Oregon Declares State of Emergency to Address Deadly Fentanyl Crisis in Downtown Portland
In a collaborative effort to combat the deadly fentanyl crisis gripping downtown Portland, Oregon, state leaders have declared a 90-day state of emergency. The emergency declarations were made by Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson, and Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler. The move comes in response to the alarming increase in overdoses, deaths, and fear associated with fentanyl use in Portland’s Central City.
“Our country and our state have never seen a drug this deadly and addictive, and all are grappling with how to respond,” expressed Governor Kotek. The urgency of the situation has prompted swift action from Oregon’s leaders, who are determined to address the public health and public safety crisis head-on.
The fentanyl crisis in Portland is not an isolated incident. Opioid overdose deaths in the state rose from 280 in 2019 to a staggering 956 in 2022, according to state data. The United States as a whole has also experienced a concerning surge in fentanyl-related drug overdoses. A report released by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that nearly 70,000 people died from drug overdoses involving fentanyl in 2021 alone. This represents a four-fold increase over the past five years. The CDC further highlights that fentanyl is more likely to be involved in a deadly overdose compared to other common drugs.
The emergency declarations were recommended by the Portland Central City Task Force, which recognized the urgent need for intervention. Governor Kotek emphasizes the importance of solidarity in combating this crisis: “We are all in this together. The next 90 days will yield unprecedented collaboration and focused resources targeting fentanyl and provide a roadmap for next steps.”
The state of emergency grants the city, state, and county the authority to allocate resources to tackle the crisis effectively. A command center will be established in the central city to coordinate the response efforts. Additionally, two public health campaigns will be launched, and efforts to engage individuals in treatment, recovery, and housing services will be intensified. The joint efforts of the Portland Police Bureau and Oregon State Police will also focus on holding those selling the drug accountable.
Crucially, the command center will collect and report data on the impacts of fentanyl in downtown Portland. This data will be instrumental in identifying acute needs and addressing service gaps promptly. The severity of the crisis demands immediate action, as highlighted by Chair Jessica Vega Pederson: “We are acting with shared leadership to take urgent action today to respond to the very human toll fentanyl takes in our community, including overdoses, fatalities, and day-to-day suffering, and the fear so many families are experiencing as a result.”
The declaration of a state of emergency underscores the gravity of the fentanyl crisis in downtown Portland. It also signals a united front against this deadly opioid and a commitment to saving lives and restoring hope to the affected community. With intensified resources, data-driven strategies, and collaborative efforts, Oregon leaders aim to reverse the devastating trends in overdose deaths and pave the way for a healthier future.
In conclusion, the fentanyl crisis in downtown Portland has prompted Oregon leaders to declare a state of emergency. This decisive action aims to address the alarming increase in overdoses, deaths, and fear associated with fentanyl use. With a unified approach and focused resources, Oregon is determined to combat this deadly crisis and provide a roadmap for long-term solutions.
