Multnomah County has unveiled its plans to establish a new 24-hour Sobering and Crisis Stabilization Center, designed to offer a respite and recovery touchpoint for individuals grappling with substance intoxication, per a recent announcement. Slated to open at 1901 S.E. Grand Ave., the center aims to present an alternative to incarceration or hospitalization, providing a bridge to longer-term treatment and recovery services for those in need.
Representing a key accumulation of efforts by county officials and behavioral health experts, the center is expected to alleviate some of the burden on emergency departments and law enforcement when dealing with intoxicated individuals on the streets. Chair Jessica Vega Pederson voiced the initiative's intent, stating it to be "critical to our successful partnership with law enforcement and will expand options for engagement in our shared work to provide safer streets and a better pathway away from them," a sentiment gathered from a news release by Multnomah County. The center is intended to offer up to 50 beds together with a suite of sobering and withdrawal management services.
Commissioner Brim-Edwards, charged with spearheading the initial project plan, outlined the urgency of the need for such a facility, “Bringing sobering beds online this spring in the Pathway Center, and today announcing a site for a permanent sobering and crisis stabilization center are significant steps forward in community safety and livability,” as stated by Multnomah County. The new center intends to complement the existing Coordinated Care Pathway Center, currently serving as a temporary sobering location, which will transition operations and expand its reach come spring 2025.
The response from local government officials reflects an awareness of the challenges posed by substance misuse on the streets. Commissioner Shannon Singleton emphasized the significance of accessibility to sobering services to address these challenges, noting, "Long waits and red tape keep people from getting the help they need – we’re all committed to cutting through that and making it easier to get sober." These sentiments were shared in the official county announcement. With early engagement occurring with neighborhood associations and local businesses, the county also plans to form a Good Neighbor Committee to foster positive relationships and integrate the center into the community effectively.
More details on this and the ongoing deflection program can be found at the county's official news release.
