assure a safe, comfortable, sanitary environment. Such a policy shall include requirements addressing the cleaning of surfaces that may be contaminated with leftover drug residue and/or hazardous waste and the infection control procedures set forth in the OPC’s Infection Control and Infectious Disease Prevention policies; 12. Infection control and infectious disease prevention, as informed by the Medical Director, in compliance with state and federal laws, and including those requirements set forth in Section III.D., herein; 13. Reporting of Reportable and Communicable Diseases to the Health Department, consistent with the Reportable and Communicable Diseases Rule; 14. Participant navigation of the Overdose Prevention Center spaces, as informed by the Overdose Prevention Center Director; 15. Security measures for the Overdose Prevention Center, which shall address the unique needs of Participants, Staff, and volunteers and shall include those requirements set forth in Section III.G.; 16. Hazardous waste management, handling, and disposal; 17. Emergency response, including responding to overdoses for opioids, stimulants, and other substances; 18. Coordination with local emergency medical services ensuring that the policy and procedure are agreed upon with local emergency medical services; 7 Page 37 of 75 19. Coordination with local hospitals that may receive transported Participants, ensuring that the policy and procedure are agreed upon with the local hospitals; 20. Engagement with local fire and law enforcement services, ensuring that local fire and law enforcement have been consulted about how the Overdose Prevention Center will engage with local fire and law enforcement; 21. Collection of Participant information and assignment of a non- identifiable Participant ID in accordance with Sections II.C., V.C., and VI; 22. Staff access to Participant records, including how often and for what purposes Staff may access a Participant’s records. Such a policy shall limit Staff access to Participant records to the minimum necessary to provide safe and effective services to the Participant and to protect the Staff; 23. Participant record keeping requirements, including those requirements set forth in Section II.C.v.1. and those set forth in VI.ii., regarding referrals; 24. Confidentiality requirements, including those requirements set forth in Section III.c.i.; 25. Data collection and reporting requirements, including those requirements set forth in Section II.C.; 26. Data sharing to inform the Department of Health’s evaluation efforts as set forth in Section II.C.; 27. Data security measures including safeguarding against security breaches; 28. Participant Ineligibility Criteria and Participant screening, including those requirements set forth in Section V.B.; 29. Provision of services to Participants younger than 18-years- old, ensuring compliance with state and federal laws regarding access to and the provision of medical and nonmedical treatment for substance use for minors; 30. A Code of Conduct governing Participant conduct in the OPC while participating in OPC services; 31. Consequences for violating the Code of Conduct, striving to ensure Participants remain eligible for Overdose Prevention Center services whenever possible; 32. Termination of Participant access to Overdose Prevention Center services; 33. Grievance processes for Staff, volunteers, and Participants, including processes for Participants who have been excluded 8 Page 38 of 75  from receiving Overdose Prevention Center services due to a violation of the Code of Conduct; 34. Observation, as that term is defined herein, of Participants during and after use of a substance; 35. Responding to Participants’ carrying guns and violence in the Overdose Prevention Center; 36. Community Service Assessment requirements, including those requirements set forth in Section II.C.iv.; 37. Community outreach to ensure effective and ongoing community engagement; 38. Business internal control documentation; 39. Participant storage requirements, abandoned property, and unclaimed property; 40. Drug disposal by Participants and for drugs left behind; and 41. Adoption of new policies, protocols and procedures, including those identified by OPC Management Personnel. C. Data Reporting and Evaluation. i. Within 10 business days of a request by the Department, the Administrative Body shall provide to the Department the policies and procedures developed by the Administrative Body pursuant to Section II.B. ii. In the interest of ensuring data quality and effective program evaluation, Overdose Prevention Centers shall collect data (e.g., the data specified in Section III.B.) in a manner that is consistent with and aligns with evaluation efforts. iii. Upon request from the Department, the Administrative Body shall provide to the Department a budget and budget narrative of the initial 12-month period of an Overdose Prevention Center. The budget and budget narrative shall include at least the applicable line items from the Division of Substance Use Programs Invoice Template, which can be found on the Department’s website or can be requested from the Department. iv. Service Assessment 1. Prior to opening and operating, an Overdose Prevention Center shall engage individuals with Living Experience from the geographic region to be served through the Overdose Prevention Center to inform the structure and organization of the Overdose Prevention Center’s operation. 