An effort to permit drug users in New York state to inject themselves in a safer, controlled environment is continuing.

Members of a coalition supporting the creation of so-called "safe injection sites" gathered in Albany this week to encourage lawmakers to consider the idea.

Alexis Pleus, the founder of the Broome County-based Truth Pharm organization, is hoping members of the legislature will study the concept.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, Pleus said establishing sites where people could use drugs they've obtained elsewhere under medical supervision would save lives.

Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal, a Manhattan Democrat, is sponsoring legislation that would allow New York communities to permit what are described as "safer consumption spaces for supervised injection." The bill was introduced in the Assembly last June. The measure does not have a Senate sponsor.

State Senator Fred Akshar, a Broome County Republican, has indicated he would not support a law permitting safe injection sites.

Philadelphia and Seattle are considering establishing sites that would allow drug users to inject themselves in supervised facilities.

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

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