Drugs again illegal in Oregon, fear of hidden use rises

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- There are always unintended consequences when laws are changed. As Oregon's recriminalization of drugs takes effect this day, Blanchet House Executive Director Scott Kerman has one big fear.

He fears people won't stop using drugs. They will just once again hide it.

"The risk there, of course, is that if someone goes into an overdose, no one might see that happening and then can't call for help," Kerman told KOIN 6 News. "We're going to be very vigilant with regards to our surroundings -- doing parking lot checks, making sure that people aren't being unsafe in locations where otherwise they might not be rescued if they need it."

As of Sunday, adults who are found with small amounts of controlled drugs like meth and fentanyl will be given a choice: go to a deflection center or go to jail.

Portland Police Chief Bob Day said the bureau is "committed to participating in the enforcement of the law."

Kerman said, they, too, are ready. "With any changes in our communities, be they legal or otherwise, the Blanchet House team is ready to react."

With limited behavioral health availability, deflection is not always going to be an option. Beginning September 3, deflection will only be offered from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

"If probation wants them to go to jail -- if it's outside the hours and nobody's available -- then it's my expectation that they'll also go to jail."

But Kerman said there is "a lot of uncertainty right now" as to how this new state law will be enforced in Portland. He wants the goal to be focused on the root of the problem.

"I hope it's successful. We need to have some success in this community when it comes to the city and the county plans. But the emphasis has to be on understanding that substance use disorder is a health condition," Kerman said. "It is something that folks can't necessarily control without a lot of intensive treatment and support."

As for whether the community Blanchet House serves is aware of the change in the law, Kerman said they are focused more on day-to-day survival.