Multnomah County Halts Distribution of Drug Paraphernalia to Fentanyl Users

Multnomah County in Portland has suspended its plan to distribute smoking supplies, including tinfoil and straws, to fentanyl smokers after facing criticism. The county health department had proposed the program as a harm reduction effort to encourage smokers to stop injecting and to provide them with access to fentanyl test strips, Narcan, and other services. However, county commissioners expressed concerns about the lack of evidence supporting the program's effectiveness and the county's capacity to connect individuals to treatment. The county chair defended the efforts to address rising overdose deaths but acknowledged the need for further analysis before implementing the program.