Apr 29, 2024 - News
Overdose deaths steady despite Portland's fentanyl emergency
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There have been 191 suspected and confirmed fentanyl overdose deaths in Multnomah County since February.
Why it matters: The 90-day fentanyl emergency officials declared in January ends tomorrow, yet fentanyl overdose deaths have remained steady throughout the last three months, according to county data.
- Officials from Portland, Multnomah County and the state called for the declaration with the goal of reducing overdoses by increasing police presence, cracking down on drug sales, and creating a triage center to connect people to treatment.
By the numbers: As of last week, there were 58 suspected fentanyl overdose deaths in Multnomah County in April.
- That's in line with the 64 suspected and confirmed overdose deaths in February and 69 in March.
What's next: Gov. Tina Kotek, Multnomah County Board of Commissioners Chair Jessica Vega Pederson and Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler will hold a press conference Friday to discuss their next steps.