Multnomah County today reported that in just three months, 133 people initiated deflection and received 268 referrals to substance use disorder, treatment and other wraparound services. The Coordinated Care Pathway Center, a new center dedicated exclusively to serving people referred by law enforcement to deflection, has served 51 people since opening Oct. 14.
“The program is working as intended thanks to strong collaboration with law enforcement and service provider partners,’” said Marc Harris, Strategic Initiatives Manager for Multnomah County Health Department. “People are initiating deflection, which keeps them out of the legal system and instead connects them to peer support, treatment, recovery and other needed services.”
Data from the first three months shows that since the new law that re-criminalized possession of small amounts of illegal substances went into effect:
- Law enforcement referred 205 people to the deflection program between Sept. 1-Nov. 30. Of those people, 133 people initiated deflection and received a total of 276 referrals to treatment and other stabilizing services.
- Between Nov. 16 and Nov. 30, 10 people were referred to deflection, 3 people opted out, one person fell ill, and six people initiated deflection and received eight referrals to treatment and other stabilizing services.
- The Pathway Center has served 51 people since opening on Oct. 14 through Nov. 30, the latest reporting period.
The County reminded the community that like the recovery journey itself, it’s going to take a fair amount of time and patience before partners understand how well the program is working. They stressed that the program is making progress and they are making improvements based on what they are learning.
While fluctuations in the number of people deflected by law enforcement continues to fluctuate, law enforcement partners continue to stress how important is to have a comfortable and safe center to bring people to.
““The Portland Police Bureau continues to work alongside partners in addressing the addiction crisis our community is facing,” Portland Police Chief Bob Day said. “PPB understands that treatment is an effective solution and we remain committed to helping those suffering from addiction find a path forward while doing what’s in the best interest of our community and organization.”
The County also reminded residents that the Pathway Center is a long-term investment. This spring, the Pathway Center will add 13 sobering beds and opening the center 24/7. As part of adding sobering, the county is exploring additional referral pathways with first responders and other partners so we can serve more people, including those outside of deflection.
“Our deflection program is about human connection. It is that connection that assist us in moving individuals towards a successful recovery journey,” said Anthony Jordan, Addictions Services Manager at Multnomah County Health Department. “We continue to provide trauma-informed care in a comfortable and compassionate setting. And we are giving law enforcement partners what they have asked for: a physical place to take people.”
The County reported that there have been no known reports of increased loitering or criminal activity related to program participants.