Multnomah County sobering center

Portland Police Chief Bob Day has urgently called for the establishment of a 24/7 sobering center in Multnomah County, citing a critical public safety crisis and significant costs to taxpayers due to the lack of such a facility. In a letter to County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson, Day emphasized that the absence of a drop-off center for intoxicated individuals places an overwhelming burden on law enforcement, as officers currently have limited options for handling such cases. While a deflection center is set to open on September 1, it will not provide sobering services or opioid treatment until mid-2025, further complicating the situation. Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards supports Day's position, highlighting the urgent need for a secure facility where individuals can receive proper care. The call for action follows the closure of the Hooper Detoxification Center in 2020, which previously provided similar services. Day's letter urges immediate implementation of a sobering center plan submitted in April 2024, stressing the moral imperative to assist those struggling with addiction and mental health crises.