Check out this first-of-its-kind opioids policy summit held last week — it brought together commissioners from Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas Counties, district attorneys and sheriffs, staff from county health and human services divisions, nonprofit treatment providers, regional hospital systems, health insurers and first responders.
Speaking at the event, our Executive Director Tim Hartnett said:
“Medicine is the single best thing we know works for people who have an opioid dependence…It’s not the sole cure. But we know it’s absolutely one of the crucial resources to help people.” He asked policymakers to expand access to that treatment in county jails. “Jail is an entry point on that path to recovery,” Hartnett said. “Help them respond to the alcohol and drug use that’s right in front of them.”