Oregon Declares State of Emergency in Portland During Fentanyl Crisis

Fentanyl is a big problem in the Pacific Northwest. In fact Oregon leaders this week declared a state of emergency for downtown Portland Oregon because of the killer drug fentanyl.

THE HOME OF PORTLAND OREGON IS WHERE PEOPLE ARE DYING IN BIG NUMBERS

According to the Oregon Health Authority, the three counties with the most overdose deaths are Multnomah, Clackmas and Jackson with fatalities reaching alarming numbers especially in Multnomah county the home of Portland where 516 overdose deaths were reported in 2023 with more than 50% of the deaths directly connected to fentanyl.

OREGON LEADERS DECLARED A STATE OF EMERGENCY TUESDAY

As a result Oregon Governor Tina Kotek along with the Portland Mayor and Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson declared the state of emergency on Tuesday. During the 90 day declaration the three officials are directing agencies to work closely with police, firefighters and medics to save people and connect them to life changing treatment centers.

ALL THE HELP WILL BE CENTERED AT A COMMAND POST DOWNTOWN

A command center is being established in downtown Portland to coordinate all the efforts to save lives, clean up and give new energy to downtown Portland. Specifically those at the center will work with drug users to connect them to long term treatment centers or clinicians to help people with basics like obtaining food stamps.

ALONG WITH HELP POLICE ARE MAKING ARRESTS

Police agencies are also part of the equation with Portland Police working with Oregon State Police to help stop fentanyl sales in downtown Portland. The center will also try and expand the use of the life saving drug Narcan.

OREGON LAWMAKERS ARE REVERSING DRUG LAWS

Oregon lawmakers are also taking action introducing a bill in the Oregon legislature to reverse a portion of Oregon's drug decriminalization law now on the books. People who live in Portland are demanding answers to the growing public drug problem in the city.
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