Multnomah County today reported that 91 individuals were referred by law enforcement to the deflection program and they provided 191 referrals to services between Sept. 1, 2024–the day a new law (HB 4002) took effect making possession of small amounts of illegal substances a misdemeanor offense–and Oct. 31, 2024. A recent report showed that between Sept. 1 and Oct. 22, 20% more deflections were initiated (83) than the County anticipated (68), and they accounted for 40% of deflections statewide.
“We are pleased that the program is up and going, but we still have a long way to go,” said Multnomah County Health Director Rachael Banks. “From a public health perspective, our top priority is preventing overdose deaths, and anyone who has seen a loved one struggle with addiction knows it can take multiple attempts to gain long-term recovery.”
The County initially estimated it would receive between 300 to 800 deflections per year. Preliminary data from Sept. 1- Oct. 31 tracks closely with what was anticipated. In just the first two weeks of opening (Oct. 14-Oct. 31), the Pathway Center received 19 deflection referrals by law enforcement partners. Of those referrals, 13 deflections were initiated. Similar to the first week of the new deflection program, the County anticipated a lower number of referrals in the first week of the center opening, but that number more than doubled the following week (6 and 13 respectively).
“We are encouraged by the response from participants and their willingness to seek treatment,” said Tuerk House CEO Bernard Gyebi-Foster. “We have been at this for over 50 years and we know every trauma-informed engagement we offer at the Pathway Center matters.”
Portland Police Bureau referred 17 individuals, the Gresham Police Department referred one individual (although they are primarily using mobile deflection services due to the Center’s location), and the Multnomah County District Attorney’s office referred one individual.
“Many of the people we encounter are looking for help but don’t know where to turn,” said Portland Police Bureau Commander Brian Hughes. “We want to see people getting the help they need to address the root causes of their addiction. Deflection offers a path for people charged with possession, when no other criminal charges are present, to connect with support services and take steps toward recovery.”
The County is continuing conversations with neighbors in the surrounding area to finalize a Good Neighbor Agreement for the temporary Pathway Center location. The County said in a media briefing today that they are committed to being good neighbors, with or without an agreement, and their goal is to make the neighborhood safer by being a part of it. Pathway Center staff are listening to and addressing reports of safety and security issues or concerns in real-time, though there have been no reports of increased loitering or criminal activity related to program participants.
Source: Multnomah County