9 Page 39 of 75  a. Individuals with Living Experience should be compensated by the Overdose Prevention Center for their time participating in the service assessment process. b. Individuals with Living Experience should be asked the following questions: i. What services would be helpful at the Overdose Prevention Center to help them reduce their risk of overdose? ii. How far would you be willing to travel to use an Overdose Prevention Center? iii. What model would be most accessible: fixed site or mobile site? iv. What location would be best for a fixed site Overdose Prevention Center (if applicable)? v. What locations would be best for a mobile Overdose Prevention Center to be accessed (if applicable)? vi. What days and hours of operation would be ideal for an Overdose Prevention Center? vii. What is your preferred method of consuming substances? viii. What safety measures would need to be in place to ensure a welcoming and accessible environment for an Overdose Prevention Center? ix. What would be the best ways to spread the news or advertise that the Overdose Prevention Center was available? 2. Following the initial engagement with individuals with living experience, an organization shall engage with community partners and other interested parties to help inform the Overdose Prevention Center’s operation. The following sectors shall be engaged through this process: a. Local social service providers; b. Mental health providers; c. Substance use treatment and recovery providers; d. Harm reduction agencies serving the same geographic region; e. Individuals with Lived Experience; f. Law enforcement and public safety agencies; 10 Page 40 of 75  g. Emergency medical services agencies; h. Local hospitals; i. Restorative justice organizations; j. City or town government officials; k. City or town employees, including grounds, road maintenance, sanitation, and park and recreation staff; l. Community-Creating Providers, including, but not limited to, health care providers who support lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer communities, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities, disability communities, and veteran communities; and m. Public transportation providers. 3. Summary findings from these engagement sessions should be documented in a Service Assessment Report, which shall be submitted to the Health Department 90 days prior to opening an Overdose Prevention Center. a. The summary findings must include: i. Summary responses to and findings from the questions asked to individuals with Living Experiences; ii. Summary findings of the engagement sessions with community partners and other interested parties; iii. A list of community partners and other interested parties engaged as part of this process; iv. A description of the target Participant population; v. The potential number of Participants based on local harm reduction service information; vi. Identification of area(s) to locate an Overdose Prevention Center; vii. Type of Proposed Overdose Prevention Center Site (i.e., fixed, mobile, both) viii. Anticipated impact of an Overdose Prevention Center on the community; and ix. Services to be provided at the Overdose Prevention Center. v. Administrative Records and Reports. 1. The Overdose Prevention Center shall maintain administrative records, which shall include the following deidentified data. 11 Page 41 of 75 The data shall be specific to each day the Overdose Prevention Center is open and each day’s data shall be separately documented in the record. a. Number of visits i. Number of Participant Visits (by Participant ID number) ii. Number of Total Visits (by Participant ID number) iii. Total number of visits per day b. Number of Participants by consumption method c. Numbers of services used, including but not limited to: iv. Drug-checking v. HIV/HCV/STI screening vi. Safer-smoke supplies provided vii. Safer-injection supplies provided viii. Safer-snort supplies provided ix. Wound-care supplies provided x. Wound-care first aid provided xi. First aid provided d. Participant Visit times of check-in and check-out e. Overdoses xii. Number of non-fatal overdoses xiii. Number of fatal overdoses a. In Overdose Prevention Center b. During transportation to the local hospital xiv. Number of opioid antagonists used for each overdose (if applicable), including full or partial doses xv. Number of non-opioid antagonist interventions used for opioid overdoses and type of interventions xvi. Number of and type of interventions used for overamping xvii. Number of times emergency services called for an overdose response xviii. Number of times Participant transported to hospital xix. Drug(s) suspected to have resulted in the overdose f. Number of referrals broken down by referral type. 12 Page 42 of 75  2. Each Overdose Prevention Center shall report the above data in aggregate to the Department, monthly for the first 3 months of operation, and then quarterly thereafter. Data shall be reported by the 15th of the month following the end of the reporting period. vi. Act 178 Study 1. Overdose Prevention Centers shall support the Department of Health and its associated contractors in their effort to complete the study described in Act 178, Section 3 (2024) and other evaluation initiatives. Overdose Prevention Centers shall strive to provide data to the Department of Health in a timely manner and to collect the data and additional information requested by the Department and its contractors. vii. Annual Reporting Requirements 1. As required by 18 V.S.A. Sec. 4256(d), the Overdose Prevention Center shall publicly post the following data annually on or before January 15th: a. Number of program Participants; b. Deidentified demographic information of program Participants; c. Number of overdoses and the number of overdoses reversed on-site; d. Number of times emergency medical services were contacted and responded for assistance; e. Number of times law enforcement were contacted and responded for assistance; and f. The number of Participants directly and formally referred to other services and the type of services. III. Operations A. Hours of Operation i. The hours of operation for Overdose Prevention Centers shall be informed by the following: 1. Engagement of anticipated Participants through the needs assessment process described in Section II.C.iv. of these Guidelines; 2. Trend data on non-fatal and fatal overdoses as identified by the Health Department; and 13 Page 43 of 75  3. Staffing levels, to ensure appropriate implementation of services and consumption supervision. ii. The hours of operation shall be posted conspicuously on the door of the Overdose Prevention Center, online, and on VT Helplink. 