The Seattle City Council has passed a 2018 budget that includes $1.3 million to create what could be the nation’s first authorized safe-injection site for drug users.
King County is considering two supervised sites where people can use heroin and other drugs under the care of trained staff that can treat an overdose if necessary.
Supporters say such sites are needed to help fight the opioid epidemic. Critics argue they undermine prevention and treatment.
The Seattle Times reports that the budget also increases city spending on programs that address homelessness to $63 million.
Mayor Tim Burgess said he’ll sign the budget Wednesday.
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