At the 2025 Hope and Freedom Gala last Saturday, Anthony Jordan, the Interim Behavioral Health Division Director at Multnomah County Health Department, received the Fora Health Samuel C. Wheeler Freedom Award. Fora Health, which goes by its former name De Paul Treatment Centers in some circles, is known for its commitment to providing accessible substance use disorder treatment that doesn't turn away individuals based on their ability to pay or their past. Jordan, with a career spanning over three decades, was selected for his substantial contributions to addiction recovery and his unwavering dedication to personal sobriety.
Rachael Banks, the Director of the Multnomah County Health Department, lauded Jordan's contributions, saying, “This award is a recognition of dedication and it's a testament to the fact that when leaders like Anthony pair compassion and persistence with a clear-eyed strategy, we can rewrite the future for countless individuals and families impacted by one of the biggest issues of our time.” Notably, Jordan's career encompasses varied roles in the field of behavioral health, accompanied by a robust educational background, including an Executive Master's degree in Public Administration from Portland State University, according to a Multnomah County news release.
The award reflects not just Jordan's professional milestones but also his larger societal impact, especially his involvement in strategic initiatives like the response to the 90-Day Fentanyl Emergency Declaration and the creation of the County’s deflection services program and Coordinated Care Pathway Center. His work has often intersected with the needs of the community, policy-making, and the intricate web of substance use challenges facing Oregonians. Beyond his public service, Jordan enjoys life's simpler pleasures, such as traveling with his wife, exploring culinary arts, and seeking tranquility on the golf course, as reported by Multnomah County.
