24-04-2025
13 new sobering stations at MultCo defelction center provide ‘path to recovery'
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Multnomah County's Southeast Portland deflection center is set to gain 13 new sobering stations on April 28.
On Wednesday, county officials announced that 24-hour beds would come online as part of a phased plan to eventually open a separate Sobering & Crisis Stabilization Center at 1901 SE Grand Ave.
While the permanent sobering center, with up to 50 withdrawal management stations is slated to open in the Fall of 2027, county leaders said the current expansion will help increase access to recovery services for people suffering from substance abuse disorder.
Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards, who led the sobering center plan, said the expansion would offer law enforcement more opportunities to refer people caught with illegal drugs to treatment instead of jail, including those experiencing acute intoxication.
'The community and first responders have been clear about the need for sobering as an alternative to emergency departments, jail, or leaving people on the streets,' said Brim-Edwards. 'By offering a safe and supportive environment, we can help individuals begin their journey to recovery, while improving community safety and reducing the burdens on our emergency medical and justice systems.'
The announcement comes after the Coordinated Care Pathway Center switched to a 24-hour model on April 14.
Previously, law enforcement could only refer qualifying drug offenders to the Coordinated Care Pathway Center for deflection on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and weekends from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
'These 13 sobering beds expand our capacity to provide a safe, stable place to go for people needing care and respite on their path to recovery,' said Chair Jessica Vega Pederson. 'This new 24/7 resource fills a critical gap in crisis services that will benefit law enforcement partners, first responders, and our broader community. It's an important addition to our larger continuum of care.'
The Portland Metro region has seen a gap in low-barrier drop-off locations since 2019, when the city closed its sobering center.
Following construction delays, the Coordinated Care Pathway Center opened on October 14, 2024, shortly after the implementation of House Bill 4002.
The law re-introduced criminal penalties for people possessing small amounts of hard drugs in Oregon and granted counties the ability to build deflection programs to help people with addiction.
According to county data, between September 1, 2024, when Multnomah County kicked off its deflection program and February 28, 2025, law enforcement referred 267 people to participate in deflection.
The county claims the center's service provider Tuerk House will prioritize referrals for sobering stations from law enforcement deflection before offering availability to outreach workers, first responders, and other service groups.
'We are committed to providing patient-centered, trauma-informed care,' said Bernard Gyebi-Foster, Chief Executive Officer of Tuerk House. 'Our services are designed to offer a pathway to treatment and support, addressing the complex needs of each individual. With the opening of 24/7 sobering services, we are now able to provide immediate treatment around the clock to those in need, and we have a longer time to make a more meaningful connection with them. While they are with us, our goal will be to get to know each person as best as we can and help them make informed decisions about the best next step in their recovery.'
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