Rhode Island

Rhode Island is opening the nation's first state-sanctioned overdose prevention center. Could Massachusetts be next?

Published

2 years ago

February 5, 2024

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Rhode Island is opening the nation's first state-sanctioned overdose prevention center. Could Massachusetts be next?

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The center, where people can use pre-obtained drugs under the supervision of professionals, will be opening in Providence this summer.

A container of Narcan, a brand name version of the opioid overdose-reversal drug naloxone. AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File

The country’s first state-regulated overdose prevention center, where people can use pre-obtained drugs under the supervision of health and recovery professionals, will be opening in Rhode Island this summer.

The more than 20,000 square foot space will be at 45 Willard Ave. near the Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, according to the organization running the center. There, the drugs will be tested for fentanyl and other substances, and professionals will be on-hand to prevent and reverse overdoses, advocacy group Project Weber/RENEW said.

The controversial centers, made possible by a 2021 law in Rhode Island, are illegal on a federal level. Rhode Island’s center will have a two-year pilot before the law “sunsets” in 2026, allowing time to evaluate the center’s operations, funded by opioid settlement funds.

Rhode Island had more than 400 overdose deaths in 2021 and 2022, which Gov. Dan McKee called a “crisis” level.

Project Weber/RENEW is working with clinical organization VICTA at the new center to provide behavioral health and medical services. Rhode Island’s Department of Public will regulate the center, Project Weber/RENEW said.

The new overdose prevention center will offer services and supplies like food, water, hygiene products, naloxone, HIV and hepatitis C testing, and housing support, the organization said. The center, which will be operational on weekdays, will also provide laundry and showers.

Overdose prevention centers, also known as safe consumption sites, safe injection sites, or harm reduction centers, are new to states, but New York City launched their own privately run center in 2021. According to Project Weber/RENEW, their two overdose centers reversed more than 1,300 overdoses over two years.

“This overdose prevention center is a pivotal element in the state’s comprehensive efforts to combat this crisis,” Executive Director of Project Weber/RENEW Colleen Daley Ndoye said in a release. “It’s imperative to take decisive action to save lives.”

What about Massachusetts?

The state’s Department of Public Health released an overdose prevention center feasibility report in December that advocated for the implementation of centers in Massachusetts.

Opioid-related overdose deaths remained at a record high in Massachusetts last year, with an average 3% increase each year since 2015, new data from the Department of Public Health showed.

In 2022, 2,359 people died because of opioid-related overdose deaths, and the figure in 2023 is projected to be the same, DPH said. The same data shows that fentanyl was present in 93% of deaths in both years.

Internationally, these centers have existed for more than 30 years, and no overdose death has ever been recorded at one, the report said.

“Overdose deaths are preventable. Despite significant investment in harm reduction services, the Commonwealth continues to observe missed opportunities to adequately engage people who use drugs, meet their needs, and prevent fatal overdoses, with devastating impacts to our residents,” The report said. “Establishing OPCs would enable the Commonwealth to reach individuals who may not otherwise be accessing healthcare services, reduce disease transmission, and prevent deaths.”

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Rhode Island

RI Lottery Numbers Midday, Numbers Evening winning numbers for March 5, 2026

Published

3 hours ago

March 6, 2026

Press Room

The Rhode Island Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at March 5, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Numbers numbers from March 5 drawing

Midday: 8-6-6-2

Evening: 8-1-9-8

Check Numbers payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Wild Money numbers from March 5 drawing

03-08-09-14-30, Extra: 31

Check Wild Money payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from March 5 drawing

17-20-23-30-33, Bonus: 05

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize

Prizes less than $600 can be claimed at any Rhode Island Lottery Retailer. Prizes of $600 and above must be claimed at Lottery Headquarters, 1425 Pontiac Ave., Cranston, Rhode Island 02920.
Mega Millions and Powerball jackpot winners can decide on cash or annuity payment within 60 days after becoming entitled to the prize. The annuitized prize shall be paid in 30 graduated annual installments.
Winners of the Millionaire for Life top prize of $1,000,000 a year for life and second prize of $100,000 a year for life can decide to collect the prize for a minimum of 20 years or take a lump sum cash payment.

When are the Rhode Island Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 11:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
Lucky for Life: 10:30 p.m. ET daily.
Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. ET daily.
Numbers (Midday): 1:30 p.m. ET daily.
Numbers (Evening): 7:29 p.m. ET daily.
Wild Money: 7:29 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Rhode Island editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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Rhode Island

Attorney General Neronha endorses Democrat Helena Foulkes for Rhode Island Governor

Published

15 hours ago

March 5, 2026

Press Room

Attorney General Neronha endorses Democrat Helena Foulkes for Rhode Island Governor

(WJAR) — Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha endorsed Democrat Helena Foulkes in her bid for Rhode Island Governor on Thursday.

Neronha spoke at a campaign event with Foulkes.

The term-limited Attorney General says he hadn’t been comfortable endorsing people because of his position.

Neronha said he had gotten to know Foulkes after she reached out to him about health care, an issue Neronha has been vocal about.

“I found Helena to be a great listener, a great thought partner, a person of integrity and character, and that is foremost why I’m endorsing her today,” he said.

“What Rhode Island needs today and into the future is strong capable leadership,” he said. “This is not a state that can afford to keep muddling around in the four, eight, ten, fifteen years.”

He said Foulkes could offer bold leadership.

Neronha has publicly admitted to having a strained relationship with Gov. Dan McKee.

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This story will be updated.

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Rhode Island

RI Lottery Powerball, Numbers Midday winning numbers for March 4, 2026

Published

1 day ago

March 5, 2026

Press Room

The Rhode Island Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at March 4, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from March 4 drawing

07-14-42-47-56, Powerball: 06, Power Play: 4

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Numbers numbers from March 4 drawing

Midday: 2-7-4-4

Evening: 7-6-0-2

Check Numbers payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Wild Money numbers from March 4 drawing

08-11-12-18-24, Extra: 15

Check Wild Money payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from March 4 drawing

12-13-36-39-58, Bonus: 03

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize

Prizes less than $600 can be claimed at any Rhode Island Lottery Retailer. Prizes of $600 and above must be claimed at Lottery Headquarters, 1425 Pontiac Ave., Cranston, Rhode Island 02920.
Mega Millions and Powerball jackpot winners can decide on cash or annuity payment within 60 days after becoming entitled to the prize. The annuitized prize shall be paid in 30 graduated annual installments.
Winners of the Millionaire for Life top prize of $1,000,000 a year for life and second prize of $100,000 a year for life can decide to collect the prize for a minimum of 20 years or take a lump sum cash payment.

When are the Rhode Island Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 11:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
Lucky for Life: 10:30 p.m. ET daily.
Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. ET daily.
Numbers (Midday): 1:30 p.m. ET daily.
Numbers (Evening): 7:29 p.m. ET daily.
Wild Money: 7:29 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Rhode Island editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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