1. Any changes to the hours of operation shall be identified and communicated two weeks in advance to Participants, posted on the door of the Overdose Prevention Center, online, and on VT Helplink. 2. If, during an emergency, the Overdose Prevention Center needs to change the hours of operation and cannot provide two weeks’ notice, the Overdose Prevention Center shall provide as much notice as possible and shall post updated hours of operation conspicuously on the door of the Overdose Prevention Center, online, and on VT Helplink. B. Records Content and Maintenance. i. Overdose Prevention Centers shall maintain a record for every Participant in accordance with the policies and procedures adopted pursuant to Section II herein. 1. A Participant’s name shall never be included in their Participant record. The Participant record shall include the non-identifiable Participant ID, assigned in accordance with the policy adopted pursuant to Section II.B., herein. 2. Records and all the data contained therein shall be confidential and maintained in accordance with Section III.C. ii. Overdose Prevention Centers shall attempt to collect the following information, at a minimum, at the time of the Participant’s orientation, and to confirm or update the information at intervals determined by the Overdose Prevention Center: 1. Consideration of whether any of the Ineligibility Criteria apply to the Participant; 2. The following demographic information: a. Date of birth b. Race(s) c. Ethnicity or ethnicities d. Gender e. Housing status f. Town in which they typically sleep g. Town in which they spend most of their waking hours h. Sexual Orientation 14 Page 44 of 75  iii. All information from Participants should be collected through self- report by the Participant, through informed consent, and with the understanding that accessing services will not be denied for refusal to provide the information requested. iv. Overdose Prevention Centers shall collect the following information at each Participant Visit: 1. The services provided to the Participant; 2. If a referral was provided; and 3. Any emergency services provided. v. Staff shall strive to collect data and maintain records in a manner that is minimally intrusive and burdensome for Participants. C. Confidentiality i. Overdose Prevention Centers shall collect, store, and disclose protected health information, data, and other Participant information and records in compliance with 42 C.F.R. Part 2, HIPAA, and all other applicable state and federal laws. ii. Overdose Prevention Centers shall comply with all state and federal laws regarding notification and reporting of breaches of protected health information. D. Infection Control i. The Infection Control policy and procedures adopted in accordance with Section III.D. herein, shall include provisions governing the following topics: 1. Infection surveillance; 2. Reporting occurrences of Reportable and Communicable Diseases and other infections in accordance with federal and state law; 3. Sanitization or disinfection of all Participant areas, as appropriate, including a process for ensuring sanitization of consumption spaces between Participants; 4. Handling and disposal of hazardous and medical waste and contaminants; 5. A process for responding to, reporting, and monitoring accidental needlesticks or other injuries from used drug tools; and 6. Evaluating occurrences of infection to assess ways to prevent recurrent infections 15 Page 45 of 75 E. Physical Space i. Fixed Location 1. Overdose Prevention Centers shall have the following areas in their fixed site locations: a. Registration and waiting area where Participants are greeted, wait for an available consumption area, and receive their orientation; b. Supplies area where supplies, including safer use supplies and tools, are made available to Participants for use in the consumption spaces and for use outside of the Overdose Prevention Center; c. A non-smoking consumption area for other methods of consumption, observed in accordance with the Observation policy adopted pursuant to Section II.B.i.32. herein; d. Post-consumption area, observed in accordance with the Observation policy adopted pursuant to Section II.B.i.32. herein; e. Medical intervention area where Staff and volunteers can provide additional health services, such as first aid and wound care first aid; f. Private consultation areas for Staff and volunteers to meet with Participants for referrals and other needs; and g. A secured area accessed only by Staff and volunteers for storage of supplies and equipment and other needs, such as a Staff break room. 2. All consumption areas shall be laid out to ensure Overdose Prevention Specialists can Observe Participants in accordance with the OPC’s Observation Policy. 3. The spaces within the Overdose Prevention Center shall permit unimpeded access for emergency medical services. This shall include ensuring all doorways, hallways, and walkways are wide enough for ambulance stretchers and wheelchairs. 4. The medical intervention area shall be able to accommodate multiple emergency responses at one time. 5. The Overdose Prevention Center’s interior and exterior space shall be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. 16 Page 46 of 75  6. All areas of the Overdose Prevention Center shall be well lit, except for areas serving Participants in need of dimly lit spaces. The Overdose Prevention Center shall have an emergency lighting system to ensure appropriate levels of light in the event the primary source of electricity is disrupted. 