"Fentanyl Crisis: Oregon's Battle with Rampant Drug Use and Mental Health"

Oregon's drug and homeless crises have worsened since the state decriminalized drug possession in 2021, with fentanyl now the leading cause of fatal overdoses. The surge in fentanyl use has led to a state of emergency declaration in downtown Portland, prompting lawmakers to consider re-criminalizing drug possession. Advocates argue that the decriminalization law is addressing drug use with a health approach, while critics point to the rise in addiction, overdoses, and crime as evidence of its failure. The debate over drug policy and addiction treatment continues as Oregon grapples with the deadly impact of fentanyl on its communities.