Some of the drugs, guns and cash confiscated by law enforcement in Oregon and Western Washington in a single month, April 2023. Drugs, especially fentanyl, are coming into the state in unprecedented quantities. Photos provided from Vancouver Police Department, U.S. Department of Justice, Deschutes County Sheriff's Office and Oregon State Police.
|
KRISTYNA WENTZ-GRAFF/OPB
Fueled by fentanyl, the number of overdose deaths in Oregon has soared since 2019. And while the surge in overdoses is part of a national problem, the state’s underfunded treatment system is struggling to provide local solutions.
May 30, 2023
Image
Protest signs were placed by the Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center's entrance during a vigil for the birth center's closure on March 17, 2023.
|
JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT
The money will be used for treatment and prevention of opioid and methamphetamine use, recovery, social services support, including housing, and supplies of the medication naloxone to reverse overdoses.
Cities and counties are proposing bans and moratoriums, raising questions about the implementation of the statewide program, which was approved in 2020.
Aug 11, 2022
Image
New Oregon Health Authority interim director Sejal Hathi released a video address to agency employees on her first day, Jan. 16, 2024.
|
SCREENSHOT FROM OHA VIDEO
Dr. Sejal Hathi stressed her commitment to the health authority’s goals. If confirmed by the Senate, she’ll be the agency’s first permanent director in more than a year.
Jan 18
Premium
Image
MOMS, DADS AND RECOVERY ADVOCATES RALLIED IN FRONT OF THE OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY NORTHEAST PORTLAND BUILDING ON SATURDAY, APRIL 23./LYNNE TERRY/OREGON CAPITAL CHRONICLE