7. Overdose Prevention Centers shall be designed such that Participants are not visible to people located outside the building. 8. Overdose Prevention Centers shall have a secure storage area for Participants to use. ii. Smoking Consumption Area 1. Within twelve months of opening an Overdose Prevention Center, an Overdose Prevention Center shall have a smoking- consumption area that complies with the requirements of these guidelines. a. If an Overdose Prevention Center is unable to complete the work of building a compliant smoking-consumption area within this twelve-month period, the Overdose Prevention Center shall provide the following notice to the public and the Department: i. The Overdose Prevention Center smoking- consumption area is not complete; and ii. The specific date the compliant smoking- consumption area in the Overdose Prevention Center will be complete, which shall be no later than twelve months after the original twelve- month period. 2. The smoking consumption area shall include: a. Non-porous and non-permeable chair and counter or table; and b. Hazardous waste disposal receptacles. 3. If the smoking consumption area is inside of the building, there must be a mechanical ventilation system that runs at all times the Overdose Prevention Center is open for Participants or is occupied by Staff. a. The mechanical ventilation system serving the smoking-consumption area shall be separate from the ventilation system serving the rest of the Overdose Prevention Center building. b. The mechanical ventilation system for the smoking- consumption area shall be designed to ensure smoke 17 Page 47 of 75  does not move into the non-smoking spaces of the building when people enter and exit the smoking- consumption area. c. The air from the smoking-consumption area shall be ventilated directly outside of the building. Air from the smoking consumption area shall not be recirculated through the Overdose Prevention Center building. d. The smoking-consumption area shall be sufficiently separated from non-smoking areas of the Overdose Prevention Center such that smoke from the smoking- consumption area does not negatively impact the air quality for the surrounding, non-smoking areas. 4. If the smoking-consumption area at the OPC is not inside of the OPC building, the OPC shall ensure that the smoking consumption of substances at the OPC does not impact the air quality for the rest of the Overdose Prevention Center’s fixed-site location, for neighboring buildings, or for the public. iii. Mobile Location. 1. Mobile units shall adhere to the standards described in parts 2-4 and 6-8 of Section III.E.i., herein. 2. Staff in mobile units shall be able to observe Participants in accordance with the OPC’s Observation policy adopted pursuant to Section II.B.i.32. herein. 3. Mobile units shall ensure that they have a potable source of water and sufficient plumbing for handwashing for Participants. 4. Mobile units shall ensure that phone service is available at all locations where the unit stops in the event emergency services must be called to serve Participants. 5. Smoking-consumption is not permitted inside of a mobile unit. F. Equipment and Supplies i. Overdose Prevention Centers shall have the following equipment on site: 1. Safer-smoke supplies 2. Safer-snort supplies 3. Safer-injection supplies including syringes 4. Drug-preparation tools 5. Saline and distilled water for drug preparation 6. Naloxone 18 Page 48 of 75  7. Self-inflating bag valve mask 8. Pulse-oximeters 9. Automated external defibrillator (AED) 10. Handwashing stations 11. Personal protective equipment for Staff and volunteers 12. Hospital-grade disinfectant cleaning supplies to be used in all areas of the Overdose Prevention Center 13. Hazardous waste disposal equipment, including sharps disposal and fire-proof ash disposal for smoking-consumption areas 14. Ash and other smoking litter disposal equipment 15. Fire extinguishers 16. Drug-checking equipment, including test strips or Fourier- transform infrared spectroscopy and associated materials and 17. Appropriate equipment to effectively log required Participant data. ii. Drug-checking services must be in compliance with the Vermont Community Drug-Checking Program Guidelines. iii. All furniture in consumption and medical intervention areas of the Overdose Prevention Center must be nonporous and nonpermeable. iv. All equipment shall be stored in a safe manner, including storage of oxygen tanks away from sources of heat and flame. v. Handwashing stations shall be readily available to Participants throughout the Overdose Prevention Center. The non-smoking consumption area shall have sufficient handwashing stations to allow Participants to use the stations while not disrupting the flow of the Overdose Prevention Center. G. Security i. Overdose Prevention Centers shall comply with policies for security and coordination with emergency medical services, hospitals, fire and law enforcement agencies, as developed in accordance with Section II.B., herein. ii. Security measures shall, at a minimum, address the following: 1. Ensuring Participants can enter and exit the Overdose Prevention Center safely; 2. Ensuring entrances to the consumption areas are secured to ensure Overdose Prevention Center Staff and volunteers can 19 Page 49 of 75  control the entrance and exit of Participants for the safety and well-being of all Participants, Staff and volunteers; 3. Ensuring Participants have a safe location in the Overdose Prevention Center to store personal items when accessing the consumption and post consumption areas of the Overdose Prevention Center; and 4. The location and use of security and panic alarms. iii. Staff and volunteers shall wear an identification badge with a photo that states at a minimum their name and position at the Overdose Prevention Center. 