Washington County, OR. — Washington County’s drug deflection program has served 166 people since Oregon launched its statewide deflection system on Sept. 1, 2024, according to figures released by the county.
The program allows eligible people cited or arrested for misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance to avoid prosecution, possible fines and jail time by participating in treatment and recovery services.
As of mid-August, 36 people were enrolled and 55 had completed the six-month program. County officials said every participant who completed the program received a substance-use evaluation and was actively engaged in continuing treatment.
Approximately one-third of participants had never previously received substance-use disorder treatment. Another one-third had previously experienced an overdose.
“What makes our program special is that we ensure people connect to the services they need and receive frequent peer support,” said Danielle Farr, senior deflection program coordinator with Washington County Behavioral Health.
Farr said the program attempts to address conditions that can accompany substance use, including unstable housing, food insecurity and limited access to health care and treatment.
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Washington County contracts with 4D Recovery and The Peer Company to provide peer-delivered services. Since the program began, the organizations have made more than 960 referrals to over 30 partner organizations for housing, substance-use treatment, mental health care and other assistance.
Every participant received a referral for a treatment assessment, according to the county. Officials reported that 76% of referrals resulted in participants receiving services.
The county also reported that approximately two-thirds of participants experiencing homelessness obtained housing while enrolled. Roughly 90% of uninsured participants gained insurance, while about 90% of those reporting a need for language-specific services received them.
The figures were released by Washington County and were not accompanied by an independent evaluation or comparisons with outcomes among people who did not enter deflection.
Oregon’s statewide program permits counties to structure deflection services around local needs. Washington County has expanded eligibility for its citation-based program twice since it began.
In July, the county added a pathway for people considered at risk of becoming involved with the criminal justice system but who have not received a citation. That can include other people present when someone is cited for drug possession.
Under the new pathway, participants can work with a deflection outreach peer and a Washington County Sheriff’s Office outreach deputy to obtain services and begin recovery without first receiving a formal citation.
Washington County plans additional expansions during the coming year to increase participation.
The program is operated through a collaboration involving Washington County Health and Human Services, the District Attorney’s Office, Sheriff’s Office, Community Corrections, Behavioral Health Resource Network providers and peer-service organizations.
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