Multnomah County today reported that in the first four months, 212 individuals were referred to the new deflection program that connects people to appropriate treatment options instead of being arrested for possession of illegal substances. Law enforcement partners made 221 referrals, including nine repeat referrals. Of the 212 individuals referred, 67% of participants engaged in the program and more than 24% of those who engaged successfully completed the program. Additionally, 31 deflections from the first three months are still pending. The report can be found here: https://multco.us/file/deflection_program_q1_report/download.
Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson, who spoke at a press conference today alongside deflection partners said, “In the first four months, we’ve seen hundreds of community members taking that first step toward recovery. This data today gives us good information to build on as this continuum of care continues to mature. This initiative has not only built pathways to treatment, it has integrated life-saving wraparound services as an alternative to the legal system. We were called on to offer evidence-based support in a caring and compassionate environment while holding people accountable – and that’s exactly what we’ve done.”
County officials urge caution when interpreting these early results given the small sample size and the newness of the program. While there are some similarities in deflection programs across the country, deflection programs are typically designed to meet unique local challenges and there is no standardized data collection mechanism. Even in Oregon, each county’s program is somewhat unique.
Early self-reported demographics data from participants between Sept. 1 and Dec. 31, 2024, showed that:
- Nearly 75% of participants were experiencing either unsheltered (45%) or sheltered (29%) homelessness (as defined by the Point in Time count), with 19% indicating their housing status was “unknown.” Only 6% said they were living in a personal residence.
- Nearly 60% of participants referred to deflection were between the ages of 26 and 40.
- More than 55% identified as male, 15% identified as female and 27% declined to answer.
- More than 55% identified as white, 23% declined to answer the question, and 19% identified as Black/African American.
- When asked about substances being used, 36% declined to answer, 26% said methamphetamine, and 25% used fentanyl.
- An overwhelming majority (80%) of participants said they had recently visited an Emergency Department.
- Nearly 40% of participants said they needed food assistance.
“As we review these early metrics, it’s important to remember these aren’t just numbers—they represent real people who have been using highly-addictive and potent substances that require intensive withdrawal management,” said Bernard Gyebi-Foster, CEO of Tuerk House, the service provider at the Coordinated Care Pathway Center. “Based on more than 50 years of experience in treating addiction, we are very pleased with the initial engagement rate. Every referral, every engagement, every encounter brings people one step closer to meaningful recovery.”
The program was designed by state and local leaders such that participants had to access at least one referral to successfully complete the deflection program. 66% of service referrals were for withdrawal management and outpatient treatment, followed closely by housing assistance, peer support, and emergency medical follow-up. The most commonly accessed service was for housing (24%), followed by peer support services (21%), and outpatient treatment (19%).
“Multnomah County had as many completions in their county now than we had in the entire program just a month ago,” Ken Sanchagrin, executive director of the state’s Criminal Justice Commissioner, told Oregon legislators at a public safety briefing on Feb. 12, 2025. He added that it’s too early to measure success based on completion rates because there are many participants whose status is still pending.
“Right now, I’m focused mostly on the number of folks going in to make sure these programs are robust enough,’’ Sanchagrin said.
Commander Brian Hughes of the Portland Police Bureau added, “Our role in referring individuals to this program is part of a broader community commitment. We recognize that we cannot arrest our way out of this challenge. We want to see people get access to treatment, and the deflection program is making that possible. By connecting individuals with appropriate care and resources, we are helping create a pathway out of crisis and toward a future defined by recovery and renewed hope.”
Programmatic adjustments are already underway. County officials are expanding referral partnerships and piloting additional transportation options—both to and from the Coordinated Care Pathway Center. Future plans include increasing outreach efforts, adding 13 sobering beds at the Center this spring, and fine-tuning data collection methods to better understand referral patterns and long-term outcomes.
Tony Vezina, Executive Director of 4-D Recovery, remarked, “Research has consistently shown–and we see it firsthand every day–that it often takes people numerous attempts before ultimately achieving long-term recovery. While the engagement rate is very promising, each statistic represents a person taking a crucial step toward recovery. Our community must understand that deflection isn’t about a quick fix; it’s about opening doors to a continuum of care and support.”
“We must remain patient and persistent,” Chair Vega Pederson emphasized. “The journey to recovery is rarely linear, and our approach must be both flexible and compassionate.”
Source: Multnomah County