Multnomah County sees nearly 40% jump in drug users seeking treatment over jail time

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Now that Multnomah County's efforts to help drug users seek treatment rather than face jail time are well underway, the county has announced a nearly 40% jump in their total number of deflection referrals.

According to the county, at least 91 people initiated deflection through the end of October to receive shelter and/or treatment. By mid-November, that number had jumped up to 127.

Heather Mirasol, the county’s behavioral health director, said outcomes are still unknown and asked for patience while navigating the new system.

"It is too early to identify consistency or patterns in the numbers from the program or draw conclusions from the program's early performance,” said Heather Mirasol, the county’s behavioral health director. “We are asking the community to be patient and to give the program time to work.”

In October, a preschool near the deflection location in Southeast Portland tried to block the center from opening, but a judge rejected their attempt.

Multnomah County said that, so far, there have not been any reports of increased loitering or criminal activity in the area related to participants in the program.