National city-county report provides roadmap for addressing opioid addiction

News reports share the agonizing stories of families, mourning the loss of loved ones to what has been called the worst drug crisis in American history. From the urban core to the suburbs and rural areas - men, women and youth of all races and all classes are impacted by opioid addiction and overdose. Oxycontin, Vicodin, Percocet and a host of other prescription drugs are at the center of the crisis. Many turn to heroin when they can no longer access or afford prescription opioids.

In Multnomah County alone, the Health Department report 750 people died of heroin or prescription opioid overdose between 2009 and 2014. The deaths represent just a fraction of the crisis, with ambulances responding more than a dozen times a week to overdoses in the community.  

Thursday, the National City-County Task Force on the Opioid Epidemic released its report on policy recommendations and best practices to address the opioid epidemic in local communities across America. The report is the culmination of more than six months of intense work to increase awareness, elevate proven solutions, provide policy recommendations to local, state and federal governments, and disseminate guidance and solutions to city and county officials about the opioid epidemic.  

Commissioner Judy Shiprack represents District 3, one of the most economically and racially diverse areas of the county. She served on the National City-County Task Force on the Opioid Epidemic and is joined by 24 county executives, mayors, police chiefs and council members nationwide charged with increasing awareness about the epidemic and finding solutions.

The report serves as a roadmap for local governments to address the opioid crisis in communities through recommendations on leadership, prevention and education, treatment and public safety and law enforcement. By increasing awareness and communication across jurisdictions and communities, increasing the availability of exchange programs and medically-assisted treatment options, reducing the the illicit supply of opioids and broadening criminal justice system alternatives, local governments and communities can meaningfully address the opioid crisis.

“In Multnomah County, we will continue to increase the community conversation around the dangers of opiates, facilitate and encourage more safe disposal sites and take-back events and fine tune our response based on data,” said Commissioner Shiprack. “We have forged strong partnerships with treatment and medical providers, community-based organizations, community members and law enforcement that will help elevate evidence-based treatment programs and help divert low-level drug offenders from jail to treatment.  

"Opioid addiction affects everyone. It affects our friends and family. It affects the people we pass everyday. It affects all races, ages and income levels and we are all vulnerable to its ruinous effects. Recovery is possible. The detailed work in this report - under the auspices of the Obama Administration - provides workable recommendations for our communities.”