Anthony Jordan, Interim Behavioral Health Division Director at the Multnomah County Health Department, is the recipient of this year’s Fora Health Samuel C. Wheeler Freedom Award. The award was presented at the 2025 Hope and Freedom Gala on Oct. 4, an evening dedicated to celebrating the power of recovery.
Fora Health, formerly De Paul Treatment Centers, provides trauma-informed, evidence-based treatment for adult substance use disorder. They offer a full continuum of care, dedicated to making recovery accessible by welcoming everyone regardless of their background or ability to pay.
According to Fora Health, “Mr. Jordan is being recognized for his exceptional and transformative service in the field of addiction and his personal commitment to sobriety, embodying the spirit of recovery for over 30 years. Anthony has witnessed many choose the road to recovery and sees a glimmer of hope even in the worst circumstances.”
“This award is a recognition of dedication and it's a testament to the fact that when leaders like Anthony pair compassion and persistence with a clear-eyed strategy, we can rewrite the future for countless individuals and families impacted by one of the biggest issues of our time,” said Rachael Banks, Multnomah County Health Department Director.
“Anthony has shown us that by focusing on people first, and addressing both behaviors and the underlying causes, we can help people achieve sustainable recovery and build a system where hope and healing are always within reach.”
With 33 years of experience in a variety of settings, Jordan possesses significant expertise in behavioral health. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Science with a minor in Administration of Justice, and an Executive Master’s degree in Public Administration from Portland State University. In 2021, then Gov. Kate Brown appointed him to serve as a commissioner on the Oregon State Alcohol and Drug Policy Council, where he later became chair.
Throughout his career, Jordan has demonstrated a remarkable ability to work with community partners, elected officials and the community at large to address complex issues related to behavioral health and substance use. Most recently, he provided essential leadership on Multnomah County’s response to the 90-Day Fentanyl Emergency Declaration, also declared by the City of Portland and State of Oregon, and Jordan played a key role in developing the County’s deflection services program and Coordinated Care Pathway Center.
In his spare time, Jordan enjoys traveling the world with his wife, cooking and spending time on the golf course.
