WORCESTER, Mass. – A safe injection site could become a reality in Worcester. On Monday night, the city's Board of Health voted unanimously to approve creating a center as a pilot program in the city. 

A site in Worcester would at least still need approval from the state. There are currently two safe injection sites in New York City and one is set to open in Providence, Rhode Island, in the coming months.

Board of Health member Gary Rosen said it's a step in the right direction.

"We want to keep them alive, keep them safe, because even though they’re addicts, their lives are just as important as the rest of us,” said Rosen. "Addicts are not only in the shadows of society like decades ago, they're doctors, they're lawyers, they're teachers, they're firefighters, they're police, they're everyone…all occupations. We took the first step; we hope it’s going to initiate discussion here in the City of Worcester about this important topic."

The city manager's office said it's working on a report for city councilors with data on overdose protection centers. It said no action will be taken on the potential operation of a center in Worcester until further guidance is provided by the state.