Oregon Has Made Drugs Illegal Again, and People Are More Afraid That They Will Be Used in Secret
PORTLAND, Ore. — When rules are changed, there are always effects that were not meant to happen. As of today, drugs are once again illegal in Oregon. Blanchet House Executive Director Scott Kerman has one big fear.
He thinks that people will not give up drugs. They are going to hide it again.
Kernman told KOIN 6 News that there is a chance that no one will see someone overdosing and will not be able to call for help. “We’re going to be very aware of our surroundings. We’re going to do parking lot checks and make sure that people aren’t being unsafe in places where they might not be able to get help if they need it.”
As of Sunday, people caught with small amounts of drugs like meth and fentanyl will be able to choose between going to jail or a deflection center.
“Committed to participating in the enforcement of the law,” said Bob Day, the chief of police in Portland.
Kerman told them that they were also ready. “Any changes that happen in our communities, legal or not, the Blanchet House team is ready to act.”
Deflection isn’t always going to be a choice because there aren’t enough mental health services. From September 3, diversion will only be available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
“If probation wants them to go to jail, and everyone isn’t available during business hours, I expect them to go to jail too.”
She did say, though, that there is “a lot of uncertainty right now” about how this new state law will be applied in Portland. He wants the goal to be to get to the bottom of the issue.
“I hope it works out.” When it comes to the city and county plans, we need to make progress in this area. “But it’s very important to know that substance use disorder is a health problem,” Kerman said. “Something that people can’t always control without a lot of intensive help and treatment.”
If you ask Kerman if the people Blanchet House helps know about the new law, they say they are more focused on getting through the day.