Multnomah County today announced the date for the opening of the Coordinated Care Pathway Center: next Monday, Oct. 14, 2024. The launch follows the completion of renovations and the hiring and training of staff to safely operate the center.

“The number one request of law enforcement partners continues to be this Pathway Center coming online and increasing our ability to respond in the moment,” said Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson. “Our commitment to building a successful, coordinated system that connects those eligible for deflection with behavioral health and addiction resources continues with this opening. This next step is also our quickest way to the sobering services we know is one of our most pressing needs.”

The Coordinated Care Pathway Center, at 980 S.E. Pine St., will fill a critical need for law enforcement by expanding deflection system options in Multnomah County. The Pathway Center will offer a drop-off program where people will be screened, connected with trained peers, and guided toward services and treatment options. The facility allows law enforcement to connect individuals carrying small amounts of illegal substances with treatment, in alignment with House Bill 4002.

Operated by contracted provider Tuerk House, the Pathway Center will open from 7 a.m, to 11 p.m. on weekdays and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends. These hours reflect peak demand times for deflection services based on the first weeks of the law change. Hours may increase depending on staffing availability. Security will remain on site 24/7 and patrol the perimeter of the facility.

Opening the Center is an important step in expanding local care for people seeking support and treatment. A 2022 inventory of substance use disorder services and gap analysis by the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health found that nearly 131,000 people in Multnomah County had a substance use disorder, and nearly all of them — 99 % — had some treatment need that is not being met. In the same year, Multnomah County reported an overall gap of 42% in recommended services.

The Oregon Legislature this year approved $121 million to add addiction treatment beds, recovery housing, crisis stabilization and primary care, but even as projects move ahead, providers still face a severe workforce shortage for staffing those new facilities and treating patients.

“We are looking forward to Monday’s opening of the Coordinated Care Pathway Center,” said Bernard Gyebi-Foster, CEO, Tuerk House. “We are confident in the team and facility we have in place, and we are eager to welcome the people of Multnomah County and support their recovery journeys.”

The Pathway Center will expand to include up to 16 sobering beds for participant stays of up to 24 hours by April 2025. Staff will also be able to administer Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD). The center could also expand referral sources to include Portland Street Response, Project Respond, Portland Fire & Rescue, and other first responders.

On Friday, Oct. 4, Multnomah County reported that local law enforcement officers have already referred 71 eligible people to the County’s new deflection program since Sept. 1, 2024, the date when Oregon made carrying a small amount of illegal drugs (possession) a misdemeanor that can send a person to jail.

The County is coordinating referrals to recovery, housing and mental health services as an alternative to entering the legal system through mobile deflection teams. Work by those outreach teams will continue, particularly in East County.

The Board of County Commissioners voted, also unanimously, Sept. 19, 2024 to expedite procurement for a permanent space for a 30-50-bed sobering center. The County is on track to issue a request for proposals this month and identify a contractor in early 2025.

Source: Multnomah County

Cort Webber