PORTLAND, Ore. KOIN — When laws change, they can have unexpected effects. As Oregon’s new drug recriminalization law takes effect today, Scott Kerman, Executive Director of Blanchet House, has a major concern.
He worries that people won’t stop using drugs; they might just hide their use more. This could be dangerous because if someone overdoses and no one is around to see it, they may not get help in time.
Starting Sunday, adults caught with small amounts of drugs like meth or fentanyl will have to choose between going to a deflection center or facing jail time.
Portland Police Chief Bob Day says the police are ready to enforce the new law. Kerman and his team at Blanchet House are also preparing. They plan to keep a close watch on their surroundings, including checking parking lots to ensure people are safe.
A new Clackamas County deflection plan will also begin on Sunday, alongside House Bill 4002. However, due to limited behavioral health resources, deflection services will only be available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Outside these hours, if someone is ordered to jail by probation and no deflection services are available, they will go to jail.
Kerman is uncertain about how this new law will be enforced in Portland but hopes it will succeed. He stresses that substance use disorder is a health issue and needs intensive treatment and support.
Blanchet House’s community is more focused on immediate survival, so they might not be fully aware of the legal changes.