1. The Responsible Person in Charge for each shift shall include on their identification badge that they are serving in that position. iv. The Overdose Prevention Centers shall establish a process for Participants entering and exiting the Center. H. Emergency Protocols i. Overdose Prevention Centers shall comply with policies for responses to emergencies and for coordination with emergency medical services, hospitals, fire, and law enforcement agencies, as developed in accordance with Section II.B., herein. ii. Emergency policies and procedures shall clearly indicate the necessary steps to treat an overdose, including when to provide oxygen, to administer an opioid antagonist, and to call emergency services. 1. Emergency policies and procedures shall address how to safely move a Participant from a smoking-consumption area to a non-smoking area of the building prior to use of oxygen. iii. All Overdose Prevention Center Staff and volunteers shall receive sufficient training on all emergency policies and procedures to ensure a safe environment for Participants, volunteers, and Staff members. iv. Overdose Prevention Centers shall develop a process to ensure Participants agree, prior to engagement in services at the Overdose Prevention Center, to comply with and adhere to the emergency protocols and procedures. 20 Page 50 of 75 IV. Staff and Training A. Staffing i. During operating hours, Overdose Prevention Centers shall have trained professionals present in the building or mobile facility who can provide, at a minimum, basic medical care, such as CPR, overdose interventions, first aid, and wound care, and who can perform medical assessments of Participants to determine if there is a need for emergency medical service response. ii. Overdose Prevention Center Staff and volunteers, who provide services at an Overdose Prevention Center that require a state or federal license or registration to provide, shall hold the required license or registration. The license or registration shall be current and in good standing. B. Staff i. Generally 1. Overdose Prevention Centers shall employ or contract with a Medical Director, and shall employ an OPC Director and Overdose Prevention Specialists in accordance with these Guidelines and the policies adopted pursuant to Section II.B. 2. Overdose Prevention Specialists a. Each Overdose Prevention Center shall maintain appropriate numbers of trained Overdose Prevention Specialists during operating hours. b. Overdose Prevention Centers shall maintain a ratio of Overdose Prevention Specialists that meets the requirements of the policy adopted in Section II.B. but there shall never be more than four Participants for every one Staff member in a consumption and post- consumption area. 3. Responsible Person in Charge (RPIC) a. An Overdose Prevention Center shall ensure that there is a Responsible Person in Charge identified and present at the Overdose Prevention Center the entire time the Overdose Prevention Center is open. b. Any Staff member meeting the qualifications established in the policies developed pursuant to Section II.B.i.1., herein, may serve as the RPIC. Volunteers shall not serve as the RPIC. 21 Page 51 of 75  ii. Medical Director 1. The Medical Director shall be a physician licensed in accordance with 26 V.S.A. Chapter 23 or 26 V.S.A. Chapter 33, an advanced nurse practitioner licensed in accordance with 26 V.S.A. Ch. 28, or a physician assistant licensed in accordance with 26 V.S.A. Ch. 31. 2. The Medical Director shall be present at the Overdose Prevention Center at least five (5) hours per week and available for on-call responsibilities in accordance with the policy adopted pursuant to these Guidelines. 3. The Medical Director shall provide general supervision to OPC Staff providing services to Participants. 4. The Medical Director shall be responsible for the following within the Overdose Prevention Center: a. Developing training plans for each Overdose Prevention Center Staff member with direct Participant contact, including initial and ongoing training requirements; b. Ensuring each Overdose Prevention Center Staff member and volunteer is proficient in: i. Recognizing signs of overdose of opioids, stimulants, and other substances; ii. Responding to overdoses of opioids, stimulants, and other substances; iii. Infection control and infectious disease prevention protocols and practices; and iv. Other relevant trainings as required in policies established in accordance with Section II.B., herein. c. Assisting with medically complex cases and providing support for wound care for Participants; d. Supporting the Administrative Body with the development and implementation of policies, protocols, and procedures; and e. Development of overdose response policies, protocols, and procedures. iii. OPC Director 1. The Overdose Prevention Center Director shall be proficient in operations, financial management, records management, personnel management, community development, and overdose response. 