Oregon’s approach to drug possession has been a hot topic, especially with the introduction of the deflection program. But what exactly is this program, and what are its goals? More importantly, how is it impacting those struggling with substance use, and what still needs to be done to make real progress?
What Is the Deflection Program?
The deflection program in Oregon is a response to the current drug policy in the state. Initially, Oregon has decriminalized small amounts of hard drugs with the passage of Measure 110 in 2020. This move shifted the focus from punitive measures to treatment and rehabilitation. Instead of facing jail time, individuals caught with small amounts of drugs were given the option to pay a fine or enter treatment.
However, Measure 110 had limitations. The role of law enforcement was reduced to handing out citations and providing a phone number for individuals to seek help on their own. There was no immediate intervention or direct pathway to treatment; it was left up to the individual to take the next step.
Under the deflection program, brought about by House Bill 4002, this approach is overhauled. Now, when someone is found with small amounts of drugs, law enforcement is supposed to have the tools to intervene on the spot, offering a more direct route to treatment and support. This shift aims to address some of the shortcomings of Measure 110 by ensuring that people get the help they need when they need it, rather than leaving them to navigate the system on their own.
The Goals of the Deflection Program
The primary goal of this program is to balance compassion with accountability. Oregon aims to reduce the negative impacts of drug possession on both individuals and communities by:
Connecting individuals to treatment - Ensuring that those struggling with addiction have access to the help they need, rather than simply being punished.
Reducing street-level drug use and crime - By addressing the underlying issues of substance abuse, the hope is to see a decline in the visible signs of drug problems in cities like Portland.
Improving public safety - A cleaner, safer environment for everyone, achieved not by locking people up, but by getting them off the streets and into recovery.
Reality Check: Issues and Pain Points
While the goals of Oregon’s program are commendable, the reality is far from perfect. The lack of available treatment options and the overwhelming demand have created a bottleneck, where even those who want help can’t get it in time.
Lack of Treatment Centers: One of the biggest hurdles has been the insufficient number of treatment facilities. With more people being directed to seek help, the existing centers quickly became overwhelmed. There simply aren’t enough beds or staff to meet the demand, leaving many in limbo.
Lack of Public Defenders and Legal Staff - The shortage of public defenders and legal staff hampers the effectiveness of the new deflection system, leaving it unable to provide adequate support to those in need.
Long Waiting Lists: Those who do seek help often find themselves on long waiting lists. The window of opportunity to help someone struggling with addiction can be very short; if they have to wait too long for treatment, they may relapse or give up on seeking help altogether.
Lack of an Evidenced-Based Statewide System - Each county is tasked with its own version of the deflection program. Many counties are “reinventing the wheel” instead of looking to other states and programs for evidenced based deflection programs (such as the LEAD program). This can lead to differing levels of success and accountability depending upon the county.
This is where the conversation needs to shift. It’s not enough to simply redirect individuals from jail to treatment if the system is not set up beforehand. The current system, while well-intentioned, is underfunded and overburdened, leading to frustration for everyone involved—from law enforcement to healthcare providers, to the individuals themselves.
What Needs to Happen: Accountability and Action
Oregon’s approach to drug possession is at a crossroads. For the deflection program to succeed, there needs to be a serious commitment from elected officials to build a system of care that works. This means:
Increased Funding for Treatment Centers: We need more facilities, more staff, and more resources to ensure that anyone who seeks help can get it when they need it.
Increased Funding for Public Defenders and the Legal System - There is a need for more staffing in the public defender's office to represent individuals in the new deflection system.
Shorter Waiting Times: Streamlining the process to get people into treatment quickly is essential. Delays can mean the difference between recovery and relapse.
Community and Accountability: This isn’t a partisan issue. Everyone benefits from a system that helps people recover and keeps our streets safe and clean. We need leaders who are willing to put in the work to make this vision a reality, utilizing clear goals, and evidenced based state-wide systems that have been proven to work in other modalities and states.
A Collective Effort for Real Change
The deflection program in Oregon is a step in the right direction, but it’s only part of the solution. To truly make a difference, we need accountability from our elected officials. It’s time to build a system of care that doesn’t just shift the problem around but actually addresses it head-on. By doing so, we can help those struggling with addiction, keep them off the streets, and create a cleaner, safer environment for everyone.
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