"Fentanyl Crisis: Portland's Promise and Rural Neglect"

Despite the declaration of a state of emergency in Portland over its fentanyl crisis, the situation on the ground paints a different picture. Public drug-taking continues to be prevalent, with little visible response from law enforcement or city officials. Critics attribute the crisis to policies such as the decriminalization of all drugs, which they say have led to a surge in drug-related deaths and allowed public drug-taking to proliferate. Business owners in downtown Portland express frustration over the lack of action and support, while emergency room doctor and Multnomah County Commissioner Dr. Sharon Meieran calls for substantive measures to address the crisis.