Two Oregon counties, Washington and Clackamas, have joined forces to challenge the state's health authority in court. The lawsuit, filed with the Oregon Court of Appeals, questions the methods used by the Oversight and Accountability Council (OAC) to distribute funds from Measure 110, which is intended for drug addiction treatment and recovery services.
Washington County's official website features a joint petition expressing concern over the allocation of more than $400 million for Behavioral Health Resource Networks (BHRNs) and local deflection programs. The counties argue that the OAC's formula does not fairly distribute these essential resources across Oregon counties and tribal areas.
Measure 110, passed in 2020, is key to addressing substance use disorders within communities. It includes a framework for deflection programs introduced under House Bill 4002, designed to enable collaboration between law enforcement and behavioral health services, providing alternatives to criminal charges for drug possession.
Counties are concerned that the current method may favor some areas, affecting access to services for drug addiction and recovery. Specific objections to the OAC's process have not been disclosed.