22 Page 52 of 75  2. The Overdose Prevention Center Director is responsible for the following: a. Day-to-day operations of the Overdose Prevention Center; b. Managing Staff, ensuring the appropriate Staffing levels for each day, and adjusting Overdose Prevention Center Participant flow if there is a reduced Staffing capacity; c. Developing Staff and volunteer orientation policies, protocols, and procedures; d. Ensuring all Staff and volunteers have completed required trainings prior to working directly with Participants; e. Maintaining security measures for Participants, Staff, and volunteers; and f. Receiving and responding to community concerns. iv. Overdose Prevention Specialists 1. Overdose Prevention Specialists shall be responsible for a. Observing Participants in consumption areas, in accordance with the Observation policy adopted pursuant to Section II.B.; b. Observing Participants in post-consumption areas, in accordance with the Observation policy adopted pursuant to Section II.B.; c. Responding to overdoses in the Overdose Prevention Center in accordance with the policies adopted pursuant to Section II.B.; and d. Providing harm reduction, overdose prevention, infectious disease, sexually transmitted infections, drug tool disposal, and first aid education to Participants. v. Responsible Person in Charge 1. There shall be a Responsible Person in Charge assigned and present during all hours of operation of the OPC. 2. The Responsible Person in Charge is responsible for the following during their shift: a. Monitoring the ratio of Overdose Prevention Specialists to Participants in consumption and post-consumption spaces to ensure that the number of Participants never exceeds four for every one specialist; b. Monitoring the Overdose Prevention Center to ensure Participants’ needs are met and to minimize, to the 23 Page 53 of 75  extent possible, the waiting time for Participants at the consumption spaces; c. Monitor compliance with Overdose Prevention Center policies and procedures by Participants, Staff, and volunteers; d. Ensuring the appropriate procedures are observed when Staff respond to an overdose; and, e. Maintaining appropriate safety of Participants, Staff, and volunteers. 3. This role shall be integrated into all emergency and operational procedures for the Overdose Prevention Center. vi. Other Staff 1. The Overdose Prevention Center may employ other Staff, as needed, including peers, case managers, medical professionals, and mental health counselors. 2. Licensed Health Care Professionals a. If a licensed health care professional is employed by, contracts with, or volunteers at an Overdose Prevention Center to provide health care services within the scope of that licensed health care profession, the licensed health care professional shall hold a current license in that profession, in good standing, and in Vermont. b. Licensed health care professionals employed by, contracting with, or volunteering at an Overdose Prevention Center shall practice competently, provide safe and acceptable care to Participants, and provide care that conforms to the essential standards of acceptable and prevailing practice. C. Training i. Required Training for All Staff 1. All Overdose Prevention Center Staff and volunteers are required to satisfactorily complete training in the following areas as part of their orientation and at regular intervals, thereafter, as determined by the Administrative Body, Medical Director, and Overdose Prevention Center Director in the policy established pursuant to Section II.B., herein: a. Proper use of the equipment and supplies listed in Section III.F. b. CPR 24 Page 54 of 75  c. AED use d. Administration of opioid antagonists e. De-escalation f. Stigma related to substance use g. Translation services h. Monitoring and assessing oxygen levels i. Infection control and infectious disease prevention j. Collection, disposal, and transportation of hazardous waste k. Storage and handling of drug tools and other drug use equipment l. Obtaining informed consent m. The ASAM levels of care n. Substance use and mental health resources in Vermont, including use of VT Helplink’s website o. Participant confidentiality, including 42 CFR Part 2, HIPAA, and other applicable Federal and State laws p. Any other trainings as determined by the Administrative Body, Medical Director, or Overdose Prevention Center Director. ii. Required Training for Medical Director, Overdose Prevention Center Director, and Overdose Prevention Specialists: 1. In addition to the trainings set forth in subsection (i), the Medical Director, Overdose Prevention Center Director, Overdose Prevention Specialists, and any other positions engaging with Participants in consumption and post-consumption areas shall complete training in the following areas in accordance with the policies adopted pursuant to Section II.B., herein: a. Harm-reduction practices and safer-use skills b. How to educate Participants on harm reduction practices and safer use skills c. Identification and response to overdoses of all drug classes and of different complexities d. Mental health first aid e. First aid and wound-care first aid f. Overdose safety assessments, including assessing when a Participant can safely leave the Overdose Prevention Center without risk of overdose from consumption at the Overdose Prevention Center g. Safer sex practices h. How to educate Participants on safer sex practices 25 Page 55 of 75  i. How to conduct HIV, hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections screenings and communicating results j. How to report communicable diseases to the Health Department in alignment with the Reportable and Communicable Diseases Rule k. Community drug-checking and result delivery in accordance with state and federal laws l. Withdrawal management when an opioid antagonist is administered to a Participant on site m. Culturally appropriate care n. Trauma-informed care o. Person-centered approaches V. Provision of Services A. Rights of Participants i. Code of Conduct. 1. The Code of Conduct developed by the Administrative Body, in accordance with Section II.B., herein, shall be posted within the Overdose Prevention Center in a conspicuous location. 2. A written copy of the Code of Conduct and the consequences of failing to observe the Code of Conduct shall be provided to each Participant during their orientation. Overdose Prevention Specialists or other specified Staff shall review with the Participant the Code of Conduct and the potential consequences of violating the Code of Conduct. 