Lewiston, Maine’s ‘Church of Safe Injection’ Reopens Today

About a month after their sudden closure, Lewiston Maine's 'Church of Safe Injection' says they are prepared to reopen today (5-19-2025).

According to an article published by WGME 13, the organization, which provides a 'safe' space for users to inject substances, closed last month following struggles with staff and funds.

As part of only two needle exchange programs for the city of Lewiston, proponents for the church say that its operation remains critical for people in the area.

Zoe Brokos, the director for the Church of Safe Injection, told WGME in part,

“It is critical now more than ever that we are able to provide sterile supplies, education to people and access to things like HIV testing, Hepatitis C treatment, access to immunizations, and those are all things we do here. It’s not just the transaction of handing out syringes."

Organizers say that programs like these in Lewiston have made thousands of referrals for clients to substance use treatment facilities. They say this shows how important programs like this can be to cities in Maine and beyond.

It's not just about providing a space where people can use, but also about providing resources for those that are at a point in their journey where they want to make a positive change and get out from the grip of addiction.

WGME is reporting that the Lewiston City Council had considered holding a workshop with organizers to address needle waste and gain a better understanding of the Church of Safe Injection, but those initial discussions have since stalled.