After the word got out on Friday that a Portland county was ready and set to distribute “smoking supplies,” including aluminum foil, straws, and pipes to fentanyl smokers, the program was suspended.
The Multnomah County program was met with sharp criticism from health experts, Portland citizens, and even the mayor.
The program was put on hold on Monday.
“Our health department went forward with this proposal without proper implementation protocols,” explained County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson on Tuesday. “And in that light, I am suspending the program pending further analysis.”
The plan, which took inspiration from other “harm reduction” efforts across the country, was mentioned to the county board as early as May. After the initiative was reported by Willamette Week, two county commissioners immediately voiced their concerns….