3. The Code of Conduct shall be translated into at least the following languages: a. Arabic b. Burmese c. Dari d. French e. Kirundi f. Nepali g. Pashto h. Somali i. Spanish j. Swahili k. Vietnamese ii. Grievance Policies and Procedures 26 Page 56 of 75  1. Grievance policies and procedures developed by the Administrative Body, in accordance with Section II.B., herein, shall be posted in a conspicuous location within the Overdose Prevention Center. 2. Grievance policies and procedures shall be provided to Participants during their orientation to the Overdose Prevention Center. B. Participant Eligibility i. The Overdose Prevention Centers shall develop a policy regarding Ineligibility Criteria in accordance with Section II.B. ii. The Overdose Prevention Center shall also establish a process for screening Participants to determine whether any of the Ineligibility Criteria apply. iii. Participants shall not be asked to present identification to be eligible for services. iv. The Ineligibility Criteria and screening process developed pursuant to Section II.B. shall be posted conspicuously at the registration area of the Overdose Prevention Center. v. When a Participant arrives at an Overdose Prevention Center, they shall first be screened for Ineligibility Criteria by a Staff person, who has been trained in accordance with these operating guidelines and Overdose Prevention Center policies. 1. After completion of the screening process, the Staff person who conducted the screening will determine whether the Participant is eligible for services at the Overdose Prevention Center. 2. If the Staff person conducting the screening determines the Participant is not eligible for services, the Participant may file a grievance in accordance with the grievance policies and procedures established by the Overdose Prevention Center. 3. If the Participant is deemed eligible for services, the Participant shall be provided with a Participant orientation. 4. A Participant deemed ineligible for services may be deemed eligible for services at a later date. vi. The policy for denial of services developed in accordance with Section II.B., herein, shall include protocols for addressing the needs of Participants who cannot self-inject or who are overly intoxicated and other circumstances that make a Participant ineligible for services. The policies shall consider the personal and professional 27 Page 57 of 75  liability of the individual Staff and the whole Overdose Prevention Center. C. Participant Orientation i. After a Staff member determines that a Participant is eligible to receive services from the Overdose Prevention Center, an orientation to the Overdose Prevention Center and services shall be provided by the Overdose Prevention Center Staff to the Participant. ii. The orientation shall include the following: 1. The mission and value statements of the Overdose Prevention Center 2. Services provided at the Overdose Prevention Center 3. Services available through consultation and referral 4. Participant Code of Conduct and potential consequences for violating the Code of Conduct 5. Overdose Prevention Center policies and procedures, including a. Emergency Procedures b. Drug usage and sharing policy c. Disposal of paraphernalia d. Confidentiality and anonymity e. Participant termination criteria and Grievance process f. Security iii. Participants shall agree to the Emergency Procedures prior to receiving services. iv. Participants shall receive their Participant ID following completion of their orientation. 1. The Participant ID is intended to allow anonymity of the Participant while allowing the Overdose Prevention Center the ability to track the Participant’s Overdose Prevention Center use and medical and other referrals. This will facilitate effective follow-up and wrap around support of Participants. VI. Required Services i. General 1. Overdose Prevention Centers shall provide the following services, at a minimum: i. Observation of consumption of pre-obtained substances through injection, snorting, or ingestion; 28 Page 58 of 75  ii. In accordance with III.E.ii.1, observation of pre- obtained substances through smoking; and iii. Post-consumption observation and assessment of safety following consumption. 2. Overdose response including observing oxygen levels, administering opioid antagonists, responding to overheating and seizures, and calling emergency medical services; 3. Education on safer use, harm reduction, and overdose prevention practices; 4. Education on overdose responses including responses to opioid, stimulant, and multi-substance overdoses; 5. Provision of supplies for safer use and harm reduction practices including: i. Safer-smoke supplies ii. Safer-snort supplies iii. Safer-injection supplies, including syringes iv. Drug-preparation tools v. Opioid antagonists 6. Education on disposal of use tools including syringes; 7. Collection and secured disposal of hazardous materials, including hypodermic needles and syringes, other injection equipment, and other drug-consumption tools; 8. Education on safer sex practices; 9. Provision of safer sex supplies, including condoms and lubrication; 10. Infectious disease education; 11. HIV, HCV, and STI screenings; 12. First aid; 13. Wound-care first aid; 14. Drug-checking; 15. Support using VT Helplink services; and 16. Referrals to: i. Substance use treatment services ii. Substance use recovery services iii. Harm reduction organizations iv. Wound care services v. Primary care, dental, infectious disease providers, and other medical services vi. Housing, nutritional support, and other social services 29 Page 59 of 75  vii. Legal aid services viii. Mental health service ii. Referrals 1. Overdose Prevention Centers shall establish direct referral processes through which the Overdose Prevention Center contacts the agency being referred to on behalf of the Participant to reduce the burden on the Participant to initiate the engagement. 2. The direct referral processes shall include informed consent by the Participant and align with federal regulation regarding sharing of protected health information. 3. The Overdose Prevention Center shall maintain a record of referrals made on behalf of a Participant. The record shall be maintained separately from the Participant’s Overdose Prevention Center record. The record shall contain the Participant’s ID, the Participant’s name, and any other information needed to make the referral. The record shall be maintained in accordance with the Confidentiality policy established pursuant to Section II.B. of these Guidelines and subject to Section III.C herein. 4. Overdose Prevention Centers shall establish direct referral processes with at least the following service providers in their geographic region: i. Hub provider ii. Infectious disease provider iii. Mental health agency 5. Overdose Prevention Centers shall establish an evaluation process with direct referral agencies to identify the number of direct referrals made by the Overdose Prevention Center that resulted in at least one appointment by the Participant. 6. Overdose Prevention Centers shall have an established shared response protocol with the mental health crisis team serving in the Center’s geographic region. 30 Page 60 of 75 Burlington Overdose Prevention Center Proposal Presented to Burlington City Council • April 14, 2025 Page 61 of 75 Burlington OPC Work Session Guiding our conversation around implementation and compliance for a vote of approval on April 28th Page 62 of 75  Overview of Proposal • Partnership between City of Burlington and VCJR • Project Proposal with phased implementation aligned with Act 178 (2024) and VDH Guidelines • Emphasis on community engagement and public health Page 63 of 75  Project Funding Summary This pilot program is funded through the Vermont Opioid Abatement Special Fund, consistent with state priorities and national opioid settlement guidance. • Section 2 of Act No. 178 appropriates for Fiscal Year 2025 $1.1 million to VDH for the purpose of awarding grants to the City for establishing an OPC upon submission of a grant proposal that has been approved by the City Council and that meets the requirements of 18 V.S.A. § 4256 and the Guidelines. • Section 2 also expresses the General Assembly’s intention to continue appropriating funds for the same purpose through Fiscal Year 2028. Page 64 of 75 VCJR is uniquely suited to implement Burlington's OPC due to its trusted relationships with the target population and deep roots in harm reduction and public health. • Operates a low-barrier recovery center in downtown Burlington • Has extensive experience with overdose prevention, wound care, and peer support • Partners with organizations such as Johnson Health Center, Vermont CARES, Pathways Vermont, and Howard Center • Employs staff with lived experience and proven success in supporting individuals with substance use disorder Page 65 of 75 LOI Proposal Review Committee • Theresa Vezina, Special Assistant on OPC Implementation • Joe Magee, Deputy Chief of Staff • Sarah Russell, Special Assistant to End Homelessness • Jennifer Tomczak, Burlington Board of Health • Judy Rivers, Burlington Board of Health • Lacey Smith, Assistant Director of CAIP @ BPD • Chief LaChance, Burlington Fire Department • Martina Anderson, Director of Communications VAMHAR • Elly Riser, MD, MPH UVM Health Network Page 66 of 75  Key Compliance Areas (Act 178 & VDH Guidelines) • Governance and Administrative Structure • Service Assessment • Required Policies and Procedures • Site Readiness and Zoning • Staffing Ratios and Training • Emergency Protocols • Data Collection, Reporting, and Evaluation Page 67 of 75  Phased Implementation Summary Phase 1: Planning & Phase 2: Operations • Secure Site • Service Assessment Capacity Building & Compliance • Staffing • Community Engagement • Equipment • Policy Development Months 1-12 Months 9-18 • Training • Site Selection • Security • Supervised Use • Data & Reporting • Evaluation Page 68 of 75 Phase 1: Service Assessment • Engagement with people who use drugs • Community & stakeholder outreach • Overdose trends & hot spot data • Neighborhood assessment • Final Service Assessment report Page 69 of 75 Phase 1: Site Selection & Facility Planning • Site Aquisition Plan • Real estate market assessment • Accessibility, zoning, ADA compliance • Preliminary facility design • City support on entitlements • Community engagement • Be a Good neighbor Page 70 of 75 Phase 2: Site Setup & Service Launch Site Approved by Council & Secured Equipment, Supplies, Staffing Emergency protocol training, security, final intake process Submit all compliance documents 90 days prior to launch Page 71 of 75 Required Services & Staffing • Supervised use, wound care, drug checking • Infectious disease counseling and reporting • Substance Use Treatment Services & referrals • Peer support, referrals, overdose response • Licensed medical staff, trained overdose prevention specialists • HIPAA and 42 CFR compliance Page 72 of 75 Evaluation & Data Reporting • Monthly & Quarterly Reports to VDH • Annual Public Reports • Aggregate de-identified data • Participation in Act 178 Public Health Impact Study Page 73 of 75 Next Steps & Shared Commitments City Council Vote on Proposal April Submit City Council Approved Proposal to VDH Continued engagement with City Council is critical Transparent communication with community & ongoing engagment Ongoing partnership between VCJR & City Continue aligning with VDH guidelines Page 74 of 75  Thank you for your support. Contact Us Theresa Vezina, Special Assistant on OPC - tvezina@burlingtonvt.gov Tom Dalton, Executive Director VCJR - tom@vcjr.org Jess Kirby, Program Director VCJR- jess@vcjr.org Sarah Ashley Simmons, Service Coordinator VCJR- sas@vcjr.org Page 